A sweeping set of state and city rules will take effect in early 2026, reshaping wages, labor protections, delivery transparency, street vending penalties, and road safety standards across New York.
New York is preparing to enter 2026 with a broad package of new laws affecting workers, delivery platforms, street vendors, and millions of drivers statewide. According to FOX, the measures aim to strengthen worker protections, boost wage transparency, modernize public safety rules, and reduce criminal penalties for low-level street vending violations.
Here’s a breakdo💵 MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE ACROSS NEW YORK
Beginning January 1, 2026, the statewide minimum wage will rise by 50 cents:
- NYC, Long Island & Westchester: $17.00/hour
- Rest of New York State: $16.00/hour
The increase applies to all workers, including:
✔️ Tipped employees
✔️ Fast-food workers
✔️ Nail salon employees
Starting in 2027, wage increases will be tied to the Consumer Price Index, with exceptions for major economic downturns.
STREET VENDORS: CRIMINAL PENALTIES ELIMINATED
Effective March 9, operating a food cart or vending stand without a license will no longer carry criminal misdemeanor charges.
Penalties will shift exclusively to civil fines, ending the threat of arrest for permit violations.
Advocates say the change will reduce policing disparities and modernize outdated vending enforcement.
DELIVERY TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENTS
Beginning January 26, delivery companies must:
- Pay contracted workers within 7 days of the end of each pay period
- Provide written, itemized payment breakdowns explaining how compensation was calculated
- Retain payment records for three years
The rules apply to major platforms including Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Instacart, and independent courier services.
NEW NYC SICK & SAFETY LEAVE RULES
Starting February 22, NYC’s Sick and Safe Leave Law will require employers to provide:
- 32 hours of unpaid leave per year
- Immediate eligibility (no waiting period)
- Clear payroll statements showing used and remaining balances
Situations previously handled through shift changes will now require formal leave protections, though employers will no longer be obligated to approve schedule swaps.
TIP OPTIONS MUST BE SHOWN UPFRONT
Starting January 26, food-delivery and grocery apps must:
- Offer an upfront tipping option before or at checkout
- Ensure transparency for customers and guarantee gratuity visibility for workers
Additionally, apps like Uber Eats and Instacart must include a minimum 10% tip option on every order.
MORE CAMPAIGNS AGAINST IMMIGRATION FRAUD
The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection will be required to:
- Launch expanded public education campaigns warning about immigration-assistance scams
- File annual reports detailing complaints, inspections, and enforcement actions
These efforts begin January 26.
E-BIKE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR DELIVERY WORKERS
Also on January 26, all delivery workers using e-bikes will be required to operate NYC-certified, safety-standard models.
Companies will be responsible for compliance unless they participate in city-approved equipment leasing or exchange programs.
STRICTER DRIVER POINT SYSTEM STATEWIDE
Beginning February 2026, New York’s driver penalty system will tighten significantly:
📉 License Suspension Threshold
- Drops from 11 points in 18 months to 10 points in 24 months
🔺 Increased Points for Common Violations
- Speeding +10 mph: 3 ➜ 4 points
- Using a cellphone while driving: 5 ➜ 6 points
- Reckless driving: 5 ➜ 8 points
🆕 New Point-Eligible Infractions
- Broken headlights/taillights: 1 point
- Illegal U-turns: 2 points
State officials say the changes aim to reduce dangerous driving behaviors and improve overall road safety.wn of the major changes taking effect throughout 2026.
