Senator Monica R. Martinez Passes Legislation Requiring Background Checks For Operators of For-Hire Vehicles

(Albany, NY) On June 18, 2019, Senator Monica R. Martinez passed Senate bill S.06190B, amending the vehicle and traffic law in relation to requiring background checks for certain for-hire vehicle driver or owner licenses. This bill ensures the safety of all New Yorkers by requiring a thorough state and federal background check for all operators of for-hire vehicles carrying nine passengers or more.

This legislation seeks to treat for-hire vehicles (FHVs) similarly to other motor carriers and close potential gaps, subjecting prospective FHV drivers to fingerprinting and criminal history checks by both the Division of Criminal Justice Services and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“Currently, the operators of for-hire vehicles (FHVs) are not subject to criminal background checks that include offenses committed outside of New York or the United States. In the wake of a tragic and fatal accident in Suffolk County, it is our responsibility as lawmakers to step up and eliminate this security loophole. This legislation ensures the safety of all New Yorkers by requiring a thorough state and federal background check for all operators of these for-hire vehicles,” stated Senator Martinez.

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