S 8497: 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 ________________________________________________________________________ 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.