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

New York
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

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
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

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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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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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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.

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

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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

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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

NYC’s DOT Asks For Expansion Of Expiring Red-Light Cam Program

State legislation creating the red-light camera program was initially enacted 30 years ago, and is slated to sunset by December. On March 20, the DOT called for a renewal and expansion of the program, throwing their support behind two state legislators pushing a package of bills that would do just that. To back up their quest, the transportation agency has also released a “Red-Light Camera Report,” which notes that a record 29 New Yorkers died last year in crashes stemming from blown red lights. None of those intersections had red-light cameras, the DOT added.

New York City Just Had Its Safest-Ever Year For Pedestrians. What Went Right?

Ten years after New York became the first US city to adopt the Vision Zero traffic safety model, transportation authorities and activists see progress and frustrations. Notwithstanding the Covid-19 pause of 2020, the largest city in the US ended 2023 with its safest year for pedestrians since record-keeping began 114 years ago, with 101 deaths for a metropolis of 8.5 million people

The Orlow Firm

The New York City based Orlow Firm works to obtain justice and compensation for victims of traffic crashes. Their team of attorneys represents victims of traffic-related incidents, including car, pedestrian and bicycle crashes. They work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure their clients receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

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