New York City is scrutinizing those who navigate its arteries on two wheels more than ever. Across New York City, moped and motorized bike riders are finding themselves in the crosshairs of heightened enforcement efforts. Hounded by an alarming increase in moped-related accidents and the rising prevalence of e-bikes on congested roads, the NYPD and city government are rolling out a wave of new measures.
Under a policy shift that took effect earlier this year, moped and e-bike riders accused of specific infractions are no longer simply facing civil fines. Instead, they’re being slapped with criminal summonses, tethering them to court dates in criminal court, not traffic court. These pink summonses can have serious consequences, causing more anxiety for riders who are navigating the city’s growing regulatory maze.
What does this mean for moped and bike riders trying to coexist with New York’s chaotic traffic ecosystem?
New Rule Closes Loophole & Opens Thousands of Riders to Criminal Summonses
A central element of the crackdown has been the transition from "B summonses" to "C summonses" for a set of six high-risk violations: reckless driving, operating under the influence of alcohol or drug, driving the wrong way on one-way streets, running red lights, and failing to stop at stop signs. Under the old system, moped or e-bike riders ticketed for many of these offenses could pay a fine or challenge the summons in traffic court. Additionally, without a driver’s license to suspend, many noncompliant riders ignored the system without facing significant repercussions.
The new approach requires riders to answer for their alleged violations in criminal court. This change carries serious implications. Beyond the inconvenience of mandatory appearances, criminal summonses can create a legal record that follows riders indefinitely. Riders may face substantial financial penalties alongside court fees. Additionally, failing to comply with a summons can result in a bench warrant, leading to possible arrest.
Thousands of moped and e-bike riders are expected to get caught up in this new system. NYPD’s crackdown has already been accompanied by an explosive rise in ticketing numbers. The department issued nearly 1,000 criminal summonses in just two weeks after the changes kicked in, double the criminal tickets issued over the entire previous year. If this pace continues, New York could see approximately 24,000 such summonses by the end of the year.
Tips for Staying Clear of Summonses & OATH Hearings in New York City
If you’re navigating New York on mopeds and e-bikes in 2025, taking a cautious and well-informed approach to riding has never been more important. Avoiding fines and legal entanglements is as much about knowing the rules as it is about exercising sound judgment.
Here are a few tips to help you stay in the clear:
1. Know What Requires Registration
Some mopeds and e-bikes fall into the category of “limited-use motorcycles” under New York State law. Know whether your vehicle meets the criteria. If it does, you’ll need to register it with the DMV and display a license plate. Many legal troubles stem from riders unknowingly operating unregistered vehicles.
2. Avoid High-Volume Corridors During Targeted Times
Certain streets, like Flatbush Avenue or 2nd Avenue, are seeing heightened enforcement during rush hours. Consider planning your routes in advance to avoid high-congestion areas. Adjusting your schedule or choosing less busy streets can help you stay on track while adhering to all traffic laws.
3. Watch for Prohibited Areas
Sidewalk riding is strictly off-limits, along with designated pedestrian zones and park walkways. To ensure compliance, riders should stay vigilant for any local signage indicating restrictions or guidelines. Always stick to bike lanes or vehicle lanes as defined by the law.
4. Slow Down & Ride Defensively
Speeding through intersections or failing to yield to pedestrians is a surefire way to attract law enforcement attention. While the pace of modern life often feels relentless, it’s not worth risking a summons or an accident.
What to Do If You Get Cited for a Moped or E-Bike Violation
Even diligent, responsible riders can find themselves on the receiving end of a summons. Whether it’s an OATH hearing summons or a criminal citation, here are three crucial steps to take:
1. Don’t Delay Your Response
Ignoring a summons won’t make it disappear. Criminal summonses require you to appear in court on a specified date, while OATH summonses necessitate scheduling a hearing. Failing to respond could result in additional penalties or, in the case of criminal tickets, a warrant being issued for your arrest.
2. Gather Your Documents & Evidence
If you believe the summons was issued unfairly, start assembling evidence to support your case. This could include photographs, eyewitness statements, or receipts showing compliance with registration requirements. The more organized you are, the better your case will be.
3. Consult Legal Counsel
Navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with courtroom procedures. That’s why reaching out to Gannes & Musico, LLP can make a world of difference. With decades of experience handling traffic violations, we'll help you understand your rights and the options available to you. Plus, we offer free initial consultations, so you can get professional legal guidance at no upfront cost.
Facing a Ticket or Criminal Summons in NYC? We’re Here to Help You Fight It
New York’s crackdown on mopeds and motorized bikes is raising questions, anxiety, and a multitude of pink summonses. If you’ve found yourself cited with an OATH or criminal summons, taking swift and informed action is critical.
Call (877) 803-2603 or send us a message online to request a free initial consultation. Whether you need advice on how to respond to a summons or want to contest a violation in court, our team offers accessible and convenient counsel.