New York's lawn mower registration is hoax
Posted: July 13, 2014 - 4:00am

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Rest easy, New Yorkers, the state is staying off your lawn and away from your mowers. A hoax spreading online this week has some residents thinking they'll be forced to register their mowers and haul them in for annual inspections just like a car. It's not true. The Buffalo News reports Friday that officials in upstate New York counties are trying to set the record straight with angry residents. They say mow as you please. There's no registration requirement, as the hoax indicated, no $10 fee and no mandate that mowers must wear OSHA-approved safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe shoes. Chautauqua County Clerk Larry Barmore says he could see how oft-taxed New Yorkers could fall for the hoax and says he hopes it "didn't give anyone any ideas."