Bill > S02214

This bill amends Section 114-a of the vehicle and traffic law to expand the definition of "drug" for the purposes of the vehicle and traffic code. Currently, the definition includes substances listed in the public health law, cannabis, and concentrated cannabis. The proposed change would broaden the definition to also include any substance or combination of substances that impair, even to a minimal degree, a person's physical or mental abilities. This means that a wider range of substances that could potentially affect a driver's performance could now be considered a "drug" under the law. The bill would take effect on the first of November following its enactment, which could have significant implications for how drug-related traffic offenses are defined and prosecuted in New York State. The expanded definition could potentially make it easier to charge drivers with drug-related offenses if they are found to be using any substance that might impair their driving abilities.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2214