New York State and City have taken decisive action in 2025 to remove a variety of vehicles from public roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. These measures target both unconventional vehicles and those that pose safety, environmental, or regulatory concerns. With enforcement ramping up, tens of thousands of illegal vehicles have already been seized, signaling a new era for transportation regulation in the Empire State.
Vehicles Banned from New York Roads
A range of vehicles are now strictly prohibited from operating on public roads, highways, sidewalks, and parking lots in New York. The bans are enforced under state law and local ordinances, with violators facing fines, vehicle seizure, and even arrest.
The following vehicles are among those banned:
Mini-bikes: Small, motorized vehicles designed for off-road use, not classified as mopeds, motorcycles, or ATVs.
Dirt bikes: Specifically built for off-road trails or competitions; must be registered as ATVs if used legally off-road, but are not allowed on public roads.
Go-karts: Four-wheeled vehicles made for off-road use or racing, not street legal.
Golf carts: Three or four-wheeled vehicles intended for golf courses or private property, not eligible for road registration.
KEI-class vehicles: Lightweight, small vehicles originating from Japan, not compliant with New York road regulations.
Lawnmowers: Both seated and standing models designed strictly for grass-cutting, not for transportation on public roads.
Additionally, while some electric scooters and e-bikes are permitted under specific conditions, exceeding speed limits or improper use can also result in penalties.
Crackdown on Illegal and Unregistered Vehicles
New York City has aggressively targeted illegal vehicles, including unregistered mopeds, ATVs, and so-called “ghost cars”—vehicles with forged or altered license plates that make them untraceable. Since 2022, over 100,000 illegal vehicles have been seized and destroyed, including more than 62,300 illegal motorized vehicles and over 38,000 ghost cars.
Key enforcement statistics for 2025:
1.) Over 10,745 ghost cars have already been removed from city streets this year alone.
2.) Robberies and grand larcenies involving mopeds have dropped dramatically: 85.7% decrease in grand larceny patterns and 68.2% decrease in robbery patterns involving mopeds compared to the same period last year.
3.) Overall index crime involving mopeds is down by 57.2% year-to-date.
Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Tisch have emphasized that these efforts are not only about enforcement but also about making a tangible impact on public safety and neighborhood quality of life.
New Emissions Rules Impacting RVs and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Starting January 1, 2025, New York is implementing strict new emissions regulations modeled after California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule. This mandates that 35% of new heavy-duty vehicles sold must be zero-emission. While RVs are not directly banned, many fall under these regulations due to their weight, effectively limiting the sale of new gas or diesel-powered RVs in the state.
Implications:
1.) Existing RV owners can still operate and sell their vehicles.
2.) The retail market for conventional RVs is expected to shrink, as zero-emission RVs are not yet widely available.
3.) Out-of-state RV purchases may face additional hurdles due to emissions testing and registration requirements.
Why the Crackdown?
The bans and enforcement efforts are rooted in several key concerns:
Public Safety: Illegal vehicles are often unregistered, untraceable, and have been linked to crimes such as robberies and shootings, especially in the case of mopeds and ghost cars.
Environmental Protection: New emissions standards aim to reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles, aligning with broader climate goals.
Quality of Life: Abandoned and illegal vehicles take up valuable parking and curb space, contributing to neighborhood blight.
Conclusion
New York’s aggressive stance on banning and removing certain vehicles from public roads reflects a broader commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and urban livability. With over 100,000 illegal vehicles seized and stricter regulations on the horizon, residents and vehicle owners must stay informed and compliant. As enforcement continues and new rules take effect, New York is setting a precedent for how cities and states can reclaim their streets and advance public welfare.
Source:
[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/new-york-state-bans-these-vehicles-from-public-roads-see-the-full-list-101747021126292.html
[2] https://www.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/411-25/mayor-adams-removal-over-100-000-illegal-vehicles-city-streets-since-start-of
[3] https://wyrk.com/new-york-state-announces-vehicle-prohibited-in-these-areas/
[4] https://usa.streetsblog.org/2025/06/26/berlin-moves-closer-to-banning-cars-from-a-downtown-zone-thats-bigger-than-manhattan
[5] https://hudsonvalleyone.com/2024/11/25/will-many-rvs-effectively-be-banned-in-new-york-starting-in-2025/
[6] https://wblk.com/banned-vehicles-new-york/
[7] https://www.amny.com/news/new-traffic-laws-in-new-york-slated-for-2025/
[8] https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4486