BILL NUMBER: S2388
SPONSOR: FELDER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring
vehicle inspection renewal notification thirty days prior to expiration
 
PURPOSE:
To prevent unnecessary fines related to impending vehicle inspection
expiration.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends section 306 of the vehicle and traffic law by adding
a five day grace period after the expiration of the vehicle inspection
certificate for personal use passenger motor vehicles.
It also adds a new subdivision (g) that would require the department of
motor vehicles to notify individuals via postal mail that their vehicle
inspection certificate is subject to expiration thirty days before expi-
ration, Unless they provide affirmative consent that they which to be
notified by electronic means. It also defines the contents of the mail
notification and requires that records be maintained and updated accord-
ingly.
Section two is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Currently the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notifies
motorists by postal mail whenever their driver's license or vehicle
registration is about to expire, unless they opt to receive emails.
Unfortunately the DMV does not provide any written notice to motorists
if their vehicle inspection is about to expire.
For many over-worked, busy New Yorkers, the last thing on their mind is
getting their vehicle re-inspected. The first time they realize their
vehicle inspection has expired is when they return to their parked car
to find a hefty $65 ticket issued by a parking enforcement agent.
This bill also creates a 5-day grace period after the vehicle inspection
expires before a ticket can be issued to personal use motor vehicles.
This grace period shows good will while helping build positive feelings
and attitudes towards city government.
Tickets are meant to encourage a certain behavior. Fair warning, with a
pinch of grace, would go a long way to achieving increased compliance,
safer cars and cleaner air without the negativity and of the current
system.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2018: S7844 - Passed Senate
2019/2020: S694 - Transportation Committee
2021/2022: S3687A - Passed Senate both years
2023/2024: S1242A - Passed Senate both years
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of April next succeeding the
date on which it shall have become a law.