BILL NUMBER: S6160
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to exempting
farmers from commercial driver's license requirements while operating a
covered farm vehicle
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to provide an exemption from commer-
cial driver licensing restrictions to farm owners and farm employees.
This exemption would allow farmers to get their agricultural products to
market and processing plants in a dependable and timely manner.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Subdivision 8 of section 501-a of the vehicle and traffic law
is amended to define a Covered farm vehicle and outline its usage.
Section 2: Paragraph (d)of subdivision 2 of section 501 of the vehicle
and traffic law is amended by adding subparagraph (iii) allowing the
operation of a covered farm vehicle by farmers with any class license
other than a class DJ, M, or MJ license.
Section 3: Sets effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
There is a national shortage of commercial driver's license (CDL) truck
drivers in New York State. The CDL driver shortage has been challenging
for farmers who must transport their perishable products on time. Farm-
ers who cannot have a driver available can face the prospect of experi-
encing financial devastation due to crop loss.
This legislation would assist farmers in getting their agricultural
products to processing plants and markets during truck driver shortages.
The change in law would provide an exemption from CDL for farm owners
and farm employees hauling farm equipment and products within 150 miles
of a farm without an F or G endorsement on their license. This exemption
would provide farmers with certainty of getting products and equipment
to where they are needed in a timely manner.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2023: N/A
2024: S8761, Referred to Transportation
Assembly
2023: N/A
2024: A9726, Referred to Transportation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6160: 501-a vehicle and traffic law, 501-a(8) vehicle and traffic law, 501 vehicle and traffic law, 501(2) vehicle and traffic law