N.Y. Penal Law Section 270.15
Unlawfully refusing to yield a party line

1.

As used in this section:

(a)

“Party line” means a subscriber’s line telephone circuit, consisting of two or more main telephone stations connected therewith, each station with a distinctive ring or telephone number.

(b)

“Emergency call” means a telephone call to a police or fire department, or for medical aid or ambulance service, necessitated by a situation in which human life or property is in jeopardy and prompt summoning of aid is essential.

2.

A person is guilty of unlawfully refusing to yield a party line when, being informed that a party line is needed for an emergency call, he refuses immediately to relinquish such line. Unlawfully refusing to yield a party line is a class B misdemeanor.

Source: Section 270.15 — Unlawfully refusing to yield a party line, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/PEN/270.­15 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Nov. 1, 2025).

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Verified:
Nov. 1, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 270.15. Unlawfully refusing to yield a party line's source at nysenate​.gov

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