Enacts the "in-route safety inspection for motor coach vehicles act"; establishes a framework for mandatory in-route inspections for motor coach vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers to reduce the risk of accidents and enhance operational oversight.
STATE OF NEW YORK
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8497
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
September 3, 2025
___________
Introduced by Sen. STEC -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules
AN ACT amending the transportation law, in relation to establishing
in-route safety inspections for motor coach vehicles designed to carry
16 or more passengers
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as
2 the "in-route safety inspection for motor coach vehicles act".
3 § 2. Legislative findings and purpose. The legislature finds that
4 ensuring the safety of passengers traveling by motor coach vehicles is
5 essential for public safety. While motor coaches play a critical role in
6 intercity and charter transportation, routine safety inspections while
7 vehicles are in operation are necessary to address safety risks and
8 protect passengers. This act establishes a framework for mandatory
9 in-route inspections for motor coach vehicles carrying 16 or more
10 passengers to reduce the risk of accidents and enhance operational over-
11 sight.
12 § 3. The transportation law is amended by adding a new section 148 to
13 read as follows:
14 § 148. In-route inspections. 1. For the purpose of this section:
15 (a) "Motor coach vehicle" means a vehicle designed to transport
16 sixteen or more passengers, including the driver, and intended for
17 intercity or charter transportation.
18 (b) "In-route inspection" means a safety inspection conducted while
19 the vehicle is in operation, performed at designated rest areas along
20 state highways.
21 2. Motor coach vehicles shall be subject to mandatory in-route
22 inspections at designated rest areas at least once every thirty days.
23 Inspections shall be conducted by trained personnel from the department
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08759-01-5
S. 8497 2
1 or designated safety inspectors. Inspections shall include, but are not
2 limited to:
3 (a) Functionality of all seat belts and safety restraints;
4 (b) Operational status of lights, brakes, and steering mechanisms;
5 (c) Inspection of tires for wear and proper inflation;
6 (d) Verification of emergency exits and equipment; and
7 (e) Review of the driver's qualifications and compliance with rest
8 requirements.
9 3. (a) The department shall identify and designate specific rest areas
10 along major highways throughout New York state for the purpose of
11 conducting in-route inspections. Adequate signage shall be placed to
12 inform motor coach operators of inspection requirements and locations.
13 (b) The results of all in-route inspections shall be recorded and
14 submitted to the department to track compliance and identify trends in
15 motor coach safety. The department shall publish an annual report
16 detailing inspection findings, including any safety violations and
17 corrective actions taken.
18 4. Failure to comply with this section shall result in penalties, as
19 determined by the commissioner including:
20 (a) Fines;
21 (b) Suspension of operating authority; or
22 (c) Mandated corrective action plans.
23 § 4. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall
24 have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or
25 repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
26 this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
27 on or before such effective date.
