FINCH: EMERGENCY RESPONDERS TO BE 
EXEMPTED FROM CDL REQUIREMENTS 

     Today, Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C,I – Springport) voted in support of legislation that he sponsored which will expand emergency responders’ ability to serve New Yorkers.  Previous law restricted those without a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from operating an emergency vehicle except in case of emergency.  Now emergency responders without a CDL will be able to operate police, fire and ambulatory motor vehicles in their full capacity for training, hydrant maintenance and commercial building inspections as well

     The bill also conforms to federal regulations and will preserve New York’s $31 million in federal highway aid.

     “The brave first responders of New York provide an invaluable service to us and we should be doing all that we can to help them in their service,” said Finch.  “They are highly trained individuals and we should not be restricting their ability to do their jobs.  This bill will allow them to perform their duties to the fullest extent.”

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