2026 brings changes for New York laws, and they are going to shake the ground for many people. So we are going to tell you what is coming with the new year for this state and how it will also affect you if you live here. Transparency, more control and more expenses are coming… for everyone! Delivery, street vendors, medical leave, road safety… and even campaigns against immigration fraud, it is a reset of the labor and urban system, which is going to affect both those who work on the street and the companies that try to survive in NY.
New minimum wage
The most visible thing, what anyone who is paid by the hour will feel is that the minimum wage is going up (finally!!), starting January 1, those who work in NYC, Long Island and Westchester will earn 17 dollars an hour; the rest of the state, 16. So, restaurant staff, stores, personal services, supermarkets… all staff will have that increase and let’s be honest, it will be a relief because it is the most expensive state in the country..
But it should also be noted that 2027 is the date set for the Cost of Living to increase automatically.
Street vending will no longer be a crime
In March 2026, selling on the street without a license will no longer be a criminal offense, there will be no arrests and you will not get a record, there will only be fines.
This is especially good for thousands of immigrants who survive with carts, stands and informal sales, it is one of the best news they could have… Although we are not going to say it will be a slide, there will be control only there will be no criminal charges.
Delivery goes into “audit” mode
If you work for Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart or any delivery app, big changes are coming, starting in January, companies will have to pay you within 7 days, clearly tell you how they calculated your pay and keep records for 3 years.
Tips will now be upfront
Also starting in January, platforms must show a tip option before finalizing the order… and guarantee that this tip is at least 10 percent and that it reaches their couriers.
This means two things, first that the customer will know from the beginning how much they are going to pay and also that the courier is guaranteed a minimum base.
Who loses? Possibly the apps, but they are not going to notice it much knowing the money they bring in every day.
Sick leave
Starting in February, employers must give 32 hours of leave for illness or emergency, and the worker can use them immediately, as stipulated by the New York City Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law.
New York against immigration scams
The state wants to combat the fraud that affects immigrants who seek legal advice and end up losing money, time and status, so under the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection there will be campaigns in the subway, online and in public spaces, plus annual reports to track complicated cases.
Electric bikes with mandatory safety
Couriers who use e bikes must operate certified models that meet safety standards. And if they are employees of apps, the company is responsible for complying with the rule… unless they participate in official exchange or rental programs.
New points system for cars
There will be stricter penalties for traffic tickets:
- Suspension of license: 10 points in two years
- Exceeding the limit by 10 mph: 4 points
- Violations for using the phone: 6 points
- Reckless driving: 8 points
- More regulations and more safety
2026 is not going to be neutral for anyone, workers are going to have more protection and many more rights, and companies more obligations and the obligation to protect their employees, it is not that complicated