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SidewalkSnitch / Regulations / Outdoor Dining / DOT-RC-003
Roadway Cafe — Crosswalk Clearance Violation
Outdoor Dining · NYC DOT · 34 RCNY §5-11(b)(1)(vi)-(vii) (eff. March 3, 2024)
Roadway Cafe — Crosswalk Clearance Violation is enforced by NYC DOT under 34 RCNY §5-11(b)(1)(vi)-(vii) (eff. March 3, 2024). Severity default: High.
The rule
A roadway cafe must maintain: (a) 20 feet minimum distance from a crosswalk where the nearest travel lane carries approaching traffic toward the intersection; (b) 8 feet minimum distance where the nearest travel lane carries exiting traffic; (c) 20 feet minimum from any unmarked crosswalk (curb line of an intersecting street).
What to photograph
- roadway cafe barriers extending close to or into a painted crosswalk
- outdoor dining setup appearing to be within 20 feet of an intersection crosswalk
- roadway dining barriers that appear to partially overlap with crosswalk markings
- roadway cafe placed very close to an intersection corner
How to file a complaint
- Photograph the obstruction from sidewalk level showing clear path width.
- Capture any posted DOT dining license or permit if visible.
- File via 311 under Sidewalk Café / Outdoor Dining, or use SidewalkSnitch dining analysis.
- Describe how pedestrians are forced into the street or bike lane.
Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOT.
Penalties & fines
DOT may issue notices of violation to licensed cafés; unlicensed setups can face removal orders and fines. Repeat violations can affect license renewal.
What happens after you file
DOT Sidewalk Café Inspection responds to encroachment complaints. Licensed sites are measured against permit bounds; unlicensed structures may be tagged for removal.
SidewalkSnitch supports photo analysis for dining complaints. Draft a filing in the app →
Related guides
FAQ
Can I file anonymously?
311 requires contact information for follow-up. Your identity is not shared with the violator. SidewalkSnitch requires phone verification for filings but does not auto-submit to 311.
Does SidewalkSnitch submit this to 311 automatically?
SidewalkSnitch can analyze photos for dining violations and prepare a ready-to-file draft. Direct 311 submission is not live yet — you file at 311.nyc.gov for a Service Request Number.