Requires a driver be present in all motor vehicles operated for hire, seated behind the steering wheel and engaged in the task of driving.
Summary
This bill, titled the “Take the Wheel Act,” amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law to require that every motor vehicle operated for hire on New York’s public highways have a human driver physically present in the vehicle, seated behind the steering wheel, and engaged in driving. It also preserves the existing requirement that such vehicles have interior door handles or similar devices that allow passengers to open the doors from inside the passenger compartment.
In practical terms, the bill would prohibit for-hire vehicles from operating as fully driverless vehicles under an automated driving system. The measure is aimed at ensuring that ride-hail, taxi, livery, and other for-hire vehicles continue to have an onboard human operator, and it would apply statewide upon taking effect immediately.
Impact
The bill would amend subdivision 23 of section 375 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law by adding a new restriction on for-hire vehicles: they may not be operated by an automated driving system unless a human driver is physically present, seated behind the wheel, and actively driving. This would create a direct statutory limitation on autonomous or driverless for-hire service in New York, while leaving the existing passenger-door safety requirement in place. The bill would affect operators of taxis, livery services, ride-hailing companies, autonomous vehicle developers, and any other for-hire motor vehicle services on public highways in the state.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no documented debate or roll-call history to gauge support or opposition. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to reflect a precautionary or restrictive approach toward autonomous for-hire vehicles, prioritizing a human driver’s presence over deployment of driverless technology. The absence of recorded opposition or support in the provided materials means the overall sentiment cannot be assessed beyond the bill’s clear policy direction.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be whether New York should permit driverless for-hire vehicles to operate without an onboard human driver. Supporters would likely emphasize passenger safety, accountability, and the need for a human to respond to emergencies or system failures, while opponents may argue the bill would slow innovation, limit autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, and reduce potential efficiency benefits. The bill’s requirement that the driver be seated behind the steering wheel and engaged in driving is especially significant because it excludes remote supervision or fully automated operation.