Judge green lights New York's driver's license law, rejecting a Trump administration challenge

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: ABC News/AP

December 23, 2025, 8:15 PM


NEW YORK -- A federal judge gave a green light Tuesday to New York’s so-called Green Light Law, rejecting the Trump administration’s bid to stop the state from giving people driver's licenses without having them prove they are in the country legally.

U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci in Albany ruled that the Republican administration — which challenged the law under President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration — had failed to support its claims that the state law usurps federal law or that it unlawfully regulates or unlawfully discriminates against the federal government.

The Justice Department sued the state over the law in February, naming Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state’s attorney general, Letitia James, as defendants. At a news conference announcing the lawsuit, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi accused the officials, both Democrats, of prioritizing “illegal aliens over American citizens.”

“As I said from the start, our laws protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe,” James said in a statement Friday. “I will always stand up for New Yorkers and the rule of law.” A message seeking comment was left for the Justice Department.

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/judge-green-lights-new-yorks-drivers-license-law-128667860

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Link to ORDER (PDF) - https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nynd.146851/gov.uscourts.nynd.146851.32.0.pdf

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Consider this:

The same federal judge doesn't reject the Trump administration’s bid to stop the state from giving people driver's licenses without having them prove they are in the country legally.

You're driving within the boundaries of New York State.

And you inadvertently are involved in a motor vehicle accident with an undocumented immigrant with no driver's license -- and no auto liability insurance. (Because you can't get car insurance without a driver's license and registration.) And this immigrant is borrowing someone else's car or is driving an unregistered vehicle. You get the idea.

Your car is damaged or totaled. You're hospitalized for minor injuries -- or severe disability.

And maybe the driver of the other vehicle fled (hit-and-run) before the police arrive. Even if the other driver stayed at the sight of the accident, you're screwed. They have no insurance, perhaps own nothing of value. Hell, you may not be able to get an accurate identity of the other driver.

And there would be lots of these drivers on the road. The courts would be flooded (best case scenario) or a multitude of hapless drivers would be disabled and/or bankrupt.

If the judge had ruled in favor of the Trump DOJ.

[FakeNoose]

2. In Pennsylvania we have "no fault" insurance to cover this type of problem

My drivers insurance covers me (including injuries and damage to vehicle) if I'm involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Whether they have a license or US passport is irrelevant - they are uninsured and my expenses are covered by my own insurance no-fault policy.

I thought New York drivers had the same type of coverage, but maybe not....

[BumRushDaShow]

4. "My drivers insurance covers me...if I'm involved in an accident with an uninsured driver."

But I believe you have to pay extra for that. I have both the "uninsured" and "underinsured" driver add-ons, which means my car insurance is fairly exorbitant, even on my now-11 year old car.

[FakeNoose]

5. No I believe everyone has the same coverage...

Remember when Bob Casey was governor? It was passed in the early-mid 90's. That's why we call it "no-fault" insurance, he's the one who made it happen. It has probably been revised in the last several years though.

[BumRushDaShow]

6. It definitely ain't all the same coverage

(my biannual renewal comes up next month)

The "Base" coverage is probably the same but I think what "no fault" means is that each driver's insurance takes care of their own expenses (so no court thing). But the amount you are reimbursed for will vary depending on how the accident happened and how much coverage you pay for and/or opt out of.

Here is the statute - https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.017.031.000..HTM

And specifically -

(snip)

(b) Uninsured motorist coverage.--Uninsured motorist coverage shall provide protection for persons who suffer injury arising out of the maintenance or use of a motor vehicle and are legally entitled to recover damages therefor from owners or operators of uninsured motor vehicles. The named insured shall be informed that he may reject uninsured motorist coverage by signing the following written rejection form:

REJECTION OF UNINSURED MOTORIST PROTECTION

By signing this waiver I am rejecting uninsured motorist coverage under this policy, for myself and all relatives residing in my household. Uninsured coverage protects me and relatives living in my household for losses and damages suffered if injury is caused by the negligence of a driver who does not have any insurance to pay for losses and damages. I knowingly and voluntarily reject this coverage.

Opting out means you'll have cheaper premiums.

[travelingthrulife]

3. Good. Why would you want unlicensed drivers on the road?

[EndlessMaze]

7. At least a licensed driver has passed a driving test.

That seems pretty important for safety.