In late April, New York state’s FY2025 budget was finalized, with several transportation-related initiatives and laws – including enforcement of toll and fare evasions, increased protections for limo passengers, and Sammy’s Law, which would allow NYC to lower its speed limit to 20 mph, if city legislators choose to do so. The following are some of the highlights of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Enacted Budget:
The state will have additional and modified toll enforcement mechanisms and a standardized Toll by Mail program across tolling authorities. This includes a ban on obstructed, covered, scratched or otherwise defaced license plates on a toll highway, bridge, tunnel, or in the tolled Central Business District. Penalties include fines ranging from $100-$500 and allow the DMV to suspend a vehicle’s registration for three or more violations within five years.
NYC has the green light to lower its speed limits 20 miles per hour, and as low as 10 miles per hour in school zones and other traffic calming zones. Commonly referred to as “Sammy’s Law,” it would still require buy-in from local legislators.
Comprehensive safety reforms for stretch limousines are being implemented. A limousine is defined as “an altered vehicle with a seating capacity of nine or more passengers, including the driver, and which is used in the business of transporting passengers for compensation.” The reforms include:
- The State’s limousine safety website must now include publicly available information from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) website.
- Operating or allowing another to operate a suspended limousine will now be a Class A misdemeanor and carry a fine of $5,000-$25,000.
- Enhanced safety features will be required for limos, including window break tools, fire extinguishers, improved emergency egress, and roll-over protection.
- Operating a limousine more than 10 years old or with mileage exceeding 350,000 miles will be prohibited. (Effective after 2 years.)
- A pre-trip safety briefing for passengers will be mandated. (Effective after 1 year.)
NYS Department of Finance’s authority to approve for-hire vehicle insurance rates was permanently extended. The Insurance Law requires prior approval of any changes in rates relating to FHVs.
The Stop-Arm Camera Program has been extended for 5 years, allowing school districts and municipalities to use cameras on school buses, and makes various clarifications for program enforceability.
Source: Windels Marx
