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
Ensures drivers have essential tools for flat tire emergencies. By mandating that new cars come with a spare tire and jack, the bill aims to reduce the number of motorists stranded or forced to wait for roadside assistance, especially in areas where help may be slow or unavailable.
Addresses recent trends in vehicle manufacturing. Many automakers have stopped including spare tires to cut costs and save space, potentially leaving buyers unprepared; this law would reverse that trend unless the buyer specifically opts out.
Gives consumers informed choice and legal protection. The requirement for a written waiver ensures that buyers are explicitly aware they are not receiving a spare tire and jack, reducing the risk of unexpected inconvenience or dispute later.
Imposes financial penalties to ensure compliance. By setting a civil fine of up to $750 per violation for manufacturers, the bill provides a tangible incentive for automakers to follow the new rule, making enforcement more likely.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Spare Tires in Cars
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- 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 Tire 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. 3432 A. 4952
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
SENATE - ASSEMBLY
February 6, 2019
IN SENATE -- Introduced by Sen. LAVALLE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Consumer Protection
IN ASSEMBLY -- Introduced by M. of A. THIELE, McDONOUGH, ENGLEBRIGHT -read once and referred to the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection
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-one 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
(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.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03166-01-9
S. 3432 2 A. 4952
(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.