Bill > A00171

This bill modifies New York's vehicle and traffic law to explicitly authorize drivers to disobey traffic-control devices or signals when yielding the right of way to an authorized emergency vehicle, provided they first exercise reasonable care. Specifically, the bill amends several sections of the vehicle and traffic law to add language that allows drivers to potentially run red lights, stop signs, or ignore other traffic signals if doing so is necessary to clear the path for an emergency vehicle (such as an ambulance, fire truck, or emergency response vehicle) that has its lights and sirens activated. The bill also requires municipalities with traffic-control signal photo violation monitoring systems to review and potentially void any violation notices if the driver can demonstrate they were yielding to an emergency vehicle. The new provision requires that drivers still exercise reasonable care for all other highway users when making such a decision, meaning they cannot simply ignore traffic signals recklessly. This change aims to provide clearer legal protection for drivers who need to quickly and safely make way for emergency vehicles in urgent situations. The bill will take effect on the first day of January following its passage into law.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A171