Int 0147-1998

Be it enacted by the Council as follows: Section 1. Paragraph (1) of subdivision a of section 2903 of the New York city charter is amended to read as follows: (1) make such rules and regulations for the conduct of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the streets, squares, avenues, highways and parkways of the city as may be necessary. The violation of such rules and regulations shall be a traffic infraction triable by a judge of the criminal court of the city of New York and, except as otherwise provided by law, punishable by: (A) in the case of a non-pedestrian related offense, by (i) not more than fifteen days' imprisonment, or (ii) by a fine of not more than fifty dollars, or both, [and] or (B) in the case of a pedestrian related offense, by (i) not more than fifteen days' imprisonment, or (ii) by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or both. Traffic infractions may also be adjudicated pursuant to title nineteen of the administrative code or pursuant to articles 2-A and 2-B of the vehicle and traffic law. The police commissioner may, in an emergency, suspend for a period of forty-eight hours the provisions of any such rule or regulation and shall immediately notify the commissioner of such suspension. In order to expedite the movement of traffic or to safeguard pedestrians or property, a police officer or authorized employee of the transportation department may order a person to disregard any traffic signal or any such rule or regulation; �2. This local law shall take effect immediately. 1 2