NY Traffic Laws at a Glance

Right-of-Way Rules

• At a four-way stop: if two arrive at the same time at right angles, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
• When turning left: yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.
• At an uncontrolled intersection: yield to vehicles already in the intersection, and to the driver on your right if you arrive together.
• At crosswalks: yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, including when you turn.

See when to yield the right of way and all-way stops.

Speed Limits and Speed Control

• No posted limit: 55 mph statewide. In New York City: 25 mph unless another limit is posted.
• School zones: obey the posted school speed limit during the hours on the sign or when its beacons flash. State law says school limits cannot be set below 15 mph.
• Work zones: speeding fines double, even when no workers are present.
• Bad weather: you can be ticketed for a speed "not reasonable" for conditions, even under the limit.
• Too slow is marked too ("too slow / impeded traffic flow" is on the DMV scoring summary).

See how to maintain speed. School-zone source: NYS DOT school speed limit FAQ.

Traffic Signs and Signals

Regulation signs are normally white rectangles with black letters (some use red). Warning signs are usually yellow diamonds. Stop fully at STOP signs. Treat a flashing red like a STOP sign, and a dark or broken traffic light as a STOP sign too. In New York City, you cannot turn right on red unless a sign allows it. See right on red in NYC.

Turn Signals

Signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes, and cancel the signal after the move. Brake early and gently so drivers behind you have warning. See turn signal rules.

Lane Use and Markings

Yellow lines separate opposite directions. White lines separate the same direction. Double solid lines: no passing or lane changes; you may cross only to turn left into or out of a driveway or road (or for a U-turn where legal). Diamond lanes are reserved (bus, HOV, bike) during posted times. See lane position.

How to Study New York Traffic Laws

1. Read the NY Driver's Manual. Chapters 4 to 11 and the road signs chart cover the rules on the written test and most of what you will use on the road test. Each chapter has a practice quiz.
2. Take the DMV practice quizzes, then read our 2026 permit test guide.
3. Before the road test, finish the 5-hour pre-licensing course ($50) or a 48-hour driver education course (MV-285). Not sure which you have? See what the MV-285 is. The online 5-hour course is for students 18 and older; for in-person options, call the Drive Rite CSR team.
4. Take a road test lesson (see driving packages) or our online NYS Road Test Preparation Course ($75).

What Happens If You Break a Law on the Test

The DMV scoring summary marks errors such as failing to yield, poor judgment at intersections, wrong lane, speed and following too closely. Serious or repeated mistakes can fail the test. See how the road test is scored and common road test mistakes.

Ready to Learn the Rules

Learning New York traffic laws is test prep and real-world safety. Compare your options:

• 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course ($50)
• Road test lessons: driving packages
• Book the test and the car: Road Test Services (Regular road test and car $125)

Choose your borough:

• Brooklyn driving school
• Driving lessons in Queens
• Driving lessons in Manhattan
• Staten Island driving lessons

About the author

Amir writes for Drive Rite Academy, a driving school serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island.

Reviewed by

Michael, Professional Driving Instructor at Drive Rite Academy.

How we made this guide

We checked every rule in this guide on the official New York DMV and New York City pages listed below on October 15, 2026. Prices come from Drive Rite's current price list. Rules can change, so check the linked pages before you go. If you spot something out of date, let us know and we will fix it.

Sources: NY DMV, Chapter 4 Traffic Control; NY DMV, Chapter 5 Intersections and Turns; NY DMV, Chapter 8 Defensive Driving; NYS DOT, school speed limits; NY DMV, Class D scoring summary.