New York Laws Set to Impact Delivery Workers, Drivers, and Consumers in 2026
New Yorkers will see meaningful changes impacting everyday life as a series of new laws take effect in 2026. These changes range from mandatory gratuity options for app-based delivery services to stricter penalties for traffic violations and enhanced safety standards for e-bikes used by delivery workers.
The upcoming legislation aims to address worker protections, road safety, and consumer transparency. Delivery workers,drivers,and consumers utilizing services like Uber Eats and Instacart will all be affected,as will anyone navigating New York City streets. The changes reflect a broader effort by city officials to modernize regulations and improve safety standards in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.
Beginning January 26, 2026, apps like Uber Eats and Instacart will be required to include a gratuity option of at least 10% of the purchase price on every order. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection will also launch expanded public education campaigns on the same date, warning New Yorkers about scams involving immigration-assistance providers, accompanied by annual reports on complaints and inspections.
Also on January 26,2026,delivery workers utilizing powered bicycles must use models meeting NYC safety standards and accredited testing certification. Delivery services will be responsible for compliance, unless they support approved trade-in or rental programs for compliant devices.
furthermore, starting in February 2026, New York will implement stricter penalties for traffic violations. The license suspension threshold will shift from 11 points in 18 months to 10 points in two years. Penalties for common violations will also increase; speeding up to 10 mph over the limit will rise from 3 to 4 points, cell phone violations from 5 to 6 points, and reckless driving from 5 to 8 points.Violations previously carrying no points, such as broken headlights or taillights (1 point) and illegal U-turns (2 points), will now be penalized. Officials state these changes are intended to improve road safety.
