BILL NUMBER: S9752
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to prohibiting
the use of virtual reality headsets while operating a motor vehicle
 
PURPOSE:
To enhance road safety by explicitly prohibiting the use of virtual
reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) devices that obstruct a driver's
vision while operating a motor vehicle.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one: amends Subdivision 24-a of section 375 of the vehicle and
traffic law.
Section two: sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The proliferation of virtual reality technology brings new risks to
motorists and pedestrians. Currently, the law prohibits the use of
handheld electronic devices while driving but does not specifically
address VR headsets, which can significantly impair a driver's ability
to see and react to road conditions. This bill closes that gap by updat-
ing the definitions and prohibitions to ensure all forms of potentially
distracting electronic device usage are covered, thus safeguarding all
road users.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S.3197: 2025-2026 (Holyman-Sigal)
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
No significant fiscal implications.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have
become a law.

Statutes affected:
S9752: 375 vehicle and traffic law, 375(24-a) vehicle and traffic law