Excludes certain amateur radio station operators from provisions of law relating to the use of portable electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle

BILL NUMBER:S5674

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to excluding certain amateur radio station operators from provisions of law relating to the use of portable electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle

Purpose of bill

To exclude amateur radio license holders from restrictions prohibiting the use of a portable electronic device while such vehicle is in motion during a governmentally declared emergency.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends subdivision three of section 1225-d, excluding a driver who holds an unrevoked and unexpired official amateur radio station license or operator's license issued by the Federal Communications Commission of the United States, using two-way or citizens band radio services or two-way mobile radio transmitter or receivers for licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the amateur radio service during a governmentally declared emergency from restrictions prohibiting the use of portable mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Section two sets the enacting date.

Justification

During the event of an emergency, certain forms of communications may be inoperable. In these instances, amateur radio services are crucial as they allow for flow of vital information to protect our citizens. This bill will exempt a driver who holds a amateur radio station license or operator's license from the use of a radio transmitter or receiver during a governmentally declared emergency.

Prior legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None to the state.

Effective date

This act shall take immediately.