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History
- Referred to cities
- Committed to rules
- Amended on third reading 4834a
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.882
- Referred to cities
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Requires the use of seatbelts by passengers in taxicabs and for-hire vehicles in the city of New York
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Brian Kavanagh
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4834A
Title of bill
An act to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the use of seatbelts by passengers in taxicabs and for-hire vehicles in the city of New York and requiring operators to display a notice informing passengers of such requirement
Summary of provisions
Section 1 of the bill amends Section 19-529 of the New York City administrative code by adding three new subdivisions, (e), (f), and (g).
The new subdivision (e) states that, notwithstanding the exemptions for taxicabs found in section 1229-c of the state vehicle and traffic law, all passengers age one year or older in a taxicab or for-hire vehicle shall be restrained by a safety belt approved by the commissioner. Any person who violates the provisions of this subdivision shall be punished by a civil fine of up to fifty dollars.
The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to a passenger with a physically disabling condition whose physical disability would prevent appropriate restraint in such safety seat or safety belt provided, however, such condition as duly certified by a physician who shall state the nature of the handicap, as well as the reason such restraint is inappropriate.
The new subdivision (f) defines the term "appropriate child restraint system."
The new subdivision (g) states that every taxicab and for-hire vehicle shall display a notice within the taxicab or for-hire vehicle which detailing the safety belt requirements, in a form and location to be determined by the Taxi and Limousine Commission. Any taxicab or for-hire vehicle which violates the provisions of this subdivision shall be subject to a civil penalty, not to exceed one hundred dollars for each day of violation.
Justification
Seat belts save lives and help prevent serious injuries in a traffic crash. This is why New York State requires seat belt use in motor vehicles.
Inexplicably, New York State exempts seat belt use for passengers in taxis or for-hire vehicles. The damage and trauma of a passenger not wearing a seatbelt in a taxi or for-hire vehicle during an accident is exactly the same as those passengers hurt while riding in any other type of motor vehicle.
This legislation requires passengers in taxis and for-hire vehicles operating in New York City to wear safety belts while the vehicles are operating.
Legislative history
S.5907-A of 2013-2014 (Hoylman): Died in Rules (2013)/Died in Cities (2014)
Fiscal implications
Minimal
Effective date
This act shall take effect 120 days after enactment.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.