New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00311

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Relates to the operation of vehicles when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle or vehicle displaying a blue or green light; provides for mandatory revocation of a driver's license for a period of six months where a person violates section 1144-a of the vehicle and traffic law and causes serious physical injury or death to another person; directs the division of criminal justice services to establish a public information campaign to instruct the public that operating a motor vehicle when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle or vehicle displaying a blue or green light that results in physical injury, serious physical injury or death as a result of the operator recklessly failing to exercise due care to avoid a collision can result in serious criminal penalties.

Summary

Bill S00311 amends the vehicle and traffic law in New York to enhance the penalties for motor vehicle operators who fail to exercise due care when approaching parked, stopped, or standing authorized emergency vehicles, hazard vehicles, or vehicles displaying blue or green lights. The bill establishes that operators who cause physical injury due to reckless behavior will face a class A misdemeanor, while those causing serious physical injury or death will face class D and C felonies, respectively. Additionally, the bill mandates a six-month license revocation for those convicted of causing serious injury or death under these circumstances.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws related to traffic safety by increasing penalties for reckless driving near emergency and hazard vehicles. It introduces stricter consequences for violations, including potential felony charges and mandatory license revocation, thereby aiming to deter reckless driving behavior and enhance the safety of emergency responders and roadside workers.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill S00311 appears to be supportive, as it addresses a critical safety issue on the roads. Discussions indicate a consensus on the need for stricter penalties to protect emergency personnel and ensure public awareness of the dangers associated with failing to yield to emergency vehicles.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the severity of penalties, particularly the classification of offenses as felonies. Some stakeholders may argue that the penalties are too harsh, while others may advocate for even stricter measures to ensure compliance and safety. The balance between deterrence and fairness in punishment could be a topic of debate among legislators and the public.

Companion Bills

NY A05259

Same As Relates to the operation of vehicles when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle or vehicle displaying a blue or green light; provides for mandatory revocation of a driver's license for a period of six months where a person violates section 1144-a of the vehicle and traffic law and causes serious physical injury or death to another person; directs the division of criminal justice services to establish a public information campaign to instruct the public that operating a motor vehicle when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle or vehicle displaying a blue or green light that results in physical injury, serious physical injury or death as a result of the operator recklessly failing to exercise due care to avoid a collision can result in serious criminal penalties.

Previously Filed As

NY S00187

Relates to the operation of vehicles when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle or vehicle displaying a blue or green light; provides for mandatory revocation of a driver's license for a period of six months where a person violates section 1144-a of the vehicle and traffic law and causes serious physical injury or death to another person; directs the division of criminal justice services to establish a public information campaign to instruct the public that operating a motor vehicle when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle or vehicle displaying a blue or green light that results in physical injury, serious physical injury or death as a result of the operator recklessly failing to exercise due care to avoid a collision can result in serious criminal penalties.

NY A05259

Relates to the operation of vehicles when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle or vehicle displaying a blue or green light; provides for mandatory revocation of a driver's license for a period of six months where a person violates section 1144-a of the vehicle and traffic law and causes serious physical injury or death to another person; directs the division of criminal justice services to establish a public information campaign to instruct the public that operating a motor vehicle when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle or vehicle displaying a blue or green light that results in physical injury, serious physical injury or death as a result of the operator recklessly failing to exercise due care to avoid a collision can result in serious criminal penalties.

NY S03549

Increases penalties for traffic violations related to the failure to properly operate a motor vehicle when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle, hazard vehicle, vehicle displaying a blue or green light or certain other motor vehicles; increases penalties for multiple violations.

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 SB273

Relative to motorist duties when approaching highway emergencies involving a stopped or standing vehicle.

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 H4249

Emergency Scene Management

NY A04016

Imposes fines for failure to exercise due care and move over when approaching parked, stopped or standing motor vehicles on the shoulder of a highway.

NY S04649

Imposes fines for failure to exercise due care and move over when approaching parked, stopped or standing motor vehicles on the shoulder of a highway.

NY S08810

Provides a defense from liability for MTA vehicles standing, stopped, or parked in violation of certain bus lane restrictions in New York city where such MTA vehicles were operated by an employee of the MTA performing authorized duties.

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