Newspaper boxes, or newsracks, are allowed on New York City sidewalks.
They must be located:
- Between 18 to 24 inches from the curb
- 5 feet from a crosswalk or building canopy
- Allow for an 8-foot wide unobstructed path on the sidewalk
- Single news racks cannot be more than 50 inches high, 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep
- Multi-racks cannot be more than 60 inches high, 90 inches wide, and 36 inches deep
There are no restrictions on the number of newspaper boxes allowed at one location.
Empty Newsracks
The publisher is responsible for replenishing supplies of the publication. To report an empty newsrack or request fulfillment, contact the publisher directly.
You can report a newsrack that is:
- Broken
- Filled with garbage
- In a bus stop, crosswalk, or roadway
- Within 15 feet of a hydrant or news stand
- On a sidewalk grating, cellar door, or utility cover
- Less than 18 inches or more than 24 inches from the curb
- Obstructing an 8-foot wide sidewalk path
- Chained to a lamp post or City property
- Not weighed down
- Exceeding allowed dimensions
The Department of Transportation enforces the regulations on the placement and condition of newsracks.
