New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A06321

Introduced
3/4/25  
Refer
3/4/25  

Caption

Exempts horse-drawn carriages or carts from the ban on night riding if they display at least two lighted lamps on the front of the vehicle, one on each side, having light sources of equal power and visible from the front for a distance of at least three hundred fifty feet; at least one lighted lamp on the rear, located between the center and the left side of the vehicle, which shall display a red or amber fixed or flashing light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet; and reflective material upon the shafts of the vehicle or other parts thereof which shall normally parallel the body, head or legs of the horse pulling such vehicle.

Summary

Bill A06321 amends the vehicle and traffic law in New York to provide exceptions to the existing ban on night riding for horse-drawn carriages or carts. Under the new provisions, these vehicles may operate during the restricted hours if they are equipped with specific lighting and reflective materials. The requirements include having at least two lighted lamps on the front, one lighted lamp on the rear, and reflective materials on the shafts of the vehicle to enhance visibility and safety during nighttime operation.

Impact

The bill modifies existing traffic laws by allowing horse-drawn carriages and carts to operate at night under certain safety conditions. This change could impact local regulations concerning horse-drawn vehicles and may lead to increased nighttime tourism or commerce in areas where such carriages are popular. Additionally, it may necessitate updates to local law enforcement practices regarding the enforcement of traffic laws related to these vehicles.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A06321 appears to be generally supportive among proponents who advocate for increased operational flexibility for horse-drawn carriages. However, there may be concerns regarding safety and visibility from opponents, particularly regarding the potential risks associated with increased night riding without adequate regulation or oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from safety advocates who argue that allowing horse-drawn carriages to operate at night could pose risks to both the riders and other road users. Opponents may express concerns about the adequacy of the proposed lighting and reflective requirements, while supporters may emphasize the economic benefits and the cultural significance of horse-drawn carriages in certain communities.

Companion Bills

NY S07628

Same As Exempts horse-drawn carriages or carts from the ban on night riding if they display at least two lighted lamps on the front of the vehicle, one on each side, having light sources of equal power and visible from the front for a distance of at least three hundred fifty feet; at least one lighted lamp on the rear, located between the center and the left side of the vehicle, which shall display a red or amber fixed or flashing light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet; and reflective material upon the shafts of the vehicle or other parts thereof which shall normally parallel the body, head or legs of the horse pulling such vehicle.

Previously Filed As

NY S07628

Exempts horse-drawn carriages or carts from the ban on night riding if they display at least two lighted lamps on the front of the vehicle, one on each side, having light sources of equal power and visible from the front for a distance of at least three hundred fifty feet; at least one lighted lamp on the rear, located between the center and the left side of the vehicle, which shall display a red or amber fixed or flashing light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet; and reflective material upon the shafts of the vehicle or other parts thereof which shall normally parallel the body, head or legs of the horse pulling such vehicle.

NY A04793

Relates to the passing of stopped school buses; requires each omnibus having a seating capacity in excess of fifteen children or more to have at least one flashing yellow signal lamp on the front thereof and at least one flashing yellow signal lamp on the rear thereof to indicate that such omnibus shall be stopping momentarily; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to establish a method whereby any violation of section 1174 of the vehicle and traffic law shall be issued to the operator of such vehicle and not to the owner of such vehicle; makes related provisions.

NY A08688

Requires operators of motor vehicles to yield the right of way upon the immediate approach of a vehicle displaying a green or blue light.

NY A02766

Relates to the operation of vehicles on approach of vehicles displaying a blue light; requires vehicles to pull over on approach of vehicles displaying a blue light.

NY S00214

Establishes that one or more green or blue lights may be displayed on certain motor vehicles.

NY A02407

Allows police vehicles to have one or more forward facing blue lights, provided that such blue light can only be displayed in combination with a red and/or white light.

NY A00159

Allows police vehicles to have one or more forward facing blue lights, provided that such blue light can only be displayed in combination with a red and/or white light.

NY A08831

Relates to the operation of three-wheeled vehicles; removes requirement that such vehicles have two wheels situated in the front and one wheel in the rear.

NY HB2522

Permitting highway construction and maintenance vehicles in road construction zones to display flashing amber, white or green lights at all times or flashing white and blue lights on stationary trailers under certain conditions and prohibiting the use of a mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle in a school zone or a road construction zone.

NY H7989

Exempts certain vehicles that are not manufactured with the proper front plate registration bracket from the requirement that motor vehicles display a front facing registration plate.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.