NY Daily Laws is an independent publication that explains New York law in plain English. We answer the questions New Yorkers actually type into a search bar: is it legal, what is the limit, what is the penalty, and what changed this year.
What we cover
Our guides cover state law that touches daily life: cannabis, driving and vehicle rules, guns, knives and self-defense tools, marriage and family, work and pay, housing and tenant rights, gambling and betting, health and reproductive rights, criminal law and the courts, consumer and money questions, outdoor rules, and everyday topics like pets, fireworks and noise.
New York City often has its own rules on top of state law. When a city rule changes the answer, we say so inside the statewide guide. When a topic is purely a New York City question, such as the city’s knife rules or Local Law 97, it gets its own page.
How we work
- Primary sources first. We read the statute, regulation or official agency guidance before we write a word, and we name the exact section so you can look it up.
- Short answer up top. Every guide opens with a direct answer, then explains the details, exceptions and penalties.
- Fact-checked before publishing. Each guide gets a second review against the source text.
- Kept current. New York changes its laws often. We update guides when the Legislature, the courts or state agencies change the rules.
Read our full editorial policy and our corrections policy.
Who writes our guides
Our guides are written and maintained by Nora Halsey, a legal researcher and writer who covers New York state and city law. Each guide shows its last update date, so you always know how fresh the information is.
What we are not
NY Daily Laws is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Our guides explain how the law generally works. For advice on your own situation, speak with a New York attorney. See our legal disclaimer.
Questions or a tip about a law change? Contact us.