N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1182-b: Filming of movies, commercials and similar events

§ 1182-b. Filming of movies, commercials and similar events. 1.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the

department of transportation may, by order, rule or regulation, prohibit

or regulate the filming of movies, commercials and similar events on

state highways. Such rules and regulations shall include, among other

things, provision for adequate insurance coverage; provision for

consultation by the production company of any movie, commercial or

similar events with the municipality involved; provision for payment or

reimbursement of all of 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 production company, its employees and

participants 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 police determine such is necessary to

protect the public safety, security, or convenience. Prior to the

scheduled date of the filming of a movie, commercial or other similar

events, the production company shall apply, in writing, to the

department of transportation for consideration of and authorization to

film such an event. Such application shall be reviewed by the

commissioner of transportation, or his designee, the commissioner of

commerce, or his designee, and the superintendent of state police, or

his designee. Only if such persons unanimously agree that the proposed

filming 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 the filming of a movie,

commercial or similar events. 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 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

the filming of movies, commercials or other similar events pursuant to

this section.