Rye residents who get a parking ticket or a citation for running a gas-powered leaf blower can dispute the fine online without appearing in court, Corporation Counsel Kristen Wilson said in a podcast published Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Wilson, the city's top lawyer and prosecutor for non-criminal cases, described the enforcement system on Episode 13 of MyRye.com Conversations, hosted by former Mayor Doug French. She said the city recently transferred leaf blower violations to an online portal, joining parking appeals that were already handled digitally. The dispute system is accessible through ryeny.gov.

"My advice to the homeowner or business owner who receives a violation for improperly using a gas leaf blower is to go online and dispute your ticket or pay online," Wilson said.

Leaf blower ban enforcement

Rye's year-round ban on gas-powered leaf blowers took effect May 1, 2026. Wilson said the ban applies to homeowners, landscapers, tenants, and contractors citywide, with only battery-operated blowers permitted. Fine amounts were not disclosed during the podcast.

What Rye City Court handles

Wilson said her docket runs every Thursday and Friday morning, lasting two to three hours. The most common reason residents appear is for traffic or parking violations.

Cases also include state Vehicle and Traffic Law violations, county and city code violations, and Navigation Law cases brought by the city's Marine Patrol during summer months. Marine Patrol matters involve fishermen without licenses, illegal catches, and boats lacking required safety equipment such as life vests and fire extinguishers.

Wilson prosecutes for multiple agencies

Beyond city cases, Wilson said she steps into the role of county prosecutor for Westchester County matters heard in Rye City Court. Under agreements with other agencies, she also prosecutes cases on behalf of the New York State Police and the MTA when their officers have matters on the Rye docket.

Criminal cases follow a separate track. The Westchester County District Attorney's office handles those. Wilson said that on what she described as a handful of occasions each year, a case has both criminal and civil components, and she coordinates with the DA's office.

How to respond to a violation

Wilson said first-time court visitors should not be afraid and that she and her associate explain the process to everyone who appears. She is hired by the seven-member Rye City Council and represents the council, department heads, boards, and commissions. She does not represent individual residents.

Residents with parking or leaf blower violations can appeal or pay through the city's online system at ryeny.gov. Those who receive a traffic summons should appear at Rye City Court on Thursday or Friday mornings. The city's general information line is (914) 967-5400.