{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "penal", "section": "145.70", "citation": "Penal Law § 145.70", "heading": "Criminal possession of a taximeter accelerating device", "text": ["§ 145.70 Criminal possession of a taximeter accelerating device.", "1. For purposes of this section, a \"taximeter\" means an instrument or device that automatically calculates and displays the charge to a passenger in a vehicle that is licensed to transport members of the public for hire pursuant to local law.", "2. For purposes of this section, a \"taximeter accelerating device\" means an instrument or device that causes a taximeter to increase the charge displayed by such taximeter to an amount greater than the maximum amount permitted by local law.", "3. A person is guilty of criminal possession of a taximeter accelerating device when he knowingly possesses, with intent to use unlawfully, a taximeter accelerating device. If such a device is knowingly possessed there is a rebuttable presumption that it is intended to be used unlawfully.", "Criminal possession of a taximeter accelerating device is a class A misdemeanor."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/145.70", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "A “**taximeter**” automatically calculates and displays the passenger charge in a locally licensed for-hire vehicle, while a “**taximeter accelerating device**” makes it display more than local law permits. A person commits this offense by **knowingly possessing such a device intending unlawful use**; knowing possession creates a **rebuttable presumption of that intent**. ★ It is a **class A misdemeanor**.", "in_force_on": "2026-05-31", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/penal/145.70", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}