Since death has diminished the population of Ham operators, the FCC has dropped all code requirements for licensing.
Just about anyone with moderate intelligence can now get a Technician class Ham license, and pretty much eliminate being bothered by New York's uniformed meter maids with bangbangs on their belts.
A few hours with the practice tests on
www.qrz.com will acquaint you with the information you need to take the test.
Rest assured if a NY MeterMaid wants to hastle you, he/she/it can and will, and you'll get to spend some quality time in court proving 397 of the NY V&T code is a violation of the Communications Act of 1934, the superceding Federal Law.
Beyond 397, there is a section in the Penal Code regarding the use of a radio to comitt a crime. Should you be on railroad property, and the meter maid have an IQ above that necessary to write a traffic ticket/ NY Treasury Economic Enhancement, he/she/it will write the Penal Law violation. That one is far more difficult to beat if you don't have a Ham license.