Relates to owner liability for failure to comply with traffic control indications

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the general municipal law, in relation to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with traffic-control indications; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

This bill authorizes the Town of Wallkill in Orange County to establish a "red-light camera" demonstration program at no more than four intersections in the town.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law by adding a new section 1111-f which creates the authority for the Town of Wallkill to establish the program and provides for the operation of the program.

Sections 2, 2-a, 2-b, 2-c, 2-d, 2-e, 2-f and 2-g: Amend paragraph (a) of subdivision 5-a of section 401 of the Vehicle and Traffic law to include convictions under this program within the provisions for denial of vehicle registration renewal for an individual who either fails to appear for a court date, or failed to comply with the decision of an administrative tribunal three or more times in 18 months, related to summonses for specific vehicular offenses.

Sections 3, 3-a, 3-b, 3-c, 3-d, 3-e, 3-f and 3-g: Amend subdivision 1 of section 1809 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to exempt convictions for violations of this program from the mandatory surcharge provided under this section.

Sections 4, 4-a, 4-b, 4-c, 4-d, 4-e and 4-f: Amend paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 1809-e of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to exempt convictions for violations of this program from the mandatory surcharge provided under this section.

Sections 5, 5-a, 5-b, 5-c and 5-d: Amend section 371 of the General Municipal Law to provide that offenses under this program may be adjudicated by a local traffic violations bureau, if so authorized by local law or ordinance.

Section 6: Effective date.

Existing law

New York City, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and a number of additional municipalities have received authorization for these type of programs.

Justification

The Town of Wallkill has requested the authority to implement this program in response to concerns that drivers are not properly obeying traffic signals at certain intersections in the town.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law and shall expire 5 years after such effective date provided, however, that the amendments made by sections 2, 2-a, 2-b, 2-c, 2-d, 2-e, 2-f, 3, 3-a, 3b, 3-c, 3-d, 3-e, 3-f, 4, 4-a, 4-b, 4-c, 4-d, 4-e, 5, 5-a, 5-b and 5-c do not impact the already existing effective dates for the sections of law they amend.