(Albany, NY)- Today, the New York State Senate passed S3619A/Dilan, legislation that will make New York’s roads and highways safer by, among other provisions, banning the practice of texting and using other electronic devices while driving.
In addition to the texting ban, the legislation includes a number of important provisions that will make the roadways safer by implementing sensible requirements for young drivers, including:
· Requiring that new drivers over the age of 16 and under the age of 18 must wait six months after obtaining a learner’s permit to apply for a driver’s license.
· Reducing from 2 to 1 the number of non-family passengers in a motor vehicle operated by a young driver with only a learner’s permit when not accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian.
· Reducing from 2 to 1 the number of non-family passengers under the age of 21 in a motor vehicle operated by a holder of only a junior license.
· Increasing the number of hours, from 20 to 50, required driving hours as determined by a parent or guardian before a driver’s license can be applied for.
“A simple careless distraction can have great consequences,” said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers). “I feel so strongly about this bill, because we are in a new era of technology, and we have to adapt in order to keep our communities safe. I am very pleased that after years of trying, we have finally been able to get this important legislation passed by both houses and I hope it will become law before one more young driver is hurt or lost.”
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