- Filed (End of Session)
History
Res. No. 187
Resolution in support of A.8586/S.6385, which would amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law by requiring individuals with a revoked or suspended driver's license to surrender the certificates of registration and number plates of all motor vehicles registered to that individual.
By Council Members Crowley and Vacca
Whereas, Driving is a privilege conferred by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles on individuals who have met eligibility and testing requirements; and
Whereas, Drivers who abuse that privilege by committing certain acts may have their license suspended or revoked; and
Whereas, Pursuant to the Vehicle and Traffic Law, a person's license can be revoked or suspended for a variety of reasons including having accumulated too many points for driving infractions, to more serious offenses such as being convicted of: (i) homicide with a motor vehicle; (ii) assault with a motor vehicle resulting in death; (iii) driving while intoxicated; and (iv) leaving the scene of a fatal accident or accident resulting in personal injury; and
Whereas, In addition to having their driver's license suspended or revoked, drivers can have their vehicle registrations suspended or revoked; and
Whereas, Drivers who continue to put the public at risk by driving a motor vehicle or motorcycle with a license that has been suspended or revoked should be required to surrender their registration and number plates to decrease the likelihood they will drive without a license; and
Whereas, According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers who have a suspended or revoked license are 3.7 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than are validly licensed drivers; and
Whereas, On January 18, 2014, Angela Hurtado was killed when she was allegedly struck by a vehicle as she crossed Grand Avenue at 69th Place in Queens; the driver of the vehicle, Abel Tinoco, 28, was charged with a misdemeanor for driving with a suspended license; and
Whereas, Another deadly motor vehicle accident took place in Queens when an 8-year-old boy, Noshat Nahian, a third grader at PS 152, was hit and killed by a tractor-trailer truck operated by a driver whose license was suspended; and
Whereas, Current State law fails to sufficiently punish those drivers who drive with suspended or revoked licenses; and
Whereas, A.8586, sponsored by Assembly Member Margaret Markey, and companion bill, S.6385, sponsored by Senator Michael Gianaris, currently pending in the New York State Assembly and Senate, respectively, would protect New Yorkers from individuals who should be kept off of our roads; and
Whereas, A.8586/S.6385 would amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law by requiring drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked to surrender the certificates of registration and number plates of all motor vehicles belonging to that individual; and
Whereas, A.8586/S.6385 would set the length of the surrender of the registration to last as long as the suspension or revocation of the driver's license; and
Whereas, It is imperative to help ensure the safety and well-being of those who use New York's roadways, now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports A.8586/S.6385, which would amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law by requiring individuals with a revoked or suspended driver's license to surrender the certificates of registration and number plates of all motor vehicles registered to that individual.
SA
LS 753
4-11-14