On December 16th, the New York City Council’s passed two pieces of legislation (I. 603 and 604) introduced by Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer which will for the first time in the City of New York penalize repeat offenders who are found guilty of hit-and-run crashes as well as require the NYPD to expand its existing hit-and-run reporting to the Council by including data on civil penalties which are levied in hit-and-run crashes and the amount paid.
In 2014, the Council enacted the “Justice for Hit-and-Run Victims Act”, instituting civil penalties for leaving the scene of an incident without reporting. Currently under this law those who leave the scene of hit-and-run collision without taking action required by law would be subject to pay a civil penalty of up to $500 if property damage results from the incident; $1,000 to $2,000 if a person is injured; $2,000 to $10,000 if there is serious injury; and $5,000 to $10,000 if death results.
Intro. 603 increases the civil penalties for those leaving the scene of an incident without reporting more than once. Repeat hit-and-run offenders are subject to pay a civil penalty of up to $1,000 if property damage results from the incident; $2,000 to $5,000 if a person is injured; $5,000 to $10,000 if there is a serious injury; and $10,000 if death results. Intro. 604 requires that information about any civil penalties imposed be included in the quarterly “hit-and-run” report already required by Local Law 50 of 2014.
WHAT PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS MEMBERS SAY:
“The NYPD’s shocking statistics really show just how important it is for our City to punish the 4,000 people who hit another human being with their vehicle this year, left them to die on the street and thought they could get away with it,” said Majority Leader Van Bramer. “This legislation is not meant to measure the value of the lives lost, but to act as a forceful deterrent to our city’s most dangerous drivers. We are sending a message directly to hit-and-run drivers: if you hit someone and leave the scene of the crash, we will find you and punish you to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Hit and run crashes are an epidemic in New York City and we are taking action to eradicate them,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chair of the Transportation Committee. “The shocking volume of these crashes that persist on our streets each year are a danger to all New Yorkers. We are sending a clear message that if you flee the scene of a crash, you will not get away freely. We also will require greater accountability of those who investigate these crashes, with more reporting requirements including the results of investigations into these heinous crimes.”
IN THE NEWS
NY Daily News, Penalties hiked for hit-and-run drivers in NYC
Times Ledger, Western Queens electeds react to latest hit-and-run tragedy
Times Ledger, Van Bramer wants tougher penalties on hit-and-run drivers
CBS Local, City Council Transportation Committee To Vote On Stricter Hit-And-Run Penalties
NY Mag, There Have Been 38,000 Hit-and-Runs in NYC This Year
NY1, Stiffer Fines Proposed for Repeat Hit-and-Run Drivers
Capital NY, NYPD stats show 38,000 hit-and-run incidents this year
WNYC, There Have Been 38,000 Hit-and-Runs in New York City This Year
BK Reader, City Council Passes Bill, Doubles Fines for Hit-and-Run Drivers
Progressive Caucus of the New York City Council 