Higgins Announces Passage of Legislation to Increase Ride-Share Safety

Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced passage of H.R. 4686, Sami's Law. The bill requires transportation network companies (TNC) ensure drivers display front and rear license plates, scannable codes on windows for riders to verify they are entering the correct vehicle, and illuminated signs visible both day and night to ensure the safety of passengers.

Higgins said, "As ride-sharing continues to be a major method of transportation in our communities, the need arises to increase safety precautions for the benefit of our residents. This legislation takes crucial steps in avoiding further tragedies by ensuring riders can identify their designated driver through a number of common-sense improvements."

The bill is named for Samantha Josephson, a University of South Carolina student from New Jersey who was tragically killed when she entered the vehicle of someone pretending to be an Uber driver.

To ensure the implementation of these safety precautions, the bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to withhold a portion of federal-aid highway funds if the state has not enacted and is not enforcing certain TNC vehicle identification laws. A "transportation network company" is defined as an entity that uses a digital network to connect riders to affiliated drivers to transport the rider to their location using a vehicle authorized for use by the driver.

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