Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Brian Kavanagh

Bid to Lift NYPD Ban on Careless Driving Tickets Clears Senate Committee

Graphic by Carly Clark

Legislation targeted at NYPD's self-imposed ban on citing motorists for careless driving has passed the State Senate transportation committee.

The bill, introduced by Brooklyn Democrat Dan Squadron, would amend Hayley and Diego’s Law by explicitly stating that officers may issue tickets to drivers who harm pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable street users whether or not an officer directly observes an infraction. At the February City Council hearing on NYPD traffic enforcement, NYPD officials said department protocol prohibits precinct officers from issuing tickets under VTL 1146, the state statute that includes Hayley and Diego’s Law as well as Elle’s Law, because the citations are prone to being dismissed in court.

Juan Martinez, general counsel for Transportation Alternatives, told Streetsblog in May that the prohibition against beat cops writing careless driving citations is contradicted by case law and a state attorney general opinion. Though the policy does not apply to the department's Accident Investigation Squad, NYPD routinely issues fewer than 100 VTL 1146 citations per year.

On Tuesday, Squadron's office informed Streetsblog that the bill's next move would be to the floor of the Republican-controlled Senate. The companion Assembly bill, introduced by Manhattan Democrat Brian Kavanagh, is in the transportation committee. To date, Squadron and Kavanagh are still the only sponsors of this important legislation in their respective houses.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Council To Close Instacart Loophole, Pass Delivery Industry Regulation Bills

The City Council will vote on Monday the "Instacart loophole" and force all app companies to pay workers a minimum wage.

July 10, 2025

‘Blood On His Hands’: Cyclists Slam Eric Adams After Judge Lets Him Remove Brooklyn Bike Lane

Mayor Adams will have “blood on his hands” for his decision to rip up three blocks of the popular protected bike lane.

July 10, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Fourth of July Hangover Edition

That Fourth of July lasts longer for some than others. Plus more news.

July 10, 2025

Brooklyn Judge Lets Eric Adams Rip Up Bedford Avenue Protected Bike Lane

The mayor's move to rip up the bike lane did not require advanced notification, Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo ruled.

Universal Daylighting Has Majority Support on the City Council — Will Speaker Adams Give It a Vote?

Adrienne Adams is sitting on a landmark daylighting bill that could make every intersection safer for pedestrians.

July 9, 2025
See all posts