For New Yorkers, the start of a new year means new laws will take effect on January 1.
What does that mean for New Yorkers on the go? As electric bikes and scooters become more popular, policies regarding traffic, vehicles, pedestrian safety, and sustainability will continue throughout the year.
Here’s what you can expect as you’re on the move:
January 1
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S4778 prohibits vehicle owners with an expired lease from being charged administrative, handling, or clerical turn-in fees.
January 7
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S7703B requires the buyer and seller of a limited-use motorcycle (moped or motor scooter) to register the vehicle with the state at the point of sale.
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S7503B requires lithium-ion batteries, electric bikes, scooters, and related devices to come with operating manuals that explain in common non-English languages, how to use and store them safely.
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S7744D requires stores and sellers to put safety stickers on electric bikes and other mobility devices like scooters. The stickers must tell riders to obey traffic laws, yield to pedestrians, and not to ride on the sidewalk when it’s not allowed locally.
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S2464B requires car washes to disclose the expiration dates for promotions, related costs, and how often the costs apply in ads, online, and on-site. Car washes that fail to comply risk a $500 fine per violation.
April
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In addition, S8308C/A8808C requires limos to meet new safety standards for inspections and equipment. Limousines over 10 years old or with over 350,000 miles will be banned.
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On April 21, S9361/A8557 requires seat belts on charter buses for passengers 8 to 16. Violators will face fines, and charter buses must meet specific seat belt standards set by the commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
May
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S2739A/A8275A requires pre-licensing course providers—organizations or people who teach people to drive—to give students information on registering as organ and tissue donors. It also includes new training for instructors on topics like road rage, school bus safety, and alcohol.
June – July
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S9292A/A9238A lowers the maximum lease period for zero-emission school buses from 12 to eight years. It also requires school districts to get voter approval for leases over one year and follow specific rules for expense reporting.
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On July 11, S9419/A7628A requires police to report all crashes involving motor vehicles—including motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, and e-bikes. It also mandates reports on the type of vehicles involved and requires more detailed data when it’s a serious accident.
Genae Shields is the business and development impact reporter working on mobility stories that dive into how people get around Rochester and it’s surrounding areas. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about newly emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester’s BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit organizations. Contact Genae at gshields@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Seat belts for kids on charter buses among new mobility laws in NY