Distracted Driving Laws: New York
Hand-Held Ban?
Yes. Primary law.
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
New York
Provisions for Mature Drivers
None
New York
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
65
New York
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
65
New York
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)
55
New York
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
55
New York
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)
55
New York
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)
55
New York
Increased penalty for high BAC
0.18
New York
Administrative license suspension on first offense
Yes
New York
Limited driving privileges during suspension
Yes
New York
Ignition Interlocks
Mandatory for all convictions
New York
Open container laws
Yes
New York
Repeat Offender Laws
Yes
New York
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
New York
Adult Safety Belt Permissible
8 yrs and older must be restrained by a seatbelt
New York
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)
New York
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)
No more than 1 under 21
New York
Full Privilege Minimum Age
17 years with driver's ed. 18 years without driver's ed.
New York
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16
New York
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)
6
New York
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)
50 (15)
New York
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16 / 6
New York
Type of Law
Primary
New York
Who is Covered?
All riders
New York
In What Seat?
All
New York
Hand-Held Ban?
Yes. Primary law.
New York
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers
No
New York
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers
No
New York
Text Messaging Ban?
All drivers. Primary law.
New York
Speed Cameras: State Law
Permitted by state law
New York
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted
Specified jurisdictions; not permitted on controlled access highway exit ramp or within 300 feet following
New York
Red Light Cameras: State Law
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
New York
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
Speed and Red Light Cameras: New York
Speed Cameras
Permitted by state law
Red Light Cameras
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Work Zone Traffic Laws: New York
Violations Affected
Speeding
Enhanced Penalties
Doubled fines in work zones. Ranges $90-$600 or up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Workers Must Be Present?
No
Signs Must Be Present?
Yes
Drug-Impaired Driving Laws: New York
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
None
New York State Bicycle Safety Mutual Respect Campaign
The New York Governor's Traffic Safety Committee is working with the New York Bicycling Coalition to implement a statewide mutual Respect bicycle safety awareness campaign.