MOTOR VEHICLE RELATED LAWS


License Suspension for Failure to Pay Child Support
Chapter 101 extends the driver’s license suspension process for failure to pay child support until June 30, 2013. Effective June 30, 2011.

Use of Portable Electronic Devices While Driving
Chapter 109 makes texting while driving a primary offense. Effective July 12, 2011. On October 5, 2011, the DMV, through the regulatory process, also increased the driver violation points from 2 to 3 for all violations of use of a portable electronic device while driving.

Convex Mirrors on Trucks in NYC
Chapter 138 requires all trucks, tractors and tractor-trailers or semi-trailer combinations registered in New York State, having a maximum gross weight of 26,000 pounds or more, to be equipped with a convex mirror on the front of the vehicle. This applies when the vehicle is operated on highways, other than controlled-access highways, in cities having a population of one million or more (The City of New York). Effective January 14, 2012.

Blue Lights on Ambulances
Chapter 143 allows ambulances and county emergency medical service vehicles to utilize rear-projecting blue lights. Effective July 18, 2011.

Biennial Examination of Bus Drivers
Chapter 149 permits registered physicians assistants to conduct physical examinations for bus drivers. Effective July 20, 2011.

Thruway Authority Financing Canal System Projects
Chapter 212 increases the Thruway Authority's bond authorization for Canal System purposes from $60 million to $160 million and the Canal System emergency bond authorization from $10 million to $20 million. Effective July 20, 2011.

Prohibiting Free Thruway Use
Chapter 500 prohibits state officers and employees from using the Thruway system without paying tolls during their non-working hours. Effective September 23, 2011.

Providing Veterans with Accident Prevention Course Information
Chapter 489 requires the division of naval and military affairs to provide veterans who have returned from combat with information about accident prevention courses available in New York State. Effective November 15, 2011.

Disqualifying Convictions for School Bus Drivers
Chapter 400 creates a comprehensive list of disqualifying criminal-related convictions for school bus drivers. Effective February 12, 2012.

Move Over for Tow Trucks and Hazard Vehicles
Chapter 458 amends the “Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act” to include tow trucks and hazard vehicles in the list of vehicles which drivers must move to an adjacent lane or reduce speed if such vehicles are parked, stopped, or standing on the shoulder of a highway. Effective January 1, 2012.

Parkway use by certain Construction Vehicles
Chapter 347 extends the authorization of certain construction vehicles to utilize parkways during a period of landfill remediation. Effective August 3, 2011.

Utilizing Complete Street Design Principles
Chapter 398 seeks to enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing “complete street” design principles. Projects undertaken by the Department of Transportation (DOT) or undertaken by municipalities and public authorities that receive both state and federal funding and are subject to DOT oversight are required to consider complete street design principles. In addition, the Department of Transportation is required to produce a report within two years demonstrating how the DOT has complied with the new regulations. Effective February 11, 2012.

Exempts some Non-Profits from DMV Record Search Fees
Chapter 376 exempts legal aid societies and bureaus and other entities that provide representation pursuant to County Law §722 (2) from the fees charged by the Department of Motor Vehicles for record searches and copies of documents. Effective August 3, 2011.


                                    HIGHWAY DESIGNATIONS


“Purple Heart Way”
Chapter 360 designates a portion of the Northern State parkway in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk as the “Purple Heart Way.” Effective August 3, 2011.

“Corporal Jason Dunham Memorial Bridge”
Chapter 356 designates the bridge on state route 19, in the town of Amity, County of Allegany, as the “Corporal Jason Dunham Memorial Bridge.” Effective August 3, 2011.

“Parkway use by certain Construction Vehicles”
Chapter 347 extends the authorization of certain construction vehicles to utilize parkways during a period of landfill remediation. Effective August 3, 2011.

“Grace Peshkur Memorial Bridge”
Chapter 341 designated the bridge crossing the Long Island Expressway in the town of Islip as the “Grace Peshkur Memorial Bridge.” Effective August 3, 2011.

“Lima Veterans Memorial Highway”
Chapter 333 designates a portion of state route 15A as the “Lima Veterans Memorial Highway.” Effective August 3, 2011.

“Charles Varese Memorial Highway”
Chapter 328 designates a portion of the state highway system as the “Charles Varese Memorial Highway.” Effective August 3, 2011.

“Rensselaer County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway”
Chapter 325 designates a portion of the state highway system the “Rensselaer County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.” Effective August 3, 2011.

“Almond E. Fisher Memorial Highway”
Chapter 322 designates state highway 19 in the Town of Hume in the County of Allegany as the “Almond E. Fisher Memorial Highway. Effective August 3, 2011.

“Police Officer Michael J. Califano Memorial Bridge”
Chapter 312 designates a portion of the state highway system as the “Officer Michael J. Califano Memorial Bridge.” Effective September 2, 2011.

“Detective Michael Perry Memorial Highway”
Chapter 266 designates state route 119 in the county of Westchester as the “Detective Michael Perry Memorial Highway.” Effective August 3, 2011.