N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1182-a: Multi-jurisdictional speed contests, races and similar special events

§ 1182-a. Multi-jurisdictional speed contests, races and similar

special events. 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the

contrary, the department of transportation may, by order, rule or

regulation, prohibit or regulate races, speed contests, exhibitions of

speed or other similar special events which are held on public highways

in more than one county. Participants in an approved race, contest, or

exhibition are exempted from compliance with any traffic laws otherwise

applicable thereto, but shall exercise reasonable care. Such rules and

regulations shall include, among other things, provision for adequate

insurance coverage; provision for approval by the municipalities

involved; provision for payment or reimbursement of all the costs and

expenses of the state which are incurred in connection with such an

event; provision for assumption of risk for damages or claims by the

organizer, sponsor, driver, rider or participant in such event;

provision for the closure of or restriction on public use and travel

upon highways or parts thereof for a certain period of time whenever the

state or local police determine such is necessary to protect the public

safety, security, or convenience. Prior to the scheduled date of a

proposed multi-jurisdictional race, speed contest, exhibition of speed

or other similar special event, the sponsor or organizer shall apply, in

writing, to the department of transportation for consideration of and

authorization to conduct such an event. Such application shall be

reviewed by the commissioner of transportation, the commissioner of

economic development and the superintendent of state police, or their

designees. Only if such persons unanimously agree that the proposed

event should take place, the department of transportation shall continue

the review process and shall establish such reasonable requirements as

are necessary to protect the public safety.

2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no

person or entity shall have the right to bring an action against the

state or municipality or any person employed by the state or

municipality who was acting within the scope of his authority for

damages resulting from or in connection with any such race, contest or

exhibition. In the event of any such claim being brought against any

such individual employed by the state, the provisions of section

seventeen of the public officers law shall apply.

3. The division of state police and the department of commerce are

hereby authorized to provide necessary support and assistance to the

department of transportation in connection with its power to prohibit or

regulate races, speed contests, exhibitions of speed or other similar

special events pursuant to this section.