NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A3964
SPONSOR: Colton
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to increasing
penalties for leaving the scene of an accident without reporting
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To deter hit and run crashes and increase public safety.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill increases the fine range for a first violation
of leaving the scene of a personal injury crash to $750-$1,000, and for
a repeat violation to $1,000-$3,000.
 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
The penalty provisions are modified.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Leaving the scene of an accident is a very serious offense and should be
treated as such. Hit and run accidents are especially dangerous because
if someone is hurt and the driver doesn't report it, that person may not
get the proper care when they need it. Increasing the fines for such a
violation will help to deter these incidents in order to enhance public
and traffic safety.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2017-18: A.6164
2015-16: A.4638
2013-14: A.1257
2011-12: A.1171
2009-10: A.1342
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the
date on which it shall have become a law.