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NY A05974
Bill
Status
2/25/2025
Primary Sponsor
Michael Reilly
Click for details
AI Summary
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Expands New York's "zero tolerance" law for drivers under 21 to prohibit operating a motor vehicle after consuming drugs, in addition to the existing prohibition on alcohol consumption
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Broadens the definition of "drug" in the Vehicle and Traffic Law to include any substance or combination of substances that impair physical or mental abilities to any extent, beyond just controlled substances and cannabis
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Makes drugged driving by individuals under 21 a per se offense, meaning no proof of actual impairment is required for a violation
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Allows law enforcement to use the odor of burnt cannabis as a basis for investigating whether an under-21 driver violated the new drugged driving provision (Section 1192-a)
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Maintains that a finding of violation under this section is not a criminal conviction, with cases referred to the DMV for administrative action
Legislative Description
Classifies operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs by an individual under the age of twenty-one as a per se offense; includes any substance or combination of substances that impair, to any extent, physical or mental abilities in the definition of drugs; allows the odor of cannabis to be the basis for evidence for a violation of section 1192-a of the vehicle and traffic law.
Last Action
referred to transportation
1/7/2026