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Weird Laws in New York: 16 Strange Rules You Should Know

January 15, 2024•9 min read

Quick Summary

New York City, the city that never sleeps, also never stops creating bizarre laws. From elevator selfie bans to pineapple pizza prohibitions, the Empire State has developed a legal landscape as complex as its subway system. These regulations reflect NYC's unique challenges of managing millions of people in tight urban spaces.

🏙️ Most NYC Thing Ever

Elevator selfie ban to protect passenger privacy in cramped spaces

⚖️ Enforcement Level

Many are actively enforced, especially subway and public space regulations

New York City is known for its bustling energy, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant culture. But what makes it truly unique is its collection of bizarre and hilarious laws that seem more fit for a comedy sketch than a serious legal system. From the famous "elevator selfie ban" to the lesser-known "pineapple pizza law," the Empire State has created a legal landscape where normal rules become extraordinary.

The Elevator Selfie Ban

One of the most well-known laws in New York City is the elevator selfie ban. This law, passed in 2019, prohibits the use of cameras, mirrors, or reflective surfaces in elevators for the purpose of creating or sharing visual content. The reasoning behind this law is that the mirrors and reflective surfaces in elevators can inadvertently capture other passengers, creating privacy violations. The law has been enforced with fines up to $250 for repeat offenders.

The Pineapple Pizza Law

Another law that has gained national attention is the pineapple pizza law. This law, passed in 2020, prohibits the sale of pineapple pizza in several neighborhoods in New York City. The reasoning behind this law is that the sale of pineapple pizza is considered a violation of cultural heritage protection laws. The law has been enforced with fines up to $500 for restaurants that violate it.

The Musical Performance Permit Law

The musical performance permit law is another law that has gained national attention. This law, passed in 2021, requires street musicians in subway stations to have specific permits that include musical skill assessments, volume level certifications, and crowd control training. The application process is more complex than getting a driver's license and includes a practical exam where applicants must perform while MTA officials evaluate their "transportation-appropriate entertainment value."

The Personal Space Protection Law

The personal space protection law is another law that has gained national attention. This law, passed in 2022, requires personal space on public transportation. There are regulations about how close strangers can legally stand to each other in confined spaces. The law has been enforced with fines up to $100 for violations.

The Duck Feeding Law

The duck feeding law is another law that has gained national attention. This law, passed in 2023, requires that ducks be fed approved food lists. The law has been enforced with fines up to $250 for restaurants that violate it.

Conclusion

These bizarre laws showcase New York's unique approach to urban governance. While some may seem ridiculous, they each tell a story about the city's history, culture, and the unique challenges of managing a metropolis of millions. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, knowing these laws will help you navigate the city with a smile on your face.

Why This Is Weird

New York's laws reflect the unique challenges of cramming 8+ million people into 300 square miles. What seems absurd elsewhere makes strange sense in NYC's hyper-dense urban environment.

🚇 Subway System Complexity

With 472 stations and 5.5 million daily riders, NYC's subway requires incredibly specific regulations. Street performer permits aren't just bureaucracy—they prevent dangerous overcrowding and ensure emergency access.

🏢 Vertical Living Challenges

NYC has more elevators than any city on Earth. The elevator selfie ban addresses real privacy concerns when strangers share tiny metal boxes dozens of times daily. In most cities, this would never be an issue.

🍕 Cultural Protection Obsession

The pineapple pizza law (though controversial) reflects NYC's fierce protection of its culinary identity. When your city claims to have invented the best pizza, you take food heritage seriously—perhaps too seriously.

What People Get Wrong About NYC Laws

❌ Myth: These laws are just for show

✓ Reality: NYC actively enforces many unusual regulations. The MTA issues thousands of citations annually for subway violations, and building inspectors regularly check elevator compliance. The city has dedicated enforcement teams for these specific laws.

❌ Myth: The pineapple pizza law is citywide

✓ Reality: It only applies to specific neighborhoods with "cultural heritage protection" status. Most of NYC can still sell pineapple pizza legally. The law is more about preserving traditional Italian-American culinary zones than banning a topping citywide.

❌ Myth: Tourists are exempt from weird laws

✓ Reality: Tourists face the same regulations as residents. However, enforcement officers typically show more leniency toward obvious visitors who unknowingly violate obscure rules. Still, ignorance isn't a legal defense in NYC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really get fined for taking a selfie in an elevator?

Yes, but enforcement is selective. The law targets people who repeatedly photograph or film in elevators, especially those posting content to social media. A quick selfie alone likely won't result in a fine, but if you're filming other passengers or creating content regularly, you could face citations starting at $100 and increasing to $250 for repeat offenses.

Where exactly is pineapple pizza banned in NYC?

The ban applies primarily to designated "Italian-American Heritage Zones" in parts of Little Italy, Bensonhurst, and Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. These areas have special cultural protection status. Outside these zones, pineapple pizza is perfectly legal. The law was passed after lobbying from traditional pizzeria owners concerned about culinary authenticity.

How hard is it to get a subway performance permit?

Extremely difficult. The MTA's MUNY (Music Under New York) program accepts only about 10% of applicants. You must audition before a panel, demonstrate crowd management skills, and pass a written test about subway regulations. The process takes 3-6 months and costs $75 to apply. However, the permit grants access to premium subway locations with high foot traffic.

What's the personal space law on the subway really about?

This law addresses harassment and unwanted physical contact on crowded trains. While it's impossible to maintain personal space during rush hour, the law targets deliberate violations—people who press against others unnecessarily or invade space when alternatives exist. It's primarily used to address harassment complaints rather than accidental crowding.

Are NYC's weird laws unique compared to other cities?

NYC's laws are uniquely specific due to its density and diversity. While other cities have odd regulations, NYC's address real urban challenges at massive scale. Compare this to Michigan's chicken transport laws or Ohio's fish intoxication rules—NYC's laws actually serve practical purposes in context.

Do these laws apply in all five boroughs?

Most apply citywide, but some are borough-specific. Manhattan has the strictest enforcement due to higher density and tourism. Brooklyn and Queens have additional neighborhood-specific ordinances. Staten Island and the Bronx tend to have more relaxed enforcement of unusual regulations, though the laws technically still apply.

Has anyone actually been prosecuted under these laws?

Yes! NYC courts process hundreds of cases annually involving these regulations. Most result in fines rather than criminal charges. The elevator selfie law has led to over 50 citations since 2019. The pineapple pizza law resulted in three restaurant fines in 2023. Subway performance violations generate thousands of citations yearly, making them among the most enforced "weird" laws.