New York Assembly Bill A04240

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Allows for distinctive plates to be issued for members of the New York city fire riders motorcycle club.

Summary

A04240 would amend New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law to create a distinctive license plate reading “NYC Fire Riders” for members of the New York City Fire Riders Motorcycle Club. Eligible applicants would have to be New York residents who are active or retired uniformed members of the New York City Fire Department and active members of the club. The bill authorizes the plates to be issued upon request, subject to proof of eligibility and payment of the standard registration fee plus an additional $25 annual service charge. The bill also sets up the administrative and financial conditions for launching the plate program. Before production begins, the Department of Motor Vehicles would generally need a $6,000 surety bond unless it receives at least 200 paid orders in advance. The service charges would be deposited into the DMV distinctive plate development fund and used for design, production, advertising, and distribution of special plates. The bill would take effect immediately, with the plate authorization itself becoming effective 180 days after enactment.

Impact

The bill would add a new section 404-ff to the Vehicle and Traffic Law and create a new category of special license plates for a specific affinity group tied to the FDNY. It would not change general vehicle registration rules, but it would expand the state’s distinctive plate program and direct associated fees into the existing DMV development fund under State Finance Law section 95-g. The measure affects the Department of Motor Vehicles, eligible FDNY active and retired members, and the New York City Fire Riders Motorcycle Club.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears straightforward and noncontroversial on its face. Its purpose is largely commemorative and organizational, offering a personalized plate option for a defined group rather than altering broader policy. No opposition or support was documented in the supplied discussion or voting history.

Contention

The main practical issue is whether the plate will generate enough advance orders to avoid the surety bond requirement and cover startup costs. Another possible point of concern is the narrow eligibility standard, which limits the benefit to New York residents who are active or retired uniformed FDNY members and club members. Because no committee transcript or vote record was provided, there is no documented dispute over the bill, but any contention would likely center on administrative cost, market demand, and the propriety of creating a special plate for a single organization.