BILL NUMBER: S8725
SPONSOR: WEIK
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to prohibiting
the blowing of grass clippings or leaves on highways and adjacent lands
 
PURPOSE:
To promote roadway safety and environmental protection by prohibiting
the blowing, sweeping, or raking of grass clippings or leaves on high-
ways and adjacent lands.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subdivision (a) of section 1220 of the Vehicle and
Traffic Law to explicitly include grass clippings and leaves in the list
of prohibited materials that may not be dumped, deposited, blown, or
placed upon any highway, the right of way of such highway, or upon adja-
cent private lands.
Section 2 sets the effective date as immediate upon enactment.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Current law prohibits dumping refuse, trash, and other debris on high-
ways, but it does not specifically reference the act of blowing, sweep-
ing, or raking grass clippings or leaves onto roadways. This creates
uncertainty and allows a practice that undermines both safety and main-
tenance. When blown or swept onto roadways, grass clippings and leaves
can obscure lane markings, reduce traction when wet, and block storm
drains, leading to standing water or flooding on travel lanes. Accumu-
lations along shoulders and rights-of-way also interfere with drainage
systems and hinder emergency use of those areas. By explicitly prohibit-
ing this conduct, the bill strengthens existing law, ensures safer trav-
el conditions, and reduces the burden on municipalities responsible for
cleanup and maintenance.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S8725: 1220 vehicle and traffic law