New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07628

Introduced
4/23/25  

Caption

Exempts horse-drawn carriages or carts from the ban on night riding if they display at least two lighted lamps on the front of the vehicle, one on each side, having light sources of equal power and visible from the front for a distance of at least three hundred fifty feet; at least one lighted lamp on the rear, located between the center and the left side of the vehicle, which shall display a red or amber fixed or flashing light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet; and reflective material upon the shafts of the vehicle or other parts thereof which shall normally parallel the body, head or legs of the horse pulling such vehicle.

Impact

The impact of S07628 on state laws primarily revolves around enhancing the safety provisions for horse-drawn carriages during nighttime. By legalizing riding under these conditions, the state aims to ensure that these vehicles can be safely seen by other road users. This amendment is particularly pertinent for areas where such modes of transport are part of the local culture or economy, thus promoting not only safety but also the continued use of horse-drawn vehicles in modern traffic contexts.

Summary

Bill S07628 seeks to amend New York's vehicle and traffic law by exempting horse-drawn carriages and carts from the prohibition on night riding. Specifically, the bill allows these vehicles to operate after dark if they meet certain safety requirements, including displaying two lighted lamps on the front, a lighted lamp on the rear that displays a red or amber light, and reflective materials on harnesses and shafts. This change acknowledges the unique role of horse-drawn vehicles within the state’s transportation system and seeks to enhance their safety during nighttime operations.

Contention

Although no significant points of contention were observed in the available discussions around S07628, potential debates could arise from concerns over road safety and the implications of allowing more vehicles on the roads during dark hours. Critics may argue that the increased presence of horse-drawn vehicles at night could pose risks to both the animals and other road users unless strict compliance with the lighting and reflective material requirements is ensured. Proponents, however, would likely emphasize the cultural significance and attractiveness of horse-drawn carriage rides, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Companion Bills

NY A06321

Same As Exempts horse-drawn carriages or carts from the ban on night riding if they display at least two lighted lamps on the front of the vehicle, one on each side, having light sources of equal power and visible from the front for a distance of at least three hundred fifty feet; at least one lighted lamp on the rear, located between the center and the left side of the vehicle, which shall display a red or amber fixed or flashing light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet; and reflective material upon the shafts of the vehicle or other parts thereof which shall normally parallel the body, head or legs of the horse pulling such vehicle.

Previously Filed As

NY A08419

Exempts horse-drawn carriages or carts from the ban on night riding if they display at least two lighted lamps on the front of the vehicle, one on each side, having light sources of equal power and visible from the front for a distance of at least three hundred fifty feet; at least one lighted lamp on the rear, located between the center and the left side of the vehicle, which shall display a red or amber fixed or flashing light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet; and reflective material upon the shafts of the vehicle or other parts thereof which shall normally parallel the body, head or legs of the horse pulling such vehicle.

NY A02766

Relates to the operation of vehicles on approach of vehicles displaying a blue light; requires vehicles to pull over on approach of vehicles displaying a blue light.

NY A07905

Relates to the passing of stopped school buses; requires each omnibus having a seating capacity in excess of fifteen children or more to have at least one flashing yellow signal lamp on the front thereof and at least one flashing yellow signal lamp on the rear thereof to indicate that such omnibus shall be stopping momentarily; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to establish a method whereby any violation of section 1174 of the vehicle and traffic law shall be issued to the operator of such vehicle and not to the owner of such vehicle; makes related provisions.

NY S04523

Establishes that one or more green or blue lights may be displayed on certain motor vehicles.

NY A02407

Allows police vehicles to have one or more forward facing blue lights, provided that such blue light can only be displayed in combination with a red and/or white light.

NY S02313

Requires operators of motor vehicles to yield the right of way upon the immediate approach of a vehicle displaying a green or blue light.

NY A08248

Requires operators of motor vehicles to yield the right of way upon the immediate approach of a vehicle displaying a green or blue light.

NY S07016

Permits animal-drawn vehicles to equip and use amber flashing lights; does not apply to such vehicles in a city with a population of one million or more.

NY A07588

Permits animal-drawn vehicles to equip and use amber flashing lights; does not apply to such vehicles in a city with a population of one million or more.

NY A08490

Relates to the display of green lights on the vehicles of members of mobile crisis teams and the revocation of authorization to display such light.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.