Photo: Assemblyman Goldfeder has sponsored a bill that would require the DMV to get a driver’s permission to sell their personal information to third parties. File Photo.
An area elected official this week announced that he has sponsored a bill in the state Legislature that would bar the Department of Motor Vehicles from selling drivers’ personal information to third parties without express consent.
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) indicated that Assembly bill A2509 amends provisions of state vehicle and traffic law to require the DMV to obtain consent before sharing the information—name, address and date of birth—with third parties, including insurers, towing companies and law firms.
Under current law, Goldfeder noted, the DMV is permitted to regularly sell drivers’ personal information to third parties. According to reports, the DMV made $60 million last year on the practice. The Goldfeder-sponsored bill would provide exceptions relating to auto manufacturer safety recalls and similar notices.
“You should not have to sell away your personal information just to get a driver’s license,” Goldfeder said. “Every driver should be allowed to decide when and how their information will be used by the state. By requiring drivers’ consent to share DMV records, this bill will provide families with some peace of mind in knowing that their personal information is safe.”
