Rules of the road for New York drivers

If you are a licensed driver, you already know the rules of the road in your state. While many of these laws are the same from one state to another, some states have slightly different rules that drivers must also follow. If you are planning to move to or visit New York City, you need to know the following traffic rules, which may be different from what you are used to.

Licenses and permits

• Those moving to New York must surrender their out-of-state license and obtain a New York license within 30 days of becoming a resident.

• The legal age to drive in the state is 16. Drivers under the age of 16 with an out-of-state license are not allowed to drive on the streets of New York.

• The first step in obtaining a license is to have a learner's card that allows people over 21 years of age with a license to drive. Permit holders must also complete an approved driver training course, complete 50 hours of supervised driving, and hold a permit within six months.

• A junior license is available after all requirements have been met and a road test has been passed.

• The senior license is available to those over 17 years of age. If you have a junior license, you will automatically receive a senior license when you turn 18.

right of way

• Drivers must give way whenever another motorist or pedestrian poses a hazard that could lead to an accident.

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians at both marked and unmarked pedestrian crossings.

• Motorists with the right-of-way, for example, at a green traffic light, cannot enter an intersection if there is overlapping traffic that could prevent them from passing the traffic light before the red light turns on.

Seat Belts and Seats

• The driver and all passengers in the front seats must wear seat belts.

• Drivers and passengers in the front seat without a seat belt can be pulled over and anyone over the age of 16 will be fined.

• If the driver has a driver's license or junior license, each passenger must wear a seatbelt, regardless of seating position.

• Children under the age of four must be in a car seat that is attached to the car using the LATCH system or a seat belt.

• Children weighing over 40 pounds and under the age of 6 must be transported in a child seat.

• Children weighing over 100 pounds may be secured with a seat belt with shoulder and lap belts.

Fundamental rules

• Insurance All motorists are required to have insurance for all registered vehicles. If insurance is canceled or expired, drivers must return registration and license plates to the New York Automotive Office. Failure to do so within 90 days will result in the suspension of your driver's license.

• Inspections - All vehicles located in New York must pass inspection within 30 days of purchase or transfer. Vehicles not purchased from a New York State dealer must pass inspection within 10 days.

• Turn signals - Drivers must turn on their turn signals 100 feet before they intend to make a turn. If the vehicle's turn signals do not work, the motorist must use appropriate hand signals.

• Walkthrough — Exceeding the speed limit when overtaking another vehicle is illegal. On highways, drivers of vehicles that frequently overtake on the right should move into the right lane when it is safe to do so to allow vehicles to move into the left lane.

• School buses - All drivers are required to stop when the lights are flashing on the school bus and it is loading or dropping off children. This applies even to those on the opposite side of a divided highway.

• Bridges - Drivers are not allowed to park a vehicle on any bridge in New York.

• Ambulances - Drivers should move when the ambulance is parked on the side of the road with flashing lights if it is safe to do so. In addition, all drivers are required to slow down and prepare to stop if necessary.

• Speed ​​Limit - If no speed limit is specified, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph.

• Next Drivers are required to respect the two second rule when following another vehicle. If traffic is heavy or weather conditions are not optimal, this space must be increased for safety reasons.

The above rules, along with those that are the same in all states, must be observed when driving in New York. For more information, see the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles brochure.