GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of New York. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders 1 year or older and under 14. Children under 1 prohibited.
Universal helmet law enacted 1967.
None
8 years
65
65
55
55
55
55
0.18
Yes
Yes
Mandatory for all convictions
Yes
Yes
Under 2 yrs (or until outgrows the top height or weight recommendations) in rear-facing child restraint
3 yrs or under unless over 40 lbs and no lap/shoulder belt available
4-7 yrs unless no lap/shoulder belt available
8 yrs and older must be restrained by a seatbelt
No more than 1 under 21
17 years with driver's ed. 18 years without driver's ed.
16
6
50 (15)
16 / 6
9 p.m. - 5 a.m. except NYC (unsupervised driving prohibited at all times) and Long Island (limited daytime unsupervised allowed)
Primary
All riders
All
Yes. Primary law.
No
No
All drivers. Primary law.
Specified jurisdictions; not permitted on controlled access highway exit ramp or within 300 feet following
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Specified jurisdictions
Permitted by state law
None
Decriminalized and legal for medical use
None
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2020
CONTACT: Adrian Nicholas, 202-580-7934, anicholas@ghsa.org
AFTER-HOURS CONTACT: Pam Shadel Fischer, 908-619-2786, pfischer@ghsa.org
Drugged driving, pedestrian safety and equity in traffic enforcement among top agenda items.
GHSA News Release
September 16, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2020
CONTACT: Adrian Nicholas, 202-580-7934, anicholas@ghsa.org
In the wake of anticipated increased highway traffic nationwide as states reopen for business and recreational activities, GHSA is urging motorists to be careful.
Story by Douglas Clark
May 22, 2020
Three months into the coronavirus pandemic, the United States faces another crisis: a surge in speeding and reckless behavior on the nation's roadways.
Story by Luz Lazo
May 11, 2020
