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

• William J. Larkin Jr.

BILL NUMBER:S940

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

The purpose of this bill is to prevent distracted driving by prohibiting the viewing of pre-recorded video signals while operating a motor vehicle.

Summary of provisions

This bill would prohibit any person from operating a motor vehicle in which a video monitor displaying pre-recorded video signals is within the view of the operator of such a vehicle. These provisions shall not apply to the video monitor of any global positioning or navigational system.

Justification

This bill seeks to address the use and abuse of 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 people also have devices such as DVD or VHS players installed within their vehicles as well. 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 pre-recorded programming may be displayed within the view of the operator of such a vehicle.

Legislative history

2005-2008: Passed Senate 2009-2010: Senate Transportation Committee

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become 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 on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.