Requires trucks to utilize commercial GPS designed for use by a commercial vehicle which is able to provide audible and visual warnings when the truck is on a route where the height, weight, width, or length of the truck exceeds the limitations of such route when operating on public highways in the state.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A6851
SPONSOR: Solages
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring
trucks to utilize commercial GPS
 
PURPOSE:
To mandate the use of commercial GPS in trucks on public highways. in
New York State that accounts for height, width, length, and weight.
 
SUMMARY:
Section 1. Amends the vehicle and traffic law by adding a new section
379. Section 2. Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State has countless bridges and overpasses carrying both rail
and vehicles that, due to past engineering and design choices, are lower
than the average large commercial truck. For example, some parkway
bridges have a clearance of as low as 6'11"  
1, while the average semi-
trailer height is 13'6".
GPS direction applications for cell phones are often used by travelers,
and regularly account for traffic and tolls. However, these free-to-use
applications rarely.if ever account for height, weight, width, or
length, all of which are important factors in determining an appropriate
route for a large commercial vehicle. As a result, the improper use of
these GPS applications by a truck driver who is unfamiliar with local
highways can result in trucks hitting bridges and overpasses, getting
stuck on turns that are too tight, or causing damage to local roads by
carrying a load that is heavier than the pavement is engineered to
accommodate.
This legislation will mandate the use of commercial GPS units in trucks,
ensuring that routes are planned in accordance with the dimensions and
weight of the vehicle. Fines for failure to utilize commercial GPS start
with a written and verbal warning, escalating to 250 dollars for a
second violation, and 500 dollars for third and subsequent violations.
The legislation provides for enhanced fines in the event that a truck
causes damage to public or private infrastructure as a result of failure
to utilize a commercial GPS unit, with initial violations limited to no
more than 2500 dollars, a second violation up to 5000 dollars, and third
and subsequent violations up to 10,000 dollars.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Increased revenues to the state and decreased repair costs to the state
and local governments.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law; provided, however, that this act shall be
deemed repealed if any federal, agency determines in writing that this
act would render New York state ineligible for the receipt of federal
funds or any court of competent jurisdiction finally determines that
this act would render New York state out of compliance with federal law
or regulation; provided, further, that the commissioner of transporta-
tion shall notify the legislative bill drafting commission upon the
occurrence of the provisions of this section in order that the commis-
sion may maintain an accurate and timely effective data base of the
official text of the laws of the state of New York in furtherance of
effectuating the provisions of section 44 of the legislative law and
section 70-b of the public officers law. Effective immediately, the
addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary
for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized
to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
(1) https://www.hudsonvalleytraveler.com/ParkwaysOverview