Governor Andrew Cuomo is under fire following several incidents of reckless driving and illegal parking. Observers noted that his car was egregiously parked in Midtown on a recent Monday, leading to public outcry and scrutiny of his driving record.
This latest incident comes as Cuomo has accumulated four speeding tickets in just 35 days since deploying his Dodge Charger. These tickets primarily stem from speed cameras in Brooklyn, with the most recent violations occurring on April 27 and May 2.
Cuomo’s speeding tickets, particularly in school zones, raise concerns about public safety. The fines amount to $50 each, and Cuomo has been prompt in paying them. His car’s speed violations only add to an existing narrative surrounding his driving habits, which include other speeding tickets received during prior trips.
In response to the recent allegations of illegal parking, Esther Jensen, a spokesperson for Cuomo’s campaign, attempted to clarify the situation. She stated that officers were on-site and that a staffer was present with the vehicle to move it, should it need to be relocated. Despite these claims, Jensen did not deny that Cuomo was the driver during the speed camera violations.
It’s worth noting that the accumulation of four speeding tickets in such a short period reveals a significant issue. Under a pending state bill, drivers who receive 16 tickets would be required to install speed-control devices in their vehicles. If Cuomo continues at this current pace, he could exceed that threshold, requiring modifications to his Charger.
Comments from mayoral rival Brad Lander further emphasize the issues surrounding Cuomo’s driving. Lander criticized Cuomo’s choice of car and his leadership style, suggesting that it displays an egocentric approach to leadership at odds with the values of New Yorkers.
Lander said, “His style of leadership is like using his finger to poke people in the chest. Most New Yorkers take the subway or the bus and need a mayor who thinks like they do and is in it for them, not just in it for his own ego.” This underscores the disconnect many feel with Cuomo’s approach to governing.
Following the provocative remarks, the Lander campaign took another jab at Cuomo’s driving. Lander’s spokesperson, Kat Capossela, jokingly suggested that Cuomo’s driving might stem from believing a reporter was chasing after him.
Zohran Mamdani, another mayoral candidate, did not shy away from criticizing Cuomo’s driving as reckless and unlawful. He linked Cuomo’s driving patterns to a broader narrative of misconduct during his time in office.
Mamdani’s sentiments echo those of other candidates, indicating that Cuomo’s road behavior serves as a metaphor for his governance. Julia Rose, a spokesperson for the campaign of Zellnor Myrie, added, “Andrew Cuomo has a decades-long pattern of acting like he is above the law, and this is no different.”
Public safety remains a critical concern, especially in densely populated areas like New York City. Experts note that lowering vehicle speeds is crucial to reducing the risk of fatal accidents. A driver traveling at 25 miles per hour is far more likely to allow a pedestrian to survive than one speeding at 35 miles per hour or more — the very speeds attributed to Cuomo’s driving violations.
In summary, Cuomo’s recent behavior behind the wheel, combined with a history of misconduct, has attracted significant criticism from political opponents and the public alike. The discussion surrounding his illegal parking and speeding continues to unfold, raising further questions regarding his leadership and commitment to public safety.
image source from:https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/06/16/no-mo-cuomo-scofflaw-ex-gov-caught-speeding-two-more-times-bringing-total-to-4-tix-in-3-months