Bill > S02569

This bill amends the New York vehicle and traffic law to explicitly authorize drivers to disobey traffic-control devices or signals when necessary to yield the right of way to an authorized emergency vehicle, provided they first exercise reasonable care. Specifically, the bill modifies several sections of the vehicle and traffic law to add language that allows drivers to disregard traffic signals and stop signs if doing so is required to make way for an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and sirens. The bill also requires municipalities with traffic-control signal photo violation monitoring devices to establish a review process for potential violations, including a mechanism for drivers to indicate that they disobeyed a signal to yield to an emergency vehicle. An important context is that the bill provides legal protection for drivers who might otherwise be cited for running a red light or stop sign, as long as they do so safely and solely to allow an emergency vehicle to pass. The changes aim to ensure that emergency vehicles can move quickly and unobstructed through traffic while still maintaining public safety by requiring drivers to act with reasonable care when deviating from standard traffic control instructions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2569