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Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Print number 536a
- Amend and recommit to transportation
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Prohibits the writing, sending or reading of text-based communications on a mobile telephone with at least one hand while driving
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Susan John
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the insurance law, in relation to prohibiting the writing, sending or reading of text messages on a mobile telephone while driving
Purpose
The bill amends the current prohibition on using a hand held cell phone while driving.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. Prohibits writing, sending or reading text messages. (h) defines above. Section 2. Except as otherwise provided, prohibits writing, sending or reading text messages. Section 3 (c-3 _ Cell phone safety component. Section 4. Adds cell phone safety component. Section 6, adds cell phone safety component. Section 7, subsection 6.amends subdivision 6 of section 1225(d) of the vehicle and traffic law, as added by chapter 403 of the laws of2009 to read as follows: 6. A violation of this section shall be a traffic infraction and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred fifty dollars.
Existing law
Chapter 403 of the laws of 2009.
Justification
In response to the growing number of traffic accidents where the use of a cell phone was a factor, the state legislature passed a law prohibiting the use of hand held cell phones while driving.
The newest trend in communications among our youngest drivers is text messaging. In fact a recent study by Nationwide Mutual Insurance showed that 19% of all drivers and 37% of drivers between the ages of 18-27 text message while behind the wheel. As a result, several fatal traffic accidents have been attributed to text messaging while driving. Most notably, in my district, five recent high school graduates were killed when their vehicle veered across the double yellow line into on-coming traffic and was struck by a tractor trailer. Further investigation discovered that the driver was receiving and sending text messages in the seconds before the accident.
According to studies done by AAA, any activity that takes a driver's attention off the road for more than two seconds can double a driver's risk of a crash. Therefore, this legislation not only prohibits text messaging while driving, but also requires an educational component to increase awareness of the hazards of distracted driving. The bill directs the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to include a component on cell phone safety in the pre-licensing course and a question on this issue in the written licensing exam. By educating our young drivers on the possible fatal consequences of distracted driving, this legislation may in fact save lives. Also makes texting while driving a primary offense.
Legislative history
Chapter 403 of 2009
Fiscal implications
Not yet determined.
Local fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect 180 days after it shall become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.