What's happening
This bill prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a display device visible to the driver, with specific safety-related exceptions.
Why it matters
Broadens safety restrictions from just television sets to any “display device”. (including DVD players, smartphones, tablets, or wireless video screens) visible to the driver, reflecting changing in-car technology and potential distractions.
Specifically defines what is and isn’t prohibited. , making clear that essential vehicle information displays, GPS/navigation screens, and safety-related camera systems (like rear-view or blind spot cameras) are allowed, as long as they’re used as intended.
Allows for certain safety technologies. such as closed-circuit camera feeds for large vehicles and school buses, or backup cameras for all vehicles—as long as these features are only active when needed (e.g., while reversing), ensuring that safety improvements aren’t inadvertently banned.
Provides an exception for devices that automatically disable video while the vehicle is moving. , encouraging manufacturers to adopt safety mechanisms that reduce driver distraction without banning useful technology outright.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Screens for Drivers
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1088
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 14, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. GLICK -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the operation of motor vehicles with a display device
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 24 of section 375 of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 39 of the laws of 1989, is amended to read as follows:
24. (a) It shall be unlawful to operate upon any public highway in this state a motor vehicle which is equipped with a [television receiving set] display device within view of the operator or in which a [television receiving set] display device is in operation within the view of the operator. A motor vehicle shall not be deemed to be equipped with a [television receiving set] display device (i) solely because such [set] display device utilizes power from such vehicle or (ii) if such display device is equipped with a functioning device that disables such equipment whenever such motor vehicle is in motion. The provisions of this subdivision shall not prohibit a vehicle with a weight of ten thousand pounds or more or a school bus from using closed-circuit television receiving equipment exclusively for safety and maneuvering purposes, in accordance with regulations to be established by the commissioner.
(b) For the purposes of this subdivision, the term "display device" shall mean equipment designed and used for the purpose of receiving and displaying broadcast television images, visual images from a digital video disc recorder or player or video cassette recorder or player, or visual images while transmitted by wireless digital technology. Such term shall not include:
(i) vehicle information or instrumentation displays;
(ii) a global positioning, navigational or mapping display;
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05666-01-9
A. 1088 2
(iii) a visual display produced by technology, which is not a closed circuit video camera and monitor, that enhances or supplements the driver's view of the exterior to the front or sides of a motor vehicle for the purpose of maneuvering the vehicle and avoiding contact with persons, animals or objects; and
(iv) a closed circuit video camera and monitor or other visual display that enhances or supplements the driver's view of the exterior to the rear of a motor vehicle for the purpose of maneuvering the vehicle and avoiding contact with persons, animals or objects, provided that such monitor or visual display is deactivated when such motor vehicle is shifted out of park or reverse gear.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
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.