BILL NUMBER: S4947
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the transportation law, in relation to requiring the
addition of fog lines on all state highways and other public ways under
the jurisdiction of the department of transportation when repaved
 
PURPOSE:
Requires the addition of fog lines on all state highways, roads, and
other public ways under the jurisdiction of the department of transpor-
tation when repaved
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 14 of the transportation law to add subdivision
16-a which requires that the commissioner ensures that all state high-
ways and other public ways under the jurisdiction of the department have
fog lines installed when such highway or public way is repaved.
Section 2 states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill seeks to require that the Department of Transportation
installs fog lines when repairing state highways and other public ways.
Fog lines are an effective yet inexpensive tool for drivers experiencing
issues with road visibility during poor weather conditions. When fog
impedes visibility, fog lines can help keep drivers in line while driv-
ing on highways, roads, and other public ways.
Not only do fog lines aid drivers but they will be crucial to keep the
next generation of autonomous vehicles (a vehicle that is capable of
sensing its environment and moving safely with little or no human input)
safe during inclement weather, since their programming relies on light
to maneuver safely. According to the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers, particles of light bounce around the water droplets before
they can reach any cameras that may help guide vehicles- the scattering
of light poses navigation challenges. This requirement will help allevi-
ate some of the concerns for locations that are currently experiencing
visibility issues and lowers the occurrence of accidents due to poor
road visibility.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S4534/A354 - Passed Senate/Died in Transportation
2021-2022: S7469/A10124 - Died in Transportation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect one year after it has become law.

Statutes affected:
S4947: 14 transportation law