Senate Bill S3197

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S3197

SPONSOR: HOYLMAN-SIGAL
 
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 SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends Subdivision 24-a of section 1225-d of the vehicle and
traffic law. The term "portable electronic device" is expanded to
explicitly include virtual reality headsets and similar devices.  Addi-
tionally, it becomes unlawful to operate any motor vehicle, limited use
automobile, motorcycle, or bicycle while wearing a virtual reality head-
set.
              

Section 2: Establishes the effective date of the act.

 
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.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

There are no significant fiscal implications expected as a result of
this bill. Enforcement would be carried out under existing frameworks
for traffic law enforcement.

 
SOCIETAL IMPACT:

Ensures equitable safety measures are in place for all road users,
regardless of the technology used. Aims to reduce the number of traffic
accidents and related injuries or fatalities caused by distractions due
to the use of virtual reality devices

 
ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT IMPACT:

This bill is not expected to directly influence job creation or loss.
However, by potentially reducing the number of traffic accidents, it
could decrease the economic burden related to road accidents, such as
medical costs and property damage, thus benefiting the state economy.

 
ENVIRONMENTAL AND INFRASTRUCTURAL IMPACT:


There are no direct environmental impacts anticipated from this bill.
Indirectly, improved traffic safety could lead to more efficient traffic
flows and reduced idle times, marginally benefiting air quality.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2023-2024: S.8534 (Hoylman-Sigal), Died in Committee

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it becomes law.