On October 23, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul in New York signed a new bill into law that amends the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to expressly prohibit reckless driving in parking lots. As noted in the Memorandum in Support of this new law, some motorists over the last few years have increasingly been involved in extreme reckless driving in public and private parking lots and structures (including street racing and displays of “donuts” and similar dangerous driving) – which have resulted in injuries and death to motorists, passengers, spectators, and bystanders. Despite this dangerous trend, there has been little enforcement activity since many of these incidents occur in parking lots rather than on public highways – and the definition of “reckless driving” under the law currently refers to driving which unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use (or unreasonably endangers users) of the “public highway” with no mention of “parking lots.”
This new law adds “parking lots” to the reckless driving definition under Section 1212 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law and defines “parking lot” as follows: “any area or areas of private property, including a driveway, near or contiguous to and provided in connection with premises and used as a means of access to and egress from a public highway to such premises and having a capacity for the parking of four or more motor vehicles. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any area or areas of private property comprising all or part of property on which is situated a one or two family residence.”
The new law takes effect on November 11, 2024.
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This Legal Briefing is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or counsel. The substance of this Legal Briefing is not intended to cover all legal issues or developments regarding the matter. Please consult with an attorney to ascertain how these new developments may relate to you or your business. © 2024 Law Offices of Pullano & Farrow PLLC
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