Go the extra mile, be an

ORGAN DONORNew York State's need for organ and tissue donation is tremendous. Approximately 10,000 New Yorkers
are waiting for a life­saving transplant. Just one person who donates his or her organs can save up
to eight lives.
What can you do to help?
Enroll in the NYS Registry Online:
If you are 16 years of age or older, simply go to dmv.ny.gov and sign up to be an organ donor through
MyDMV, or go to donatelife.ny.gov.
Enroll By Mail:
If you prefer, enroll by signing the organ donation box on your driver license or non­driver identiﬁcation
card application or on your renewal form. If it's not time for you to renew your license or non­driver ID,
simply go to donatelife.ny.gov to print and mail in your enrollment application or enroll online;
it's just that easy!
What You Should Know if You Enroll in the NYS Registry:• Tell your family you have enrolled in theRegistry and have given your legal
consent for donation to occur upon your death;• Your decision to donate will not a ff ect your
medical treatment;• The organs and tissues you donate will goto the patients in the greatest need;• There is no cost to the donor's family;• You can have your name removed fromthe Registry at any time;• After you enroll, you will receive a
conﬁrmation email or letter to conﬁrm
your enrollment and provide you withadditional information.

For more information call 1-866-NYDONOR (693-6667)
visit donatelife.ny.gov or contact one of these organizations:
Donate Life NYS: 518­326­3237 www.donatelifenewyork.com
Center for Donation & Transplant: 1­800­256­7811 www.cdtny.org (Capital District)Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network: 1­800­81 0­5494 www.donorrecovery.org (Finger Lakes Region)
LiveOnNY, Inc.: 1­800­443­8469 www.liveonny.org (Metro NYC and Long Island Area)
Upstate Transplant Services: 1­800­227­4771 www.unyts.org (Western NY/Bu ffalo)

4 | Driver’s Manual

6
6
8
10
14
16
16
17

Chapter 1 – Driver Licenses
Types of Licenses
When You Apply for Your First License
The Learner Permit and Road Test
Junior Operator Restrictions
Change of Address
License Renewal
Non-Resident and New Resident Drivers

18
18
18
18
19
19
20
21
21
22
22

Chapter 2 – How to Keep Your License
Special Rules for Drivers with Junior Permits & Licenses
Probation Period for All Other Newly Licensed Drivers
If You Receive a Traffic Ticket
Traffic Tickets Received Out of State
Mandatory Suspension or Revocation
The Point System
Traffic Crashes
Fees and Civil Penalties
Driver Responsibility Assessments
Driving While Suspended or Revoked

23
23
25
26
26
27

Chapter 3 – Owning a Vehicle
Registration and Title
Registration Renewal
Resident and Non-Resident Responsibility
Inspection
Complaints Against Businesses

TAB LEO F

CO N T E N TS

PART ONE – Information for Drivers and Vehicle Owners

PART TWO – Rules of the Road
28
28
29
30
32

Chapter 4 – Traffic Control
Signs
Traffic Signals
Pavement Markings
Traffic Officers

33
33
34
34
34
36

Chapter 5 – Intersections and Turns
Right-of-Way
Emergency Vehicles
Blue, Green and Amber Lights
Turns
U-Turns

38
38
38
39
39

Chapter 6 – How to Pass
How to Pass on the Left
How to Pass on the Right
Being Passed
School Buses

40
40
40
40
41
42

Chapter 7 – Parallel Parking
How to Park
How to Park on a Hill
How to Pull Out from Parallel Parking
Parking Regulations
Reserved Parking for People with Disabilities

Driver’s Manual | 5

PART THREE – Safe Driving Tips

Chapter 9 – Alcohol and Other Drugs
What Alcohol DoesOther Drugs
Alcohol, Other Drugs, and the Law
Your BAC
Chemical Tests
The Consequences
A Few Important Reminders
How to Avoid Trouble

57
57
59
59
60
60
61
62

Chapter 10 – Special Driving Conditions
Railroad Crossings
Expressway Driving
Night Driving
Driving in Rain, Fog, or Snow
How to Drive in Winter
How to Avoid Collisions With Deer
Driving Emergencies

