BILL NUMBER: S9883
SPONSOR: BORRELLO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to penalties
for traffic infractions related to the operation of vehicles when
approaching authorized emergency vehicles
 
PURPOSE:
This bill relates to penalties for traffic infractions related to the
operation of vehicles when approaching authorized emergency vehicles.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Is amended by adding a new subdivision (e-1). Every person
convicted of a violation of the provisions of section eleven hundred
fortyfour-a of this chapter shall for a first conviction thereof be
punished by a fine of not more than four hundred fifty dollars.
For a conviction of a second violation, both of which were committed
within a period of eighteen months, such person shall be punished
by a fin of not more than six hundred dollars and shall be assessed six
points to such person's driving record, which shall al so cause such
person to be liable to the department for payment of a driver responsi-
bility assessment as provided in subdivision four of section five
hundred three of this chapter. For a conviction of a third violation and
all subsequent violations, all of which were committed within a period
of eighteen months, such person shall be punished by a fine of not more
than seven hundred fifty dollars or by imprisonment for not more than
one year or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Section 2: This act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION: On May 9th, 2024, Vincent J. Giammarva, 62, of Le Roy,
Genesee County, tragically lost his life, while his coworker, Mark Vara,
58, or Scottsville, sustained serious injuries. They were struck by an
eastbound tractor-trailer while working in a designated work zone
between
exits 47 and 46 on the Thruway. The driver of the tractor-trailer
failed to move over, his first-time offense, resulting in this preventa-
ble accident.
In March, two months before the accident, New York State expanded its
Move Over Law, requiring drivers to slow down and change lanes for all
stationary vehicles. However, penalties for non-compliance stayed at
just $150 for a first-time offense.
This piece of legislation is crucial as it strengthens the Move Over Law
by increasing penalties for both first-time and repeat offenses,63333
promoting greater accountability and safety on our roads. By implement-
ing stricter penalties, this legislation aims to deter dangerous
driving behaviors and protect the well-being of all road users and
workers.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately

Statutes affected:
S9883: 1800 vehicle and traffic law