What's happening
This bill requires all new passenger vehicles sold in New York to include a spare tire and jack, unless the buyer waives it in writing.
Why it matters
Addresses a growing trend. Many newer vehicles are no longer sold with spare tires or jacks, which can leave drivers stranded in the event of a flat. This bill pushes back against that trend, ensuring drivers have basic equipment for emergency roadside tire changes.
Consumer safety and convenience. By requiring a spare tire and jack in all new passenger vehicle sales (unless waived), the bill aims to reduce risks and delays for motorists who might otherwise be unprepared during a flat-tire situation.
Clear definitions and scope. The bill carefully defines “passenger-type motor vehicle,” “spare tire,” and “jack,” clarifying exactly which vehicles and equipment are covered—providing certainty for manufacturers, dealers, and buyers.
Manufacturer accountability. With civil fines up to $750 per violation, the legislation puts financial pressure on manufacturers to comply, signaling that consumer protection in this area is a state priority.
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Who cares
Motor vehicle manufacturers
The bill would require covered new vehicles manufactured for sale in New York on or after January 1, 2020, to be offered with a spare tire and jack, with civil fines of up to $750 per offense for manufacturers that violate the requirement.
New vehicle buyers
Buyers of covered vehicles could waive the spare tire and jack requirement in writing and would have to receive a copy bearing their signature.
New vehicle dealers
The bill would require vehicles seating no more than eight adults, except motorcycles, to be offered for sale with an inflated, wheel-mounted spare tire and a jack unless the buyer signs a waiver.
Headline styles
Require Spare Tires in Cars
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Print number 962a
- Amend and recommit to consumer affairs and protection
- Referred to consumer affairs and protection
- Referred to consumer affairs and protection
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Spare Tires in Cars
In Senate Committee · Consumer Protection · Sponsor Kenneth P. LaValle
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
S. 1623--A A. 962--A
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
SENATE - ASSEMBLY
January 10, 2017
IN SENATE -- Introduced by Sen. LAVALLE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Consumer Protection -- recommitted to the Committee on Consumer Protection in accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8 -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
IN ASSEMBLY -- Introduced by M. of A. THIELE, McDONOUGH -- read once and referred to the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection -- recommitted to the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection in accordance with Assembly Rule 3, sec. 2 -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to providing that new passenger-type motor vehicles shall be offered for sale with a spare tire and jack
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The general business law is amended by adding a new section 198-d to read as follows:
§ 198-d. Spare tire and jack required. (a) Every new passenger-type motor vehicle, except a motorcycle, manufactured for sale in New York state on or after January first, two thousand twenty shall be offered for sale with a spare tire and jack. For purposes of this section:
(1) "passenger-type motor vehicle" shall mean any motor vehicle with a seating capacity of not more than eight adults;
(2) "spare tire" shall mean a tire mounted on a wheel and inflated, which is either attached to the outside of the motor vehicle or stowed in a compartment within such motor vehicle. A spare tire may be a fullsize tire or a temporary tire, commonly referred to as a "donut"; and
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02107-02-8
S. 1623--A 2 A. 962--A
(3) "jack" shall mean a device capable of raising or lifting a motor vehicle for the purpose of changing any tire on such motor vehicle.
(b) Any violation of the provisions of this section by any manufacturer of motor vehicles shall constitute an offense and shall be punishable by a civil fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars for each offense.
(c) Any buyer of a motor vehicle that is subject to the provisions of this section may waive the requirement set forth in subdivision (a) of this section, provided that the waiver is made in writing and a copy of such waiver containing the buyer's signature is provided to such buyer.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.