64
64
64
66
68
69
71
71
71

Chapter 11 – Sharing the Road
Pedestrians and Skateboarders
Bicyclists and In-Line Skaters
Motorcyclists
Moped Operators
Large Vehicles
Slow-Moving Vehicles
All-Terrain Vehicles and Snowmobiles
Horse Riders

72
72
72
72

Chapter 12 – If You Are in a Traffic CrashAt the Scene
Emergency First-Aid
Reports to DMV

73
73
74
76
76

DMV Consumer Directory
State DMV Offices
County DMV Offices
DMV Call Centers
Important DMV Addresses and Telephone Numbers

CO N T E N TS

51
51
51
52
52
53
53
56
56

O F

Chapter 8 – Defensive Driving
Be Prepared and Look Ahead
Driver Distractions
Aggressive Drivers
Road Rage
Speed
Allow Yourself Space
Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats, and Air Bags
How to Drive Safely in Work Zones
How to Drive Through a Roundabout
Drowsy and Fatigued Driving
Using a Cellular or Mobile Telephone
Vehicle Condition

TAB L E

43
43
43
43
44
45
45
46
47
48
48
49
50

PART

6 | Driver’s Manual

1

INFORMATION FOR DRIVERS& VEHICLE OWNERS

CHAPTER 1 / DRIVER LICENSES
You must have a valid driver license to drive le­gally in New York State. If you reside in and hold avalid license from another state or nation, you candrive legally in New York State. However, even if
you are licensed somewhere else, people underage 16 cannot drive in New York State.
Drivers who have moved here must turn in theirout-of-state driver license and get a New Yorklicense within 30 days of becoming a permanent
resident. In most cases, it is illegal to hold a New
York driver license and a driver license from an­other state at the same time. It is also a violationof Federal and state law to hold more than one
commercial driver license (CDL).

• Is made or used to carry 15 or more
persons, in addition to the driver; or,• Regardless of seating capacity, is defined
as a bus by Article 19-A of the Vehicle andTraffic Law (including vehicles that carryschool children or disabled people); or,• Carries hazardous materials required byfederal law to contain a placard.
The non-commercial driver licenses in thismanual are:

TYPES OF LICENSES

Operator, Class D - Minimum age is 18, or age
17 with a driver education Certificate of Comple­
tion (see Driver Education later in this chapter).
Allows you to drive a vehicle with a manufactur­
er’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000
pounds (11,794 kg) or less; to tow a vehicle with a
GVWR of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) or less; or tow
a vehicle of more than 10,000 pounds if the grosscombination weight rating (GCWR) of the twovehicles together is no more than 26,000 pounds(11,794 kg). You can also operate Class B and C
mopeds with this driver license.

New York State recognizes six types of
non-commercial driver licenses. The informationin this chapter applies to passenger car and mo­torcycle licenses. Information about commercial
driver licenses can be found in the Commercial
Driver’s Manual (CDL-10). This is available fromthe DMV website (search under Forms) or at any
motor vehicle office. You must have a CDL if you
drive any vehicle that:

Junior Operator, Class DJ - Minimum age is
16. Allows you to drive a vehicle with a GVWR
of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) or less, and tow avehicle of 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg) or less. You canalso operate Class B and C mopeds with this driv­
er license. Please note you are limited with where,
when, and with whom you can drive – pleaserefer to the section of this manual labelled “Junior
Operator Restrictions” found later in this chapter.

• Has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weightrating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds(11,794 kg); or

Non-CDL Class C - Minimum age is 18. Allows
you to drive some vehicles with a GVWR of
26,000 pounds or less, or to tow a vehicle witha GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less providing the
GCWR is not more than 26,000 pounds (11,794 kg)
where no CDL endorsement is required.

It is a crime to alter or forge any motor vehicle
document, including a driver license. This may
cause suspension or revocation of the driver
license and criminal prosecution resulting in a fineor imprisonment.

• Has a gross combination weight rating(GCWR) of more than 26,000 pounds(11,794 kg), including any towed unit with a
GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds (4,536kg); or,

Taxi/Livery, Class E - Minimum age is 18.
Allows you to drive the same vehicles as a Class

Driver’s Manual | 7

D license, and transport passengers for hire in a
vehicle designed or used to carry 14 or fewer pas­
sengers. If the vehicle is defined as a bus under
Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (e.g., aschool car or a van that transports physically or
mentally disabled persons), regardless of seating
capacity, you must have a CDL.
Motorcycle, Class M - Minimum age is 18, orage 17 with a driver education Certificate of Com­pletion (see Driver Education later in this chapter).
Allows you to drive motorcycles and mopeds.
Junior Motorcycle, Class MJ - Minimum age is
16. Allows you to drive motorcycles and mopeds.
You are also limited with where, when, and withwhom you can drive – please refer to the sectionof this manual labelled “Junior Operator Restric­
tions” found later in this chapter.
Note: If you have a motorcycle license andanother type of driver license, both classes will
be listed on one document (e.g., “Class DM”).
Enhanced Driver License - Can be used forland and sea border crossings to and from the
U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbe­
an. This license can be used instead of a passport
as an identity and Citizenship document at thesecrossings and for air travel within the U.S. This is
an option for NYS residents who are U.S. citizens.
Commercial driver licenses and motorcycle licens­es can also be issued as an EDL.
Real ID License – The REAL ID Act is a federal
law passed by Congress resulting from the 9/11
Commission’s recommendation that establishes
specific federal requirements for state-issued
driver licenses, permits and ID cards to be ac­
ceptable for certain federal purposes. Beginning
October 1, 2020, every air traveler flying within
the United States will need to present a REAL ID
or an Enhanced Driver License, or bring anotheracceptable form of identification, determined by
the federal government, to get through security at
U.S. airports. To get a REAL ID, you will need to go
to a DMV Office.

Personal Use Vehicle (Rental, Recreational
Vehicle) or “R” endorsement - The Personal Use
Vehicle “R” endorsement is required for opera­tion of recreational and/or rental vehicles used
to transport personal household goods when thevehicle is over 26,000 pounds (11,794 kg.) GVWR
and/or forty (40) feet in length. This endorsement
is available to Class D and E license drivers.
To get an “R” endorsement: Submit a complet­ed Application for Driver License or ID Card (MV­44) to a state or county motor vehicle office; paya permit fee, which is valid for a maximum of tworoad tests; and pass a road test in the size andtype of vehicle you will drive. No written test is re­quired. For the road test, a driver who is at least 21
years old, with a license valid for the vehicle you
will drive during the test, must accompany you.
(e.g., a driver license with an “R” endorsement
or the correct Commercial Driver License). The
road test will take approximately 15 minutes andwill include turns, intersections and backing thevehicle to the curb. When you pass the road test,
you must go to a motor vehicle office and pay
the required fee to complete the licenseamendment process.

8 | Driver’s Manual

WHEN YOU APPLY FOR YOUR FIRST
LICENSEThe information and required application forms
you need to apply for a learner permit or driver
license are available at any motor vehicle office.
You can also download them from the DMV
website. To apply for a learner permit or driver
license you must complete an Application for
Driver License (MV-44). You must pass a vision
and written test and pay the application andlicense fees. Most drivers must also complete an
approved 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course and passa road test. For more information about how to ap­
ply for and receive a license to drive a motorcycle
or a commercial vehicle that requires a CDL, referto the Motorcycle Operator’s Manual (MV-21MC)or the Commercial Driver’s Manual (CDL-10).
You must bring your completed application to
any motor vehicle office, show the required proofof name and date of birth, provide your Social
Security card and pay the correct fee.
Your first New York driver license will be issued
for a period not to exceed 5 years, on your monthand day of birth. Your fee for a learner permit andlicense in Class D, DJ, M or MJ will be based onyour age and date of birth.

Examples of common proofs and their point val­
ues are listed below.
Each document below has a value of 6 points:• New York Photo Driver License/Permit/
Non-Driver ID Card
Each document below has a value of 4 points:• If Under Age 21 — Statement of Identity
by Parent/Guardian (MV-45) (see special
instructions and requirements on the DMVform). Proof of date of birth and an originalSocial Security card are required forthe applicant.
• U.S. Passport, must be valid
Each document below has a value of 3 points:• Foreign passport - in English and with a U.S.
Visa and valid I-9 or unexpired I-551 stampor statement on visa. If the document is not
in English, a certified translation by the em­
bassy or consulate of the issuing country
is required. See the publication Proofs ofIdentity (ID-44).
• Valid U.S. Re-entry Permit (I-327)

Proof of Identity and Age• Valid U.S. Refugee Travel Document (I-571)

For your protection, DMV must be sure who
you are. As part of the application, you must pro­vide your Social Security card. You must present
documents that prove your name and age. All
proofs must be in English or accompanied by acertified English translation. The list of acceptable
documents and assigned point values, described
below, are on forms License/Permit/ID Instructions(MV-44.1 and MV-44.1RID) and Proofs of Identity(ID-44 and ID-44RID) available from the DMV
website (search under Forms) or at any motor
vehicle office.

• Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of
Naturalization (N-550, N-560, N-561, N-570,
N-578 or N-645)

Proof of Name

• NYS Medicaid/Benefit/Food Stamp Card,with photo (or, 2 points without photo)

Documents that prove your name are assigned
a point value. You must present proofs that total
six points or more. At least one of the proofs musthave your signature.

• Permanent Resident Identification Card
(INS I-551)• Valid U.S. Employment Authorization Card
(INS I-688B or I-766, with photo)• U.S. Military Photo Identification Card(issued to military personnel only)Driver’s Manual | 9

Each document below has a value of 2 points:• Photo Driver License issued by another U.S.
state, jurisdiction, territory or possession, or,a Canadian province or territory (must be ineffect at least 6 months and not expired formore than 12 months)• U.S. Insurance Policy (in effect at least
two years)• U.S. Health Insurance Card/Prescription
Card• U.S. Military Dependent Photo ID card

• U.S. Utility Bill (must have your nameand address)• NYS DMV Non-Photo Interim License orComputer Generated Learner Permit• U.S. High School Diploma or General
Equivalency Diploma (GED)• NYS Vehicle Certificate of Title• W-2 Form (must include Social Security
Number)• NYS Vehicle or Boat Registration Document• U.S. Union Card
• U.S. Social Security Card (must haveyour signature)• Veteran Universal Access Photo Identifica­tion Card• U.S. High School ID With Report Card
Proof of Age• U.S. College ID With Photo and Transcript• U.S. Marriage or Divorce Record or CourtIssued Name Change Document• NYS Professional License• NYS or New York City Pistol Permit

You must prove your date of birth. The DMV will
accept the original or certified copy of ANY ONE
of these documents from the issuing agency:• Birth Certificate issued and certified by
the U.S. Department of State or a Board of
Health or Bureau of Vital Statistics in the
U.S., its territories or possessions

Each document below has a value of 1 point:• Valid U.S. Major Credit Card, or• U.S. Cash (ATM) Card (with pre-printedname and signature), or• U.S. Canceled Check (with your pre-printedname), or• U.S. Bank/Financial Institution
Statement/Record• U.S. Employee Identification Card
• U.S. Computerized Pay Stub (must include
your name• U.S. Supermarket Check Cashing Card
(must have your pre-printed nameand signature)• Certificate of Birth Registration issued by
the Department of Health of New York Stateor New York City
• U.S. Military Photo Identification Card
• U.S. Passport• Foreign Passport (with INS documentation)
or Immigration Documents - See the publi­
cation Proofs of Identity (ID-44) for details• Certification of Citizenship or Certificate of
Naturalization

10 | Driver’s Manual

Vision and Written Tests
To pass the vision test, you must have 20/40 vi­
sion in at least one eye with or without corrective
lenses. If you cannot pass this test or if you wear
special lenses, contact a DMV Call Center for
additional instruction.
The written test for a Class D, M, DJ, MJ or E
license examines knowledge of the rules of theroad, safe driving techniques, road signs and thelaws about alcohol and drug use while driving. To
pass the written test, you must correctly answer at
least 14 of the 20 questions asked, but you mustcorrectly answer two of the four questions aboutroad signs. You can practice for the written testwith the questions included in this Driver’s Manualand you can take practice quizzes online at the
DMV website. (dmv.ny.gov)
If you require a motorcycle license, also study
the Motorcycle Operator’s Manual (MV-21MC).
There is a separate commercial driver license
written test for a CDL Class A, B, or C. If you want
to apply for a commercial driver license, also
study the Commercial Driver Manual (CDL-10).
Automated Knowledge Test
Class D knowledge tests are offered in multiple
languages and can be taken via touch screen test
stations or on paper. For practice tests, please
visit our website by scanning the QR code below.
The QR code can be scanned with your smartphone once you’ve downloaded a free QR Code
Reader to your phone.

Online Knowledge Test Application
Before you apply for a learner permit, students
who are at least age 15 can take the written
test through the DMV Online Knowledge Test
Application (OKTA) program. The test is given atparticipating high schools across New York State.
The test is given in an easy-to-use format and isoffered in English and Spanish.

It is not necessary for schools that participate
to have a driver education program. They must
provide a personal computer with Internet access,a printer and at least one staff person to monitor
the tests. The OKTA program automatically scoreseach test and displays the results for the student
on the computer screen.
Students who pass the test online will receivea receipt, instructions and all required forms toapply for a learner permit. Students who are atleast age 16 can bring their receipt and completed
forms to any state or county motor vehicle office
to apply for a learner permit. Students who fail thetest can take it again online as many times as theschool allows.

THE LEARNER PERMIT AND ROAD TESTThe Learner Permit
When you pass the vision and written tests andpay your fees, your learner permit will be issued
and you can start to learn to drive. When you
practice, you must be supervised by a licensed
driver who is at least 21 years old, has a license
valid for the type of vehicle you are driving, andis seated in the front seat with you when you
are driving. New York State also has additional
restrictions that apply to drivers under the age of
18. Based on the Graduated Driver Licensing laws,
if you have a DJ Learner Permit you are restricted
by where and when you drive, and who can be in
the car with you when you drive. These restric­
tions are based on where you are driving and are
best explained by the chart on the next page:Driver’s Manual | 11

REGIONAL RESTRICTIONS FOR A JUNIOR PERMITNew York City (5 Boroughs)

Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk)

Upstate (All Other Counties)

5AM – 9PM

5AM – 9PM

5AM – 9PM

You must drive only under theimmediate supervision of your:You must drive only under theimmediate supervision of your:
1. Parent
2. Guardian
3. Person “in loco parentis”
4. Driver Education Teacher
5. Driving School Instructor;or6. Anyone who has been desig­
nated in writing by the parent,
guardian, or person “in loco
parentis”.

You must drive only under theimmediate supervision of:
A person who is age 21 or older
and has a license valid for thevehicle being driven.

1. Parent
2. Guardian
3. Person “in loco parentis”
4. Driver Education Teacher
5. Driving School Instructor
Those listed above must be age
21 or older and have a license
valid for the vehicle being driven.
Vehicle must have dual controls(dual brakes)

Those listed above must be age
21 or older and have a license
valid for the vehicle being driven.

9PM – 5AM

9PM – 5AM

You must NOT drive.

You must NOT drive

9PM – 5AM
You must drive only under theimmediate supervision of your:
1. Parent
2. Guardian
3. Person “in loco parentis”
4. Driver Education Teacher
5. Driving School Instructor
Those listed above must be age
21 or older and have a license
valid for the vehicle being driven.

The restrictions for drivers with learner permits
are also available at state or county motor vehicle
offices or online, “Important Information About
Learners’ Permits” (MV-500H), at the DMV web­site, dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv500h.pdf.
Definitions (For the purpose of this section of
the manual)“Properly Licensed” means has a license valid
in this state to drive the type of vehicle being
driven by the new or junior driver.
“Guardian” means a person who has, on a reg­ular and extended basis, assumed the characterof a parent and discharges parental duties as theresult of a court appointment.
“In Loco Parentis” means a person who
assumes the role of a parent for the purpose of
performing parental duties with the implied or
actual consent of a parent (e.g. as a result of thedeath, incapacity, or in the absence, of a parent).
“School Course” means instruction that islicensed or approved by a state agency or depart­
ment, or training conducted by the U.S. Armed
Forces. The term “school course” does NOT
include activities or events for which no scholastic
credits are given.

12 | Driver’s Manual“Employment” means a place of business at
which you are paid to work on a scheduled basis.
You cannot drive during work or as part of yourwork duties.
“Work Study Program” means a state-ap­
proved work-study program. For example, aBoard of Cooperative Educational Services(BOCES) course for which academic credit isgranted for work experience.
“Medical Appointment” means medical treat­ment that is necessary for you or a member ofyour household.
“Daycare” applies to travel to and from childcare if the attendance of the child is necessary
for a family member to maintain employment or
attend a school course.
General Rules for All Drivers with Learner
Permits
If you hold a learner permit, you cannot drive:• Unless you are accompanied by a super­vising driver who is at least age 21 and has
a license to operate the vehicle you are
driving. In Long Island and New York City,
this person must be a parent, guardian or
driving instructor. For example, a personwith a motorcycle license can supervise a
motorcycle learner.
• In a DMV road test area.
• On any street within a park in New York Cityor any bridge or tunnel under the jurisdic­
tion of the Triborough Bridge andTunnel Authority.
• On the Cross County, Hutchinson River,
Saw Mill River, or Taconic State parkways in
Westchester County.
Driving with a Junior Learner Permit• You cannot drive with more than one
passenger under the age of 21 unless they
are members of your immediate family or
if your supervising driver is your parent,
guardian, person “in loco parentis,”driver education teacher or driving
school instructor.

• You and each passenger must wear a seatbelt: one per person. Every child passenger
must use a correct child restraint. (See:
Chapter 8, “Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats,
and Air Bags”)• If you hold a junior permit, the only pas­
senger allowed in the front seat is yoursupervising driver.
• Also see “Special Rules for Drivers with
Junior Permits and Licenses,” Chapter 2.
Preparing for the Road Test
Safe drivers often find their amount of practice
before the road test makes a positive difference.
Before you take the test, it is important that you
have had at least 50 hours of practice, with atleast 15 hours after sunset. It is recommended
that at least 10 hours of the supervised practice
be in moderate to heavy traffic. Road tests are
given on city streets, but you should practice on
expressways and other types of highways as
well. DMV suggests you take a high school orcollege driver education course or lessons from a
DMV-licensed driving school. If you cannot take acourse or lessons, have the person who teaches
you read Parts 2 and 3 of this manual.
You cannot practice in a DMV road test area
or on any restricted roads. In New York City,
these areas include any street within a park andall bridges and tunnels under the jurisdiction of
the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. In
Westchester County, the streets and roadways
you cannot practice on include these parkways:
Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River
and Taconic State.
Safe Driving Course Requirement
Before you can make a road test appointment,
you must first complete an approved safe drivercourse. This requirement is automatically fulfilled
as part of a state approved high school or college
driver education course. Or you can complete thisrequirement when you take a special Pre-Licens­ing course available at most licensed driving
schools. When you complete the course, you will
receive a certificate which you’ll need to schedule
your road test appointment. The certificate is valid
for one year.

