§ 20-52 Vehicle Inspections.
RCNY § 20-52
(a)(1) A commercial waste vehicle must not be operated unless such vehicle is in safe operating condition and has passed an inspection conducted by a qualified inspector demonstrating compliance with the terms of this section at least once during the preceding six months.
(2)Each such inspection must be recorded on an inspection report form prescribed by the Department. Such inspection report must identify any safety defects discovered during the inspection and cover at a minimum, the following parts and accessories: service and parking brakes, steering mechanism, tires, wheels and rims, sideguards, coupling devices, mirrors, lighting devices and reflectors, horn, windshield wipers, and emergency equipment.
(3)Following an inspection, such vehicle may not be operated unless a qualified inspector certifies on the inspection report that all necessary repairs have been made and that such vehicle has passed the inspection.
(4)Copies of such inspection reports must be kept in the corresponding vehicle in accordance with the requirements of subdivision b of 16 RCNY § 20-50.
(b)A commercial waste vehicle must not be operated unless the operator of such vehicle is satisfied such vehicle is in safe operating condition. An awardee must require the operator of such vehicle to inspect such vehicle following each day's work and to prepare a daily inspection report that identifies such vehicle and any defect that would affect the safety of operation of such vehicle. Each such inspection must be recorded on an inspection report form prescribed by the Department. Such daily inspection report must cover at a minimum the following parts and accessories: service and parking brakes, steering mechanism, tires, wheels and rims, sideguards, coupling devices, mirrors, lighting devices and reflectors, horn, windshield wipers, and emergency equipment. Copies of such daily inspection reports must be kept in the corresponding vehicle in accordance with the requirements of subdivision c of 16 RCNY § 20-50. The operator of such vehicle must review the most recent daily inspection report and determine whether required repairs have been made when evaluating the condition of such vehicle.
(c)The Department or a person designated by the Department may inspect commercial waste vehicles, equipment, licenses, registrations, inspection reports, and fleet records of each awardee and each designated carter at any time at its own discretion.
(1)The Department or a person designated by the Department may order the awardee to immediately remove any commercial waste vehicle or equipment from service and, where appropriate, to take corrective action within a prescribed period of time if the Department or such person designated by the Department determines the vehicle or equipment presents an imminent threat to public health or safety or to the environment due to an issue that may include, but need not be limited to, defective brakes, tires or lighting devices, or leaking or spilling of fluids and escaping of waste. The awardee shall comply with the order within the time prescribed in the order and shall notify the Department when compliance has been achieved.
(5)If the Commissioner sustains an appeal in whole or in part, then the stated terms of the final determination on appeal will replace the original requirements of the order.
(6)If an appeal is denied, the final determination will specify a reasonable period of time for compliance with the order based on the circumstances, except in the case of an order where taking corrective action is required within an earlier time pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subdivision. The final determination by the Commissioner is subject to review pursuant to article 78 of the New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules. (Added City Record 11/16/2021, eff. 12/16/2021*; amended City Record 10/9/2025, eff. 11/8/2025) * Editor's note: For specific effective date provisions, see the editor's note at 16 RCNY Ch. 20.
