VOLUME 11, ISSUE 5: NYC DOT Adopts New Highway Rules: Increased Penalties and New Compliance Requirements

Photo by Eric Konon

New York City Department of Transportation recently adopted various amendments to Chapter 2 of the New York City Highway Rules. These changes primarily clarified existing requirements/practices, introduced several new infractions to the penalty schedule and significantly increased the fines for a number of existing violations. The amendments go into effect on September 24, 2026. 

Several new penalty provisions have been added to the DOT civil penalty schedule. Of note are the following:

• Failure to take corrective action within three hours of a Priority Corrective Action Request

• Failure to restore a street opening or excavation in accordance with DOT protected-street restoration requirements

• Placement of a storage box or CONEX box on a city street without DOT authorization

These new infractions are in addition to changes that clarify and expand existing DOT requirements. 

Additionally, the newly adopted rules substantially and dramatically increase the penalties for several existing violations with the most minimal increase being double the current fine amount. In some cases the increases are even more dramatic. For example, the penalty for having a construction shanty or trailer without a DOT permit raised from $150 to $1,200. The corresponding default fines can be substantially higher, in some instances ranging from $3,600 to $15,000.

RPO Inc. answers violations on behalf of clients and has an extensive and proven track record of having fines reduced or the violations outright dismissed at hearings. We take pride in putting in the requisite time required to thoroughly review each violation and have the advantage of being able to consult with our project management/code research staff so as to enhance our chances of achieving the optimal outcomes for our clients. With fine amounts constantly increasing, the need for exemplary representation is paramount.

If you would like RPO to review violations issued to your property or project, or represent you at hearings, please contact Kevin Danielson, Esq: (917) 512-1113.