BILL NUMBER: S4911

SPONSOR: LANZA
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to prohibiting
the parking of a vehicle greater than sixty inches in height within
fifteen feet of an intersection

 
PURPOSE:

To ensure a clear, unblocked view for drivers entering an intersection
and lessening the likelihood of an accident occurring due to obstructed
view of the intersection.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section one of the bill adds paragraph 4 to subdivision a of § 1202 of
the vehicle and traffic law to prohibit an individual from parking a
vehicle within fifteen feet of an intersection, whether occupied or not,
except temporarily for loading or unloading passengers or merchandise,
              

if the aforementioned vehicle is greater than sixty inches in height.
This legislation also subjects the vehicle to penalties for violating
the provisions of this paragraph and empowers the local governing body
to adopt a local option in order to impose a penalty for violating the
provisions of this bill, including the cost of a tow.

Section two of the bill provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

All too often when a driver approaches an intersection, certain vehicles
types that are parked at the corner make it difficult for the driver to
properly view oncoming traffic and make a proper determination if it is
safe to enter the intersection. Whether or not there is a traffic signal
or a stop sign, clear view of an intersection is of importance to all
motorists approaching the intersection. Without a clear view, approach-
ing drivers are denied the ability to make an accurate determination as
to whether it is safe to enter the intersection.

Vehicles of a certain size, for example, SUVs, vans, and trucks, parked
at or within 15 feet of the intersection often block the visibility of
drivers approaching the intersection. This increases the likelihood of
an accident that otherwise would have been preventable if there was
daylight and visibility at all corners of the intersection. Enactment of
this bill into law will ensure unblocked visibility at all intersections
and contribute to safer driving conditions, especially in our cities and
urban areas across the state.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2020: S.2626- Referred to Transportation/A.6499 - Referred to Transpor-
tation

2019: S.2626- Referred to Transportation/A.6499 - Referred to Transpor-
tation

2018: S.6359- Referred to Transportation/A.7730- Referred to Transporta-
tion
2017: S.6359- Referred to Transportation/ A.7730- Referred to Transpor-
tation

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the state

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately