New York State Highway Laws

New York has adopted laws to keep highways safe.

Highways can often be the most dangerous part of driving a motor vehicle. There are laws in place which vary from state to state to promote highway safety laws. New York State has adopted many laws which promote the safety of those traveling on state highways such as banning hand-held devices, speeding and drunk driving.

Handheld Devices

In 2001, New York enacted a ban that stated no one was to talk on a hand-held device while driving; this does exclude those who use a hands-free device. In 2009, New York added the use of all hand-held devices, such as smart phones, PDAs and laptop computers. It is now illegal in New York to talk, text, email or play games on any device while driving. The fine for violating this law is $150 as of August, 2010.

Speeding

Excessive speed resulted in 30 percent of fatal accidents on New York highways. Current speed limit throughout New York is 55 miles per hour, with some exceptions in rural areas. When convicted of a speeding violation, as of August, 2010, the offender can be fined over $1,000 as well as lose three to 11 points on the drivers license. Once a driver reaches eleven points, the license is suspended.

Drunk Driving

All 50 states now prohibit the operation of any motor vehicle when intoxicated. According to New York law, if a person is found operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol when a child is in the vehicle are subject to various felonies, depending on if the child was injured. In addition, if the adult driving is the parent of the child, he will be reported to child services for child neglect. New York law also states that if a person is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), the license plates will be surrendered and an ignition interlock device will be installed on all vehicles registered or used by the offender.

Graduated License

Many states including New York, have adopted graduated licenses for minors between the ages of 16 and 18. This law states that minors can only drive during specific times of the day with only a limited number of other minors in the vehicle. In New York for example, minors are not permitted to drive between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., and they are only permitted to have one other minor under the age of 21 in the car with them. If a licensed adult driver is in the vehicle with him, the minor is permitted to drive during the restricted hours; in fact, 50 hours of supervised night time driving is required before the graduated license may become an unrestricted license. The graduated license is in effect for at least six months or until the requirements are met and the driver is 17 years of age.

References

• Govenor Highway Safety Association: New York Highway Safety Laws