Bill > S04341

This bill requires the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to make written tests, forms, and applications for initial learner's permits and driver's licenses available in Punjabi, Bengali, and Hindi within cities with a population of one million or more (which effectively means New York City). The bill mandates that the DMV commissioner must provide translation and interpretation services in these languages upon request for individuals applying for permits or licenses in such cities. This provision aims to improve language accessibility for non-English speaking residents, specifically targeting communities with significant Punjabi, Bengali, and Hindi-speaking populations. The bill explicitly states that providing these translations does not prevent the DMV from offering translations in additional languages. The new language will be added to Section 502 of the vehicle and traffic law, and the provisions will take effect one year after the bill becomes law, giving the DMV time to implement the required translations and services.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4341