What's happening
This bill lowers the threshold for aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree from three to two license suspensions.
Why it matters
Increases legal consequences for drivers. By lowering the threshold from three to two suspensions, more drivers with repeated failures to respond to tickets or pay fines could face aggravated unlicensed operation charges, a more serious offense than standard unlicensed driving.
Potential for greater enforcement and penalties. The change could lead to more frequent arrests and prosecutions for aggravated unlicensed operation, which carries heavier penalties, possibly including jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.
Disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. People who struggle to pay fines or navigate the court system—often low-income individuals—may be more quickly escalated to criminal charges, potentially worsening cycles of debt and legal trouble.
Signal to prioritize compliance with traffic laws. The amendment sends a clear message that the state is intensifying efforts to ensure drivers comply with administrative requirements, such as answering tickets and paying fines, in the interest of road safety and legal accountability.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Stricter License Suspension Rule
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 59–1
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.755
- Referred to transportation
- Returned to senate
- Died in assembly
- Referred to transportation
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 61–1
Show 3 earlier actions
- Ordered to third reading cal.2113
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1258
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 6, 2017
Introduced by Sen. MARCELLINO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subparagraph (iv) of paragraph (a) of subdivision 2 of section 511 of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 607 of the laws of 1993, is amended to read as follows:
(iv) such person has in effect [three] two or more suspensions, imposed on at least [three] two separate dates, for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine, pursuant to subdivision three of section two hundred twenty-six or subdivision four-a of section five hundred ten of this chapter.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03696-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree
Purpose
This legislation would increase safety on our State's roadways by making it easier to prosecute persons who repeatedly violate the aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
Summary of provisions
Section 511 (2)(a)(iv) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, which is an element of aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree, is amended to require two or more suspensions for failure to answer, appear, or pay a fine rather than three or more separate suspensions.
Justification
Under this legislation a person may be prosecuted for aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree when such person has two or more suspensions for failure to answer, appear, or pay a fine. Under current law the person must have had three such suspensions to be prosecuted for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree. The dangers posed by unlicensed drivers to pedestrians and other motorists in New York State are well documented. Numerous deaths have been caused by these drivers.
Legislative history
S.427 of 2015/16.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.