Bill > A00348

This bill amends New York's vehicle and traffic law to prohibit school bus drivers from using hands-free mobile telephones while operating a bus carrying students, with a few specific exceptions. The law allows hands-free mobile telephone use only in emergency situations or when the school bus is parked in a location where stopping is legally permitted and not in the process of picking up or dropping off students. The bill specifically preserves the use of communication devices designated for dispatching or school district communication, such as two-way radios, and grants the commissioners of education and motor vehicles the authority to evaluate and update exempted device technologies as they emerge. The legislation provides an exception for emergency communications with entities like hospitals, ambulance services, fire departments, and police departments. The bill will take effect 120 days after becoming law, and in the meantime, the state education department and department of motor vehicles are authorized to develop implementing regulations.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A348