Provides that motor vehicles, with certain exceptions, shall not be operated with an accumulation of snow or ice on the surface thereof

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new section 1229-e.

Section 3 of the bill requires that the commissioner of DMV produce a report to the Governor which includes information on: (a) the amount of funds made available to DOT and the Thruway pursuant to this bill (b) the number of summonses issued (c) the operation the grant program established in this bill (d) the public awareness program established in this bill (e) the severity and frequency of traffic accidents involving snow and ice not properly removed from vehicles before and after the bill would go into effect (f) the operation of the snow removal sites established in this bill.

Section 4 of the bill establishes a snow and ice removal fund to be jointly administered by the comptroller and Commissioner of Taxation and Finance and provides for their allocation in the following manner:

- 10% to be transferred to DMV for the collection and reporting of data required in the bill. - 25% to NYSDOT for the creation of snow and ice removal sites at DOT rest areas or service areas for use by 'common carriers' as the commissioner deems appropriate. - 25% to NYS Thruway Authority for the creation of snow and ice removal sites along Thruway rest areas or service areas for use by 'common carriers' as the Authority deems appropriate. - 30% to NYSDOT for the establishment of a grant program meant to provide matching funds to 'common carriers' for the installation of their own snow and ice removal equipment and also for the improvement of public awareness about the hazards of driving with accumulations of snow and ice on vehicle surfaces and the prohibition thereof.

Section 5 amends the Public Authorities law to provide for the installation of snow and ice removal sites at Thruway locations.

Section 6 amends the Transportation law to provide for the installation of snow and ice removal sites on DOT locations as well as the implementation of the grant program.

Section 7 effective date of the first November next succeeding the date it shall have become law; provided however that the amendments to section 200 of the vehicle and traffic law made by section 3 of this act shall expire and be deemed repealed September 1, 2024.

Justification

Snow and ice accumulates on top of cars and trucks during winter months and become a road hazard for motorists; especially those driving at high speeds on highways. The blinding snow blowing from the top of other cars or trucks can cause damage or accidents to other vehicles. This legislation would create the responsibility of making sure every vehicle is safe for traveling on the road.

The bill also addresses some concerns of the trucking industry by providing a funding mechanism and matching grant program for the installation of snow and ice removal sites along DOT and Thruway roads.

Prior legislative history

2011-12: Referred to transportation

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

First of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law; provided, however, that the amendments to section 200 of the vehicle and traffic law made by section three of this act shall expire and be deemed repealed September 1, 2024.