Authorizes the commissioner of motor vehicles to issue driving privilege cards to persons not otherwise qualified to receive a driver's license

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the issuance of driving privilege cards

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would authorize the commissioner to issue driving privilege cards to persons not otherwise qualified to receive a driver's license.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law by adding a new section 531. Allows the Commissioner to issue a driving privilege card. Establishes requirements and specifications under which such driving card may be issued. Requires the applicant such card to pay all fees applicable for the issuance of a driver's license. Provides that a driving privilege card shall be valid for one year from date of issue. Establishes that the holder of such card shall have same privileges and shall be bound by the same legal responsibilities with respect to the operation of a motor vehicle as the holder of a driver's license. Prohibits a driving privilege card from being recognized as a form of identification except for the purpose of verifying that the holder is authorized to operate a motor vehicle. Requires the driving privilege card to include a digitized picture of the person to whom the card is issued. Provides for a statement similar to the following to be contained on such card; "This card entitles the person pictured to operate a motor vehicle. Not for Federal identification purposes." Requires the commissioner to promulgate regulations related to the form and design of such card and specifies the documentation necessary to verify that a n applicant resides in the state.

Section 2. Effective Date.

Existing law

None.

Justification

This bill would allow for the creation of a driving privilege card to be issued to applicants who can prove state residency and who are deemed eligible to drive. Drivers using a privilege card are bound by the same legal responsibilities, such as insurance coverage, as regularly licensed drivers.

Prior legislative history

2014: S.1320 - Referred to Transportation 2013: S.1320 - Referred to Transportation 2012: S.318 - Referred to Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs 2011: S.318 - S.318 Notice of Committee Consideration Requested, Committee Discharged and Committed to Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs 2010: S.2184 - Referred to Transportation/A.328 Enacting Clause Stricken 2009: S.2184 - Referred to Transportation/A.328 Referred to Transportation 2007-08: A.7531 - Referred to Transportation

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall become a law.