New York

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.

New York
Bike helmets required?

Bicycle helmets required for all riders 1 year or older and under 14. Children under 1 prohibited.

New York
Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Universal helmet law enacted 1967.

New York
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

8 years

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Provisions for Mature Drivers

None

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Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)

65

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Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

65

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Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)

55

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Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

55

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Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)

55

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Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)

55

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Increased penalty for high BAC

0.18

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Administrative license suspension on first offense

Yes

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Limited driving privileges during suspension

Yes

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Ignition Interlocks

Mandatory for all convictions

New York
Open container laws

Yes

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Repeat Offender Laws

Yes

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Child Restraint Required

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

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Adult Safety Belt Permissible

8 yrs and older must be restrained by a seatbelt

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Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

9 p.m. - 5 a.m. except NYC (unsupervised driving prohibited at all times) and Long Island (limited daytime unsupervised allowed)

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Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 21

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Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years with driver's ed. 18 years without driver's ed.

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Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

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Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

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Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (15)

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Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 6

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Type of Law

Primary

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Who is Covered?

All riders

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In What Seat?

All

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Hand-Held Ban?

Yes. Primary law.

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All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers

No

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All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers

No

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Text Messaging Ban?

All drivers. Primary law.

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Speed Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law

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Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

Specified jurisdictions; not permitted on controlled access highway exit ramp or within 300 feet following

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Red Light Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law and city ordinance

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Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

Specified jurisdictions

New York
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

None

New York
Marijuana Possession and Use

Decriminalized and legal for medical use

New York
Marijuana Impaired Driving

None

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