Amedore Bill to Strengthen Law Regarding Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Passes State Senate

Senator George Amedore today announced the New York State Senate has passed his legislation (S.889) to crack down on drivers who operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of synthetic and boutique drugs, including synthetic marijuana, bath salts, and inhalants.

Under current law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, as defined under Public Health Law. However, recent trends have seen an increase in synthetic, designer, and chemically-altered drugs that are not defined under current law. This bill closes that loophole and keeps the law up to date so drivers who are impaired by these substances can be held accountable.

“There is an alarming trend in the rise in use of synthetic drugs that cause great danger if people use them and then get behind the wheel of a car,” said Senator Amedore. “This is a common sense piece of legislation that keeps our laws up to date as more and more of these substances make their way on to the market.”

The bill amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law to codify language from a Court of Appeals ruling (People v. Cruz) that establishes a clear definition of “intoxicated condition” that would be equally applicable to impairment by drugs.

“With all of these new chemical formulas and synthetic drugs that continue to pop up across New York State in an effort to circumvent drug laws, this legislation will help us keep up enforcement efforts and properly punish those individuals who use these dangerous substances and make the decision to drive,” said Senator Amedore.

The bill was sent to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas.       

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