Bill > A01673

This bill amends the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to establish stricter penalties for registered and unregistered repair shops that fail to pay restitution to customers after being found responsible for financial losses. Specifically, if a repair shop is ordered to pay restitution following a determination of financial loss and does not comply within 30 days, the commissioner can now increase the original civil penalty by up to an additional $500, plus the amount of the financial loss if it was not already included in the initial penalty. The bill allows the commissioner to impose these enhanced penalties as an additional deterrent to ensure repair shops promptly address customer claims of financial harm. The increased penalties can be applied whether the repair shop is registered or unregistered, and provide a mechanism for the state to better protect consumers from unfair repair practices by giving the commissioner more enforcement tools. The bill will take effect on the first of November following its passage, with immediate authorization for developing necessary implementing regulations.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1673