New York laws by category

In New York, only "sparkling devices" are allowed, and only in counties and cities that have not opted out; all other consumer fireworks are illegal statewide. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

A license is required to carry a concealed handgun in New York. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

New York is a license state, not a control state: there are no state-run liquor stores, and the State Liquor Authority licenses private sellers. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Radar and laser detectors are legal to use in ordinary passenger vehicles in New York. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In New York, burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In New York, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).

New York's sales and use tax is a 4% state rate plus county and city sales taxes, so the combined rate depends on exactly where the sale happens. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Adult-use cannabis is legal in New York for people 21 and older. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In New York, anyone hunting deer or bear with a firearm, and any person accompanying them, must wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Sports betting is legal in New York, both in person and on mobile apps, for bettors 21 and older (Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law 1367: "A person placing a wager shall be at least twenty-one years of age"). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In New York, every operator of a mechanically propelled vessel (any motorboat, including a jet ski) must be at least 10 and hold a boating safety certificate from a course approved by State Parks, including U.S. Power Squadrons, Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Sailing courses (Navigation Law 49). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

New York treats a switchblade knife as a per-se prohibited weapon: under Penal Law 265.01(1) simply possessing a switchblade knife — or a pilum ballistic knife, metal knuckle knife or cane sword — is criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a class A misdemeanor, with no need to show any intent to use it. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

New York has no statewide drone-specific privacy crime (it is largely local, e.g., NYC); Penal Law 250.45 covers imaging-device surveillance generally, not drones.