Governor Hochul Signs Angelica’s Law, Protecting New Yorkers From Dangerous, Reckless Motorists

 Legislation Expands the Offense of First Degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle

Legislation Named In Honor Of Long Island’s Angelica Nappi, Who Was Killed in 2008 by an Unlicensed Driver with Multiple Prior Suspensions

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation S.4671/A.3983, Angelica’s Law, which protects New Yorkers from reckless or dangerous driving. The law decreases the number of prior license suspensions needed to qualify for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a class E felony. Governor Hochul signed the legislation at the Department of Motor Vehicles’ Garden City location, joined by the family of Angelica Nappi who lost her life after being killed by a driver with multiple prior suspensions.

“Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “After Angelica Nappi tragically lost her life more than a decade ago, her family have channeled their pain into purpose to push for this legislation. I’m honored to stand with Angelica’s family as we sign this law and make our roads safer for all.”

Angelica Nappi of Holbrook was just 14 in 2008 when she was struck and killed by a driver who did not have a valid license and who had more than five previous driver’s license suspensions. Angelica’s Law will help to keep drivers with prior suspensions off of the road by applying a felony to recidivist drivers who operate vehicles without a valid license after having committed five or more moving violations resulting in prior suspensions or revocations.

Angelica's Law builds on Governor Hochul's commitment to making New York's roads safer by cracking down on dangerous drivers. In September, in response to the Governor's 2023 State of the State message, the Department of Motor Vehicles proposed regulatory changes to bolster its ability to remove drivers who engage in risky behavior from roadways and to make it more difficult for persistent violators to get back their driving privileges.