New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S02004

Introduced
1/14/25  
Refer
1/14/25  

Caption

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the second degree and leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first degree; provides increased penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving a wheeled non-motorized means of conveyance without reporting in the first and second degrees when the vehicle involved is a bicycle with an electric assist system.

Summary

Bill S02004 seeks to amend the vehicle and traffic law in New York by increasing penalties for individuals who leave the scene of an accident involving electric scooters and bicycles with electric assist systems without reporting. Specifically, it reclassifies leaving the scene of an incident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the second degree from a violation to a class A misdemeanor, and in the first degree from a class B misdemeanor to a class E felony. Similar changes are made for bicycles with electric assist systems, elevating the penalties for leaving the scene without reporting in both degrees.

Impact

This bill will have a significant impact on state laws related to traffic offenses by establishing stricter penalties for leaving the scene of accidents involving electric scooters and bicycles. It aims to enhance accountability among users of these vehicles, potentially leading to increased reporting of accidents and improved safety for all road users. The changes will amend existing statutes within the vehicle and traffic law, specifically sections 1287, 1288, 1240, and 1241.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S02004 appears to be supportive, as it addresses growing concerns about the safety of electric scooters and bicycles in urban areas. Advocates argue that increasing penalties will deter reckless behavior and promote responsible use of these modes of transportation. However, there may be some opposition from groups concerned about the fairness of harsher penalties and the potential for over-policing.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from advocacy groups who argue that the increased penalties could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who rely on electric scooters and bicycles for transportation. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement of these new laws and whether they will effectively improve safety or simply lead to more legal issues for riders. Discussions may also touch on the adequacy of current infrastructure to support the safe use of electric scooters and bicycles.

Companion Bills

NY A01251

Same As Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the second degree and leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first degree; provides increased penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving a wheeled non-motorized means of conveyance without reporting in the first and second degrees when the vehicle involved is a bicycle with an electric assist system.

Previously Filed As

NY S09804

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first and second degrees; creates the offenses of leaving the scene of an accident involving a bicycle with electric assist without reporting in the first and second degrees.

NY S01246

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the second degree and leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first degree; provides increased penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving a wheeled non-motorized means of conveyance without reporting in the first and second degrees when the vehicle involved is a bicycle with an electric assist system.

NY A01251

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the second degree and leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first degree; provides increased penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving a wheeled non-motorized means of conveyance without reporting in the first and second degrees when the vehicle involved is a bicycle with an electric assist system.

NY S00561

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the second degree and leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first degree.

NY A01679

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the second degree and leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first degree.

NY S00931

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first and second degrees; creates the offenses of leaving the scene of an accident involving a bicycle with electric assist without reporting in the first and second degrees.

NY A01699

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first and second degrees; creates the offenses of leaving the scene of an accident involving a bicycle with electric assist without reporting in the first and second degrees.

NY A03344

Increases penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving a death.

NY S03639

Increases penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving a death.

NY S04185

Increases the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident without reporting to a class E felony.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.