Bill > S04164

This bill requires certain motor vehicles registered in New York State with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less, manufactured or assembled after July 1, 2027, to be equipped with a rear passenger detection warning system. Specifically, the system must be able to detect an occupant in the rear seat by identifying when a seat belt is latched and the seat's weight is over twenty pounds after the vehicle's engine or motor is turned off. The system must then provide a warning to help prevent accidentally leaving a child or passenger in the back seat. The bill explicitly excludes motorcycles and commercial motor vehicles from this requirement. The legislation includes a provision that it will be automatically repealed if any federal agency or court determines that it would make New York State non-compliant with federal law. The act will take effect 180 days after becoming law, with the commissioner of motor vehicles responsible for implementing and notifying relevant authorities about the new requirement.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4164