Establishes the offense of knowingly authorizing an unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle

BILL NUMBER:S8142

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to establishing the offense of knowingly authorizing an unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle

Purpose or general idea of bill

This legislation creates the penalty of knowingly authorizing an unli- censed or suspended driver to operate a motor vehicle in order to stiff- en penalties related to such crime.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill increases the penalties relating to the knowingly authori- zation of operating a motor vehicle by persons unlicensed or persons with a suspended license. This legislation will hold the individual to whom the vehicle is registered liable for any and all offenses committed by the unlicensed or suspended license operator and any damages caused by said person. Furthermore, a civil penalty of $1 , 000 per violation by the unlicensed or suspended license person will be issued to the registered owner of the motor vehicle. Violation of this new section will result in a class A misdemeanor.

Justification

On April 10, 2010 a vehicle under the operation of a driver with a suspended license collided with a vehicle operated by Eugene Franjola, 17 years of age and Stephen Massina, 16 years of age. Franjola was killed instantly and Massina passed away ten days following the accident due to critical injuries. The driver with a suspended license was arrested. The operation of a vehicle by a unlicensed or suspended license person is danger to all New Yorkers on the road. This legis- lation will reinforce the penalties pertaining to the operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed or suspended license person. ,n doing so. people will be deterred from operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.

Prior legislative history

None.

Effective date

First of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become law.