N.Y. Governor Wants to Regulate GPS Use in Trucking

New York Gov. David Paterson (D) is calling for a state law that would require truckers using global positioning system devices to use only ones containing truck route information.

In their quest to find faster routes, some truckers are using GPS devices meant for automobile drivers, Paterson said at an Oct. 14 press conference at which he released a proposed draft of the law.

Trucks are traveling roads not designed for heavy vehicles and hitting bridges not high enough for them, Patterson and other officials said.

Under the proposed law, the state Department of Transportation would make a list of approved GPS devices truckers could use to route them.

Kendra Adams, executive director of the New York State Motor Truck Association, said only the federal government can regulate equipment.

The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association said such a law would force drivers to buy more expensive devices and unfairly punish safe drivers.