What's happening
This bill allows authorized emergency vehicles to operate in any manner necessary while engaged in emergency operations.
Why it matters
Expands the authority of emergency responders. By allowing emergency vehicles to operate "in any manner necessary" during emergencies, the bill gives first responders broader discretion, potentially enabling faster and more effective responses to urgent situations.
Reduces legal ambiguity for drivers. The new language clarifies that emergency vehicle operators are not strictly limited to specific exceptions (such as running red lights or exceeding speed limits) and can take any needed action, which may reduce the risk of legal repercussions for actions taken in good faith during emergencies.
Raises questions of public safety and oversight. While intended to help emergency responders, this broader authority could increase risks to other road users if not carefully managed, underscoring the need for clear guidelines, training, and accountability mechanisms.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Expand Emergency Vehicle Powers
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2637
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 20, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. PRETLOW -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to operation of an authorized emergency vehicle
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph 4 of subdivision (b) of section 1104 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended and a new paragraph 5 is added to read as follows:
4. Disregard regulations governing directions of movement or turning in specified directions[.];
5. Operate an authorized emergency vehicle in any manner necessary to engage in an emergency operation.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05214-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.