What's happening
This bill imposes license suspensions for underage drivers convicted of certain traffic infractions, increasing penalties for repeat offenses.
Why it matters
Targets young or newly licensed drivers. The bill specifically applies to violations under subdivisions that relate to drivers with certain under-age license classifications, meaning it mainly affects teenagers and young adults who are newer drivers.
Escalates consequences for repeat offenses. While a first violation leads to a 90-day license suspension, any second or subsequent infraction results in a one-year suspension, creating a strong incentive for young drivers to avoid repeat traffic violations.
Intended to curb risky driving behaviors early. By imposing strict penalties on underage or newly licensed drivers, the bill aims to deter unsafe driving habits at a formative stage, potentially reducing accidents and encouraging long-term safe driving practices.
Legal impact extends beyond fines. Instead of just monetary penalties, this law enforces a significant restriction on mobility and independence for young offenders, which may have broader effects on their daily lives, education, and employment opportunities.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Suspend Licenses for Underage Violations
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3896
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
February 20, 2019
Introduced by Sens. RANZENHOFER, YOUNG -- 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 providing certain penalties for certain traffic infractions by drivers with certain under age license classifications
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 1800 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new subdivision (i) to read as follows:
(i) Every person convicted of a violation of the provisions of subdivision three of section five hundred one or subdivision two of section five hundred one-b of this chapter shall, for a first conviction thereof and in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be punished by a suspension of his or her drivers' license for a period of ninety days. For a conviction of a second and all subsequent violations thereof and in addition to any other penalties provided by law, such person shall be punished by a suspension of his or her drivers' license for a period of one year.
§ 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.
LBD01614-01-9
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 providing certain penalties for certain traffic infractions by drivers with certain under age license classifications
Summary of provisions
Section 1 adds a new subdivision (i) to section 1800 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to provide that every person convicted of a violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law 501(3) and 501-B(2), shall, in addition to any other penalties permitted by law, have his or her license suspended for a period of ninety days for a first conviction, and for a period of one year for a second or subsequent conviction.
Section 2 provides that this act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date it shall have become law.
Purpose and justification
It is becoming increasingly clear that young drivers, particularly new drivers with their restricted DJ and MJ licenses, are far more likely to be involved in accidents. Recognizing this danger for inexperienced drivers, New York State has limitations on the hours such new drivers can operate a car without a parent or guardian, as well as the number of passengers that can be carried. Unfortunately, the current penalties for violations of these rules does not seem to be sufficient to deter young people, who continue to drive after hours and with too many of their friends in their vehicles. This bill, requiring mandatory license suspensions, will be a meaningful deterrent to young people who may be tempted to violate the restrictions of it drivers licenses.
Existing law
Vehicle and Traffic Law sections 501 and 501-B sets forth various restrictions and conditions for young drivers.
Prior legislative history
2007/08 - S.6456 -- RULES/TRANSPORTATION 2010 - S.3017 --TRANSPORTATION 2011-12 - S.3225/A.9179 -- PASSED SENATE/Transportation 2013-14 - S.1434/A.4622 - PASSED SENATE/Transportation 2015-16 - S.797/A4911 - PASSED SENATE/Transportation 2017-18 - S.2322/A.5065 - TRANSPORTATION/Transportation
Fiscal implications
None to state.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date it shall have become.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.