Prohibits certain makers of graffiti from obtaining a driver's license until such person reaches eighteen years of age

BILL NUMBER:S2268

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to prohibiting certain persons convicted of the crime of making graffiti from obtaining a driver's license

Purpose/summary of provisions

This bill would amend section 502 of the vehicle and traffic law by adding a new subdivision 8 which will prohibit the Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner from issuing a driver's license to any person who was convicted of the crime of making graffiti, before his sixteenth birthday. Paragraph (b) of subdivision 2, of section 510 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new subparagraph (xvi) to suspend such license for a period of two years where the holder is convicted of the crime of making graffiti.

Justification

Recently, there has been increasing concern over the amount of graffiti in New York State. Equally disturbing is the fact that graffiti has become more prevalent among youngsters. This bill would act as a deterrent to the crime of making graffiti by penalizing young adults from receiving their driver's license until the age of eighteen if they have been found guilty of making graffiti. The bill will also suspend the license of any person that already holds a license for a period of two years if he or she is subsequently convicted. Since New York State has been plagued with an over abundance of this type of activity, the intent of this legislation is to establish a preventive measure in order to ensure that this type of activity does not continue.

Fiscal implications

None to the state.

Effective date

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