Side Guard Law

The best way to contact the Business Integrity Commission (BIC) with questions about side guards is by email using this link:
Click here to submit questions/inquiries about side guards

What You Need to Do:

For every vehicle with BIC-issued Trade Waste Conveyance Plates (“BIC plates”) and a GVWR over 10,000 pounds, you must:

1. Submit proof of side guard installation including photographs through the BIC Online Portal;

OR

2. Apply for a waiver of the side guard requirement from BIC.

Background on Law

By January 1, 2023, private trade waste carting companies that are licensed by or registered with the New York City Business Integrity Commission (BIC) must comply with the requirements of Local Law 56 of 2015 (as amended by Local Law 108 of 2021).

Local Laws 56 and 108 require that all trade waste vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 pounds be equipped with side guards by no later than January 1, 2023. Side guards are proven to improve traffic safety on New York City streets.

Providing BIC with Proof of Side Guard Installation

  • Licensees and registrants are encouraged to provide proof of compliance with the side guard requirement well before the January 1, 2023 deadline.
  • You may now submit proof to BIC for each vehicle in your fleet equipped with side guards, on a voluntary basis.
  • Documentation for each vehicle equipped with side guards can be uploaded through the BIC Online Portal. See the guide document linked below for more information on how to report proof of side guard installation for each applicable vehicle.

Side Guard Waiver Application

  • You may now apply to BIC for a waiver of the side guard requirement for vehicles where side guard installation would be impractical.
  • A separate application must be submitted for each vehicle for which you are seeking a waiver.
  • Applications for a waiver must be submitted through the BIC Online Portal here. Only side guard waiver applications submitted properly through the portal will be reviewed by the Commission. BIC will not accept hard copy or emailed waiver applications.
  • Please see the instructions linked below under Resources for assistance submitting a waiver application.


Please be advised that providing false information to BIC, including information provided through the BIC Online Portal, is a violation of the Commission’s Rules (see 17 RCNY § 1-09), which may subject you to criminal penalties or civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each such violation, and could adversely affect your license or registration status.

 

Resources

Text of LL 108
Text of LL 56
Side Guard Vendor List
Notice on Side Guard Compliance Reporting
Side Guard Reporting How-To Guide
Notice on Side Guard Waiver Applications and Compliance
Side Guard Fact Sheet
Side Guard Waiver Application How-To Guide
Volpe Resource on Side Guards or Lateral Protective Devices (LPD)