Environment
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
StateNew YorkReferred
S 10697: Relates to enacting the "vehicle streaming device ban" act
Siela Bynoe
S 10697 status: Referred — REFERRED TO RULES (updated Sep 11, 2026).
Source
LegiScan
Confidence
High
Analysis basis
LegiScan full bill text
01
What this bill does
Official summary alongside an AI-generated read on where it stands and why.
Overall Score
66OUT OF 100
Score:66/100 civic fit
Risk:Low Risk
Impact:Moderate Impact 65/100
Constitutionality90%
Bipartisan70%
Public opinion80%
Bill summary
What changes
The bill prohibits the sale, lease, or use of devices capable of streaming video on vehicle infotainment screens or screens in the driver's direct view while the vehicle is in motion.
Who is affected
Automotive aftermarket manufacturers, retailers, secondhand dealers, and vehicle operators in New York.
Requirements and enforcement
Retailers must cease sales of defined 'streaming devices'; operators must refrain from using such devices while the vehicle is moving.
Costs and funding
Retailers face civil penalties of up to $500 per violation; manufacturers and retailers may incur compliance costs related to inventory assessment.
When it takes effect
The act takes effect immediately upon passage.
Potential benefits
Potential reduction in distracted driving accidents and improved road safety.
Risks and tradeoffs
Ambiguity in 'in direct view' definitions and potential negative impacts on aftermarket automotive accessory businesses.
What is still unknown
Specific regulatory rules to be promulgated by the DMV regarding device technical definitions.
02
Impact analysis
✦ AI analysisModeled effects across six domains, estimated from bill text and comparable legislation.
Economy
Critical outlook
40%
Benefits
- Aligns retail standards for electronic safety equipment
- Prevents market proliferation of potentially dangerous software products
- Creates clear regulatory guidelines for automotive aftermarket retailers
Risks
- Increases compliance costs for manufacturers of infotainment add-ons
- Potentially limits market entry for developers of secondary vehicle software
- Imposes direct civil penalties up to $500 per sale on retailers
Society
Positive outlook
80%
Benefits
- Reduces risk of distracted driving-related traffic incidents
- Promotes focus on road safety by restricting driver access to video
- Standardizes definitions of prohibited devices across law enforcement
Risks
- Limits individual consumer choice for aftermarket vehicle entertainment
- Could lead to confusion regarding legitimate infotainment features versus streaming access
- Increases potential for law enforcement interaction during traffic stops
Technology Industry
Mixed / Neutral
45%
Benefits
- Clarifies safety constraints for future product development cycles
- Encourages innovation in software that prioritizes safe user interfaces
- Standardizes safety-first software design for automotive integration
Risks
- Directly bans the sale of specific software-hardware integration products
- Requires developers to modify or restrict functionality for the NY market
- Adds compliance hurdles for aftermarket software/hardware developers
Civic Accountability
Positive outlook
75%
Benefits
- Authorizes Attorney General to seek injunctions against non-compliant sales
- Empowers DMV to promulgate specific regulatory enforcement rules
- Establishes clear legal definitions for 'streaming device' and 'manufacturer'
Risks
- Creates significant regulatory power for the commissioner of motor vehicles
- Allows for subpoenas by the AG regarding commercial conduct
- Potential for inconsistent enforcement across different law enforcement jurisdictions
Public Health & Safety
Positive outlook
90%
Benefits
- Decreases physical injury risk caused by visual-manual distraction
- Directly addresses modern cause of vehicular collisions
- Protects motorists by restricting access to high-engagement media
Risks
- Limited evidence on whether current devices are primary causes of recent accidents
- Does not address inherent distraction from built-in dashboard navigation
- Enforcement may be subjective depending on what constitutes 'in direct view'
03
How trustworthy & consequential it is
Sourcing already shown above, this is what the analysis found worth flagging.
Source
LegiScan
Official bill text or data from LegiScan.
Confidence
High
Information is complete and verified.
Analysis basis
LegiScan full bill text
Source used for this bill's analysis.
Source note
The bill lacks a clear grandfathering provision, which may complicate the sale of existing aftermarket stock.
Analysis scope
The bill text does not define technical specifications for what counts as 'in direct view'.
04
Where it stands
Official record- IntroducedComplete
- CommitteeCurrent
- Chamber votesUpcoming
- Final agreementUpcoming
- GovernorUpcoming
- EnactedUpcoming
05
How it affects your district
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06
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