New York State Sign Regulations

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Our New York State-Specific Signs Compliance – Resource Bulletin will help you understand a variety of signage rules, regulations and requirements enacted in the state. Topics include:

  • No smoking signs
  • Swimming pool signs
  • Concealed weapon signs
  • Cell phone signs
  • Baby surrender signs
  • Truss identification signs

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Bulletin Overview

No Smoking Signs

The State of New York prohibits smoking in places of employment including bars and restaurants. Exemptions to the statewide ban are granted to hotel/motel rooms, retail tobacco shops, and private clubs. The Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) became law on 3/30/2003 and is administered by the Department of Health. New York City passed the Smoke Free Air Act of 2002 (SFAA 2002) that was very similar to the state statute until 5/23/2011 when it expanded prohibition to parks, beaches, pools, and other outdoor venues. (DOH 1399-o) (SFAA 2002)

Swimming Pool Signs

Title 10, chapter I, section 6-1 of the New York Codes, Rules & Regulations (NYCRR) stipulates the rules governing the use of public swimming pools and spas. The code became effective on 5/15/1993 and requires the posting of signs at public swimming pools and spas.

Concealed Weapon Signs

The New York Penal Code, article 400 (NPC 400) allows residents of the state to carry a concealed firearm (CCW) provided they have been issued a permit granted by the local city or county in which they reside. Among the requirements for issuing a permit are; an applicant must be at least 21 years old, free from a conviction of a felony, does not have a documented mental illness, and is of good moral character. There are permit categories based on the type of weapon and occupation of the applicant. In addition, any permit issued outside the five counties of New York City must also be validated by New York City before CCW is allowed in the city. There are certain places such as government buildings, schools, etc. where CCW is forbidden even with a permit. New York does not honor the CCW permits of any other states. (NPC 400.00, 1-3) (NPC 265.06)

Cell Phone Signs

The State of New York bans the use of hand-held cell phones for both voice and texting communications by all drivers of motorized vehicles. The law became effective 11/1/2009. (A856

Baby Surrender Signs

Since the first baby surrender (safe-haven) law was enacted in Texas in 1999, all U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia, have passed safe-haven legislation. The laws allow an unharmed infant to be relinquished to the proper authorities.

Truss Identification Signs

Utilization of light frame roof and floor truss systems in buildings is widely accepted because it offers construction savings in material and labor. But their design can also pose a serious threat of collapse to firefighters during an emergency. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that building owners post construction information, including the presence of roof and floor trusses, outside all buildings.

New York requires that commercial and industrial buildings utilizing truss type construction must be marked by a sign that informs firefighters and emergency responders of the existence of truss construction. The law became effective 12/29/2004. (19 NYCRR part 1264.1)