ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A fake press release claiming New York will ban residents from washing their cars at home has been circulating on social media, but state officials confirm no such law exists.
The document, designed to look like an official press release from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, claims the “New York Clean Car Act” would make it illegal to wash a car on any surface that allows water to enter storm drains starting in 2028. The fake release stated penalties could include up to $1,000 in fines or a year in jail.
Investigating the claim
News10NBC reporter Brett Davidsen investigated the claim after it began spreading on social media last week. One TikTok user said, “It means that you can no longer wash a car on public New York city streets.”
However, the bill numbers listed in the press release have nothing to do with car washing. A spokesperson for the governor confirmed the “New York Clean Car Act” is not real legislation. It remains unclear where the phony press release originated.
Fooled by fake document
The fake document fooled many people, including Kyle Burdick, who runs Dirty Burd Detailing, a mobile car washing service in Rochester. “I’ve literally had 10 people send that to me,” Burdick said.
Burdick said he believed the post was real until News10NBC showed up to fact-check it. “Until you guys just showed up, I was totally under the impression that it was real,” Burdick said.
His family business was already exploring options to comply with what they thought was coming legislation. “We were prepared for it, but now obviously more relieved that we don’t have to go through that,” Burdick said.
Eco-friendly solutions
While the ban is fake, environmental groups do recommend keeping solvents out of storm water systems, which drain directly into streams and rivers. They suggest using eco-friendly cleansers, washing cars on porous surfaces or diverting water away from drains.
The claim that New York is banning car washing at home is false. While some cities like San Diego have ordinances restricting residential car washing to prevent storm water pollution, no such law exists in New York.
Fact Check: No, New York is not banning home car washing despite viral press release claiming otherwise WHEC.com.
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