16 New York Rules of the Road
Each rule below comes from the DMV Driver's Manual.
1. Stop fully at stop signs
Stop before the stop line, or before the crosswalk if there is no line.
2. No turn on red in New York City
You can't turn on a red light in New York City unless a sign permits it. Read more about turning right on red in NYC.
3. Know the speed limit
The NYC speed limit is 25 mph unless another limit is posted. Where no limit is posted elsewhere in the state, the maximum is 55 mph.
4. Don't use a hand-held phone
A first offense can mean a fine of up to $200 and five points. See how long points stay on your NY license.
5. Don't text while driving
Fines start at up to $200 for a first offense.
6. Everyone buckles up
The driver and passengers 16 and older wear seat belts, the driver is responsible for passengers under 16, children under 4 ride in a car seat and children 4 to 7 in a booster seat.
7. Signal before you turn or change lanes
Signal early, then check your mirrors and how to check blind spots before you move.
8. Keep a safe following distance
Keep at least two seconds behind the car ahead, and three to four seconds in bad weather or behind large trucks.
9. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
Learn the full right-of-way rules.
10. Obey traffic officers
Their directions come before signs and signals.
11. Use your headlights
Turn on your headlights from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, and whenever you use your windshield wipers.
12. Dim your high beams
Use low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet of a vehicle ahead.
13. Read lane lines
You can't pass or change lanes across double solid lines.
14. Slow down in work zones
Obey the posted work zone speed limit. In New York, fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled.
15. Yield in roundabouts
Yield to traffic already in a roundabout before you enter.
16. Never drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs
The DMV says safe driving is not possible after drinking alcohol or taking other drugs, including some prescription and over-the-counter medicines. A BAC of more than .05 percent is legal evidence of impairment and .08 percent or higher is evidence of intoxication. Drivers under 21 face zero tolerance: any measurable BAC of .02 to .07 means a license suspension.
