Key facts
- Amazon delivery vehicles received over 14,000 citations for violations between July 2020 and June 2025.
- Violations included blocking emergency vehicles, obstructing fire hydrants, and speeding in school zones.
- The report was compiled by The Alliance for a Greater New York using city data.
- Samuel A.A. Levine, Commissioner of New York City's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, stated the data shows harm from exploitation and shielded corporations.
- Levine urged passage of the Delivery Protection Act, which would require companies like Amazon to directly employ delivery workers.
- Amazon opposes the Delivery Protection Act.
New York City is intensifying its scrutiny of delivery services, with Amazon's vans now a primary focus. A report by The Alliance for a Greater New York, based on city data, found that Amazon delivery vehicles accumulated over 14,000 citations for various violations between July 2020 and June 2025. These infractions included blocking emergency vehicles, obstructing fire hydrants, and speeding in school zones. The report also noted approximately 13,000 idling incidents involving Amazon-affiliated vehicles during the same period.
Samuel A.A. Levine, Commissioner of New York City's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, stated that the data illustrates the harm caused by an economic system that rewards exploitation and shields powerful corporations from accountability. He urged the New York City Council to pass the Delivery Protection Act, a proposed law that would mandate companies like Amazon to directly employ their delivery workers. Amazon has expressed opposition to this measure, submitting testimony against it in April.
Many of the drivers operating the offending vehicles are independent contractors working through Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSPs). The report highlights that Amazon often directs workers with complaints about dangerous conditions to their DSPs, and the company may seek to distance itself from liability in traffic accidents by blaming the DSP. An Amazon spokesperson stated the company collaborates with DSPs to ensure safe delivery practices and has trained approximately 110,000 drivers through its Last Mile Training Academy. The spokesperson also noted that DSPs are responsible for ensuring their drivers comply with traffic laws and bear the costs of violations.