Bill > S05415

This bill establishes strict liability for manufacturers, owners, and operators of unmanned motor vehicles in New York State, meaning they would be legally responsible for any death or property damage resulting from the use of such vehicles, regardless of fault. The bill defines an "unmanned motor vehicle" as any motor vehicle without a human operator, excluding emergency vehicles, trailers, and flying vehicles. Under this legislation, owners are defined according to existing vehicle and traffic law, and their liability is joint and several, which means each party can be held responsible for the full amount of damages. The bill clarifies that in cases of vehicle sales with retained security interests, the vendee (buyer) is considered the owner for liability purposes. Manufacturers are defined as entities producing unmanned motor vehicles, and operators are those who have control over the vehicle. If an unmanned vehicle is used in combination with other vehicles, each person using or operating a vehicle in the combination would be deemed responsible for the entire group. The law would take effect 180 days after becoming law, giving stakeholders time to prepare for the new liability framework.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5415