Mobility & Curb Rules in Yonkers, NY

If you live in Yonkers or are thinking about moving there, mobility & curb rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Yonkers has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of mobility & curb rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Red-Light Cameras

Yonkers runs a red-light camera demonstration program under City Code § 109-45, first authorized in 2017 and amended in May 2025, that lets the Traffic Engineer install photo violation-monitoring devices at up to 25 intersections at a time. A vehicle owner caught running a red light on camera faces a civil penalty of up to $50, plus up to $25 more for not responding.

Key details: Authorized intersections: Up to 25 at a time. Base penalty per violation: $50 (owner liability). Non-response penalty: Additional $25. Liability basis: VTL § 1111(d), owner not driver. First authorized: 2017 (L.L. No. 9-2017).

The civil penalty for an owner-liability red-light camera violation is capped at $50 per violation, with an additional penalty of up to $25 for failing to respond to the notice of liability within the prescribed time. These are adjudicated by the Parking Violations Office's Administrative Law Judges, the same body that hears standard parking-ticket contests, not a criminal court.

Bike Lane Rules

City Code § 109-71 spells out how electric bikes and scooters must use Yonkers bike lanes: riders may use any marked lane, must stay in it on highways posted above 30 mph, and cannot ride against traffic, weave between cars, or ride two abreast inside one. Violations carry a fine up to $250 or 10 days in jail.

Key details: Governing section: § 109-71, effective Feb. 11, 2025. Bike lane use: Any device up to 30 mph. Highway above 30 mph: Marked bike lane required. Wrong-way lane riding: Prohibited. Riding two abreast: Prohibited.

Riding the wrong way in a bike lane, weaving between vehicles inside a marked lane, riding two abreast, or leaving a bicycle lane onto a sidewalk or unposted multiuse path are each violations of § 109-71D. Subsection J punishes any breach of the section with a fine up to $250, up to 10 days in jail, or both, enforced by the Yonkers Police Department.

E-Bike Classes

Yonkers regulates electric bikes and scooters under City Code § 109-71, effective February 11, 2025. The ordinance defines Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and electric scooters using New York Vehicle & Traffic Law definitions, caps their speed, and holds riders to the same duties as bicyclists. Violators face a fine up to $250 or up to 10 days in jail.

Key details: Effective date: Feb. 11, 2025 (Ord. No. 3-2025). E-bike (Class 1/2) speed cap: 20 mph. E-scooter speed cap: 15 mph. Maximum fine: $250. Maximum jail term: 10 days.

Any violation of § 109-71, from exceeding the 15/20 mph class speed caps to riding without required lights, a bell, or working brakes after dark, is punishable by a fine of up to $250, up to 10 days in jail, or both, under Subsection J. The Yonkers Police Department issues citations and enforces the chapter alongside the rest of the city's traffic ordinances.

The Bottom Line

Yonkers's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Yonkers is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Yonkers's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.