Makes the traffic infraction leaving the scene of an incident without reporting a class A misdemeanor

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to making the traffic infraction leaving scene of an incident without reporting a class A misdemeanor

Purpose

This bill increases the penalty for leaving the scene of an incident causing personal property damage from a traffic infraction to a class A misdemeanor.

Summary of provisions

The closing paragraph of subdivision 1 of section 600 of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 49 of the laws of 2005 is amended to make the traffic infraction leavening scene of an incident without reporting a class A misdemeanor.

Justification

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime. Even in incidents where only personal property is damaged, a fleeing driver is abandoning his or her responsibility for causing destruction to someone else's property.

A traffic infraction penalty does not reflect the seriousness of the crime committed. This legislation eliminates this situation by increasing the penalty for fleeing the scene of an incident causing damage to personal property from a traffic infraction to a class A misdemeanor.

Legislative history

S.3198 of 2008 (Senate Transportation Committee)

Fiscal implications

An anticipated increase in fine revenues.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.