Prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle on a public road, street or highway which is equipped with a display device within the view of the operator

1 Co-sponsor

• Martin Malavé Dilan

BILL NUMBER:S267 REVISED 12/30/11

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the operation of motor vehicles with a display device

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is to prevent practices of distracted driving by prohibiting the viewing of visual images through display devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 Amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375 subdivision 24. Prohibits any person from operating a motor vehicle with a display device within the view of the operator or in which the display device is in operation within the view of the operator on any public highway within this state. Requires that a motor vehicle must be equipped with a functioning device that disables the display device while the vehicle is in motion in the event the vehicle is equipped with a display device. Excludes vehicles with a weight often thousand pounds or more or a school bus from using television receiving equipment exclusively for safety and maneuvering purposes in accordance with the regulations established by the Commissioner. Defines display devices.

Section 2 Effective Date

Existing law

None.

Justification

This bill seeks to address the use and abuse of to day's technology while driving on the road. Today's automobile manufacturers are installing video monitors within vehicles for a variety of reasons. Many such monitors are human aid tools, which assist the driver such as global positioning or navigational systems. However, many drivers have devices such as DVD, VHS or other display devices installed within their vehicles for the sale purpose of entertainment. This bill seeks to prevent distracted driving by making it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle which is equipped with a television set, or other video monitor upon which programming may be displayed within the view of the operator of such a vehicle.

Prior legislative history

2011: S.267 - Defeated in Transportation 2010: S.2174 - Referred to Transportation/A.327 - Enacting Clause Stricken 2009: S.2174 - Referred to Transportation/A.327 - Referred to

Transportation 2007-08: S.634 - Passed Assembly 2007-08: A.1730D - Amend and Recommit to Codes 2005-06: S.1310 - Passed Senate 2005-06: A.3917A - Amend and Recommit to Codes

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have became a law; provided, however, that effective immediately the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act an its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.