Relates to prohibiting dangerous wheels

BILL NUMBER:S2393

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to prohibiting dangerous wheels

Purpose

This bill is intended to prohibit the use of certain types of wheels and wheel accessories that incorporate sharp projections or constitute a hazard to pedestrians and cyclists or may cause unusual or excessive damage to other vehicles in the event of contact. The prohibition extends to the use of any wheel, wheel cover, hubcap, lug nut or lug cap, prong, blade, spike or any part affixed to any of the aforementioned items that uses aftermarket parts not designed or manufactured by the Original Equipment Vehicle Manufacturer and which extends two inches or more beyond the surface of the wheel, or extends beyond the body of the vehicle.

Summary of provisions

Section one amends (Section 385 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law by adding a new subdivision 13-a **OR** 375 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law by adding a new subdivision 350-b) defining dangerous wheels and prohibiting their use.

Section two sets the effective date.

Justification

A disturbing trend on our roads lately has been the installation of spikes onto vehicle wheels, typically installed over, or in place of, ordinary lug nuts. When the vehicle is in motion, these spikes, which can protrude several inches beyond the surface of the wheel, and serve no legitimate purpose, rotate according to the vehicle's speed, creating an unnecessarily dangerous condition for other motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Existing law does not address the inherent dangers associated with the use of these types of wheel accessories.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after becoming law.