Bill > S01599

This bill amends the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to increase the minimum gross vehicle weight rating required for commercial tow trucks from 8,600 pounds to 10,000 pounds. Currently, any motor vehicle engaged in commercial towing in New York must be registered as a tow truck, but now only vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or more will qualify for this designation. To register as a tow truck, the vehicle must still be accompanied by proof of financial security as outlined in the state's vehicle and traffic law. The bill maintains the existing penalty structure, making it a class A misdemeanor to engage in commercial towing with an unregistered tow truck. The law will go into effect 180 days after it becomes law, giving towing businesses time to adjust their vehicle fleets to comply with the new weight requirement. This change may impact smaller towing businesses that previously used lighter vehicles for commercial towing services.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1599