S 9038 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Enacts the "take the wheel act" which requires a driver be present in all motor vehicles operated for hire

This bill requires all vehicles operated for hire (like taxis, ride-share services, or limousines) to have a human driver physically present, seated behind the steering wheel, and actively driving. It specifically prohibits the use of automated driving systems in such vehicles without a human driver engaged in the task of driving. The law amends vehicle and traffic law to mandate this requirement for all hired vehicles operating on public highways. This directly affects transportation companies and drivers providing for-hire services in New York State.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 27, 2026 Last action Mar 6, 2026
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What changed between versions

S9038 S9038A · 4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to add co-sponsors and update procedural status, while adding a short title section and changing the effective date section number. The core policy requirement remains unchanged: vehicles operated for hire must have a human driver present behind the steering wheel when using automated driving systems.
TECHNICAL

Added co-sponsor Sen. SALAZAR to the bill introduction.

Updated bill status to reflect committee discharge, amendment, and recommitment.

Added a short title section naming the act the 'take the wheel act'.

Changed the immediate effectiveness section from § 2 to § 3 to accommodate the new short title section.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Amendments
2
Mar 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
PRINT NUMBER 9038A
upper
Mar 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO TRANSPORTATION
upper
Jan 27, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors