What's happening
This bill expands the definition of "while such vehicle is in motion" to include times when a vehicle is stopped in traffic, at lights, or signs, for mobile phone and electronic device driving laws.
Why it matters
Closes a common loophole. By expanding "in motion" to include times when a vehicle is stopped at lights, signs, or in traffic jams, the bill prevents drivers from legally using phones or devices during these moments, which are often exploited as gray areas.
Targets distracted driving risk. Research shows distraction-related accidents frequently occur when drivers are momentarily stopped but not parked—this change addresses those risky moments, aiming to reduce crashes and injuries.
Aligns law with enforcement realities. Law enforcement will have clearer authority to issue citations for device use whenever the vehicle is not legally parked, making the law easier to enforce and less ambiguous.
Signals a culture shift. The amendment reinforces the message that any non-emergency device use, except when safely parked, is unsafe, promoting safer driving habits and public awareness.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Phones at Red Lights
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
No Phones at Red Lights
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Carl L. Marcellino
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2649
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 20, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. ORTIZ -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the use of mobile phones and portable electronic devices while driving
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 1225-c of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new paragraph (j) to read as follows:
(j) "While such vehicle is in motion" shall mean:
(i) any time a motor vehicle is moving;
(ii) any time a motor vehicle is stopped at a traffic light, stop sign, railroad crossing or any other traffic control device requiring a motor vehicle to stop; or
(iii) any time a motor vehicle is stopped because of heavy traffic congestion of a traffic jam.
§ 2. Subdivision 2 of section 1225-d of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new paragraph (e) to read as follows:
(e) "While such vehicle is in motion" shall mean:
(i) any time a motor vehicle is moving;
(ii) any time a motor vehicle is stopped at a traffic light, stop sign, railroad crossing or any other traffic control device requiring a motor vehicle to stop; or
(iii) any time a motor vehicle is stopped because of heavy traffic congestion of a traffic jam.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06014-01-7
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.