Requires slow-moving traffic, trucks, buses, and other certain vehicles use the right two lanes of a multilane roadway and requires all lanes other than the right most two lanes on a multilane highway to be marked with "NO TRUCKS OR BUSES".
Impact
With the implementation of A09331, New York's traffic regulations will become more stringent regarding lane usage, specifically for larger vehicles. The bill modifies the existing laws to require clearer lane markings on multilane highways, ensuring that only the two rightmost lanes are available for certain types of vehicles, reducing potential conflicts with faster passenger vehicles. This regulation would mandate that all other lanes be clearly marked as 'NO TRUCKS OR BUSES,' thereby contributing to a more organized and safer driving environment.
Summary
Bill A09331 proposes significant changes to New York's vehicle and traffic laws by mandating that slow-moving traffic, trucks, buses, and other specified vehicles utilize only the two rightmost lanes on multilane roadways. The bill primarily aims to improve road safety and traffic flow by designating clear lane usage rules for heavier and slower-moving vehicles, which tend to impede faster-moving traffic. This shift seeks to minimize accidents and enhance overall driving conditions on state highways where heavy vehicles commonly travel.
Contention
Some points of contention around A09331 include concerns from trucking companies and other transportation groups who may oppose the restrictions, arguing they could lead to longer travel times and increased congestion as trucks are funneled into specific lanes. Opponents may argue that such regulations might not be necessary in all situations and that existing traffic management systems should suffice. Proponents, however, contend that these measures are essential for ensuring safety and efficiency on New York's highways.
Traffic control: traffic regulation; requirement to drive in the right-hand lane of a roadway with 2 lanes for travel in 1 direction; modify. Amends sec. 634 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.634).
Requires all vehicles move over or slow down for parked, stopped and standing vehicles on highways, requiring the inclusion of at least one question regarding such requirement on the state driver's license examination, and requires public education measures on such requirement.
Amends existing law to require drivers to drive in the right-hand lane on multilane highways unless passing and to provide penalties for driving in the left-hand lane of a controlled access highway and impeding the flow of traffic.
Requires school buses to have windows made from bulletproof or ballistic glass; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles and the commissioner of transportation to establish minimum standards and requirements for bulletproof or ballistic glass used.
Relates to the passing of stopped school buses on divided highways; provides that vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of a school bus on such highway shall not have to stop if a physical barrier is present between the different directions of travel.