Bill > A05646

This bill amends the vehicle and traffic law to expand eligibility for disabled person license plates by introducing a broader definition of "eligible persons" and "severely disabled persons". The bill now allows not just severely disabled individuals, but also parents, spouses, guardians, caregivers, and family members who transport severely disabled persons or veterans to apply for special license plates. The definition of a "severely disabled person" is comprehensively expanded to include individuals with limited lower limb use, neuro-muscular dysfunction, specific physical or mental impairments that make public transportation difficult, blindness, or deafness. These conditions must be permanent and certified by appropriate medical professionals like physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, podiatrists, or optometrists. The bill aims to facilitate transportation for severely disabled individuals by making it easier for those who assist them to obtain special vehicle registration plates. The new plates will have distinctive markings to differentiate them from standard license plates, and the commissioner of motor vehicles has discretion in plate issuance. The act will take effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for preparing necessary regulatory implementations.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5646