Tuesday, August 3, 2004

A10167 Summary:
SAME AS No same as

SPONSOR Peralta

COSPNSR Cymbrowitz, Lavelle, O`Connell, McDonough

MLTSPNSR Alfano, Benjamin, Cahill, Cohen A, Cohen M, Dinowitz, Glick, Gordon,
Grannis, Grodenchik, Mayersohn, Mirones, Rivera J, Spano, Towns

Amd S375, V & T L
Permits the use of certain video or television equipment in a motor vehicle;
allows use of mobile digital terminals on authorized emergency vehicles.

A10167 Actions:
03/10/2004 referred to transportation

A10167 Votes:

A10167 Memo:
TITLE OF BILL : An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in
relation to the operation of motor vehicles equipped with a television
or video screen

PURPOSE : To prohibit any person from driving a motor vehicle that is
equipped with a television receiver, screen, or other means of
visually receiving a television broadcast, if the device is located in
the motor vehicle within the viewing area of the driver.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS : Section 1. Prohibits the operation of a motor
vehicle if a video monitor, television or video screen, or any other
similar device that produces entertainment or business applications is
located in the motor vehicle within the view of the driver. The
provisions of this bill do not apply to a vehicle information display,
a global positioning display, a mapping display, a visual display used
to enhance or supplement the driver`s view forward, behind or to the
sides of a motor vehicle for the purpose of maneuvering the vehicle or
to any motor vehicle providing emergency road service or roadside
assistance.

EXISTING LAW : There is no current law prohibiting any video
monitors, televisions, or video screens in cars.

JUSTIFICATION : As the demand for in-vehicle video, navigation and
communications systems grows, law enforcement agencies and various
organizations worry that such devices could be an additional source of
driver distraction. Maintaining driver and passenger safety is
important for our consumers. California, Oregon, Louisiana and Texas
have introduced legislation to update their laws regarding mobile
video devices. Several current technologies, such as navigation or GPS
devices, that use a video screen in view of the driver actually reduce
driver distraction. This legislation focuses on prohibiting certain
functions rather than banning all mobile video technology, future
innovations that could reduce driver distraction will not be stifled
and police will have an easy and flexible way to identify violators.
It is against the law to use a hand-held telephone while driving, and
watching television while driving is infinitely more dangerous.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY : New bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS : None

EFFECTIVE DATE : This act shall take effect on the 135th day after it
shall become a law.