What's happening
This bill prohibits drivers with learner's permits or junior licenses from using hands-free mobile phones while driving.
Why it matters
Focuses on novice and young drivers. By targeting those with learner's permits or junior licenses (Class DJ or MJ), the bill specifically addresses groups statistically at higher risk for distracted driving accidents, aiming to improve safety for inexperienced drivers.
Closes a regulatory loophole. Previous law allowed hands-free mobile phone use for all drivers; this amendment eliminates that exception for the least experienced, recognizing that even hands-free conversations can be dangerously distracting for new drivers.
Establishes clear penalties. The bill sets a graduated fine structure (from $50 up to $450 for repeat offenses within 18 months), providing a strong deterrent and signaling the seriousness of distracted driving among young and novice drivers.
Signals a shift in traffic safety norms. By treating hands-free phone use as a punishable offense for these license holders, the legislation reflects evolving science on distraction, potentially influencing driver education, parental guidance, and broader public perceptions about mobile phone use while driving.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Hands-Free Phones for Learners
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
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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.
Ban Hands-Free Phones for Teens
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Carl L. Marcellino
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3881
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 30, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. ROSENTHAL -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to prohibiting the use of mobile telephones by operators of motor vehicles who hold learner's permits
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivisions 3 and 4 of section 1225-c of the vehicle and traffic law, subdivision 3 as added by chapter 69 of the laws of 2001 and subdivision 4 as amended by section 6 of part B of chapter 55 of the laws of 2014, are amended to read as follows:
3. Subdivision two of this section shall not apply to (a) the use of a mobile telephone for the sole purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency response operator; a hospital, physician's office or health clinic; an ambulance company or corps; a fire department, district or company; or a police department, (b) any of the following persons while in the performance of their official duties: a police officer or peace officer; a member of a fire department, district or company; or the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle as defined in section one hundred one of this chapter, or (c) the use of a hands-free mobile telephone, provided, however, that the use of a hands-free mobile telephone shall be prohibited for an operator of a motor vehicle who is a holder of a learner's permit or a class DJ or class MJ license.
4. A violation of subdivision two or paragraph (c) of subdivision three of this section shall be a traffic infraction and shall be punishable by a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than two hundred dollars upon conviction of a first violation; upon conviction of a second violation, both of which were committed within a period of eighteen months, such violation shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars; upon conviction
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05467-01-7
A. 3881 2
of a third or subsequent violation, all of which were committed within a period of eighteen months, such violation shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than four hundred fifty dollars.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.
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.