Driver’s Manual | 13

Note: A defensive driving course, taught
through the DMV-certified Point & Insurance
Reduction Program does NOT meet the Safe
Driving course requirement.
Driver Education
If you are 17, you are eligible for a senior driver
license (Class D or M) if you have a junior driver
license and have completed a state-approved
high school or college driver education course.
To change your junior license to a senior license,bring your junior license and the Student Certif­
icate of Completion (MV-285) that you received
from your instructor to any motor vehicle office.
You must return your certificate and junior license
to receive the senior license. If you do not change
your junior license to a senior license, you aresubject to the restrictions for junior drivers until
you are age 18, even if you carry the completion
certificate with you. You can also give your certifi­
cate with your junior permit to the license examin­
er at your road test. You will automatically receive
a senior license when you become eligible.
For Junior Drivers with PermitsYour permit must be valid for a minimum of six
months in order to take the road test. When you
pass the road test, you will be issued a JuniorLicense (Class DJ or MJ). See the chart “Regional
Restrictions for a Junior License.”
A DMV license examiner will conduct the roadtest. You must give the license examiner yourphoto learner permit, your 5-hour Pre-Licensing
Course Completion Certificate (MV-278) or yourStudent Certificate of Completion (MV-285) anda completed Certification of Supervised Driving(MV-262). All junior drivers with permits are re­quired to present a completed MV-262 at the timeof the road test.
The Certification of Supervised Driving (MV­262) is available from the DMV website dmv.
ny.gov and at any motor vehicle office. With thisstatement, your parent or guardian certifies thatyou completed at least 50 hours of practice driv­
ing, including at least 15 hours after sunset, with
an appropriate supervising driver(See chart “Regional Restrictions for a Junior
Permit” later in this chapter).
For All Other Drivers with Permits
When you take your road test, you must givethe license examiner your photo learner permit,
your 5-hour pre-licensing course completion
certificate (MV-278) or your Student Certificate ofCompletion (MV-285).
The Road Test
After you have completed the Safe Driving
Course Requirement, and you feel you are readyfor your road test, you can schedule your roadtest appointment using DMV’s Road Test Sched­uling System online at dmv.ny.gov/roadtest or
by telephone at 1-(518)-402-2100. You must haveyour Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate(MV-278) or driver education course Student
Certificate of Completion (MV-285) before youschedule your appointment. When schedulingyour appointment, you will need to have your
Learner Permit and Safe Driving Course certificate(MV-278 or MV-285) with you.
You must bring a vehicle to drive during theroad test. The vehicle must be legally registered,inspected, insured and equipped, and in goodworking order. This includes doors and seat belts.
The passenger side seat belt must be available
and clean for use by the examiner. If you drive tothe road test site, you must also bring a supervis­
ing driver who is at least 21 and holds a license
valid for the vehicle you will drive during the roadtest. Motorcycle applicants must bring a car ortruck and a licensed driver to transport the license
examiner during the test.
The DMV can cancel road tests because of bad
weather. Check DMV’s website (dmv.ny.gov) for
any cancellation information.
After the Road Test
At the conclusion of the road test, the Examiner
will issue you a receipt of your test results. Any er­rors you made will be listed on the receipt. Please
follow the Examiner’s instructions, if any.
When you qualify for your original license theexaminer will issue you a printed receipt.

14 | Driver’s ManualThis receipt plus your photo learner permit will bea temporary driver license valid for 90 days. Your
new photo license will arrive in the mail within
three to five weeks. If you qualified to add anoth­er license class to your current driver license, youwill need to wait 7 days, then go to a DMV office
to upgrade your driver license.
When you qualify for a license, you must
continue to be careful and obey the traffic laws togain experience as a capable driver. Many motor­
ists enroll in a DMV-certified Accident Prevention
Course to help them gain knowledge of safe
driving practices and important highway safetyissues. This course, commonly known as the Point
and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP), is avail­able through private companies or corporations in
New York State.
The course is available as a classroom course
or online (called I-PIRP) and reviews time-tested
safe driving tips and provides a summary of thevehicle and traffic laws. If you are eligible forpoint reduction, as many as four (4) points can be
reduced from your driving record. (For more infor­
mation on the point system, see The Point System
in Chapter 2.) You can complete this course every
18 months for the purpose of point reduction. You
can also qualify for a minimum 10% reduction in
the base rate of liability and collision insurance
premiums for three years. More information
regarding the Point and Insurance Reduction
Program, including lists of sponsors approved toprovide this course, is available on DMV’s website
at https://dmv.ny.gov/learn-more-about/pirp.

JUNIOR OPERATOR RESTRICTIONS
Driving with a Junior License• You cannot drive with more than one pas­
senger under the age of 21 unless they are
members of your immediate family.
• You and each passenger must wear a seatbelt: one per person. Every child passenger
must use a correct child restraint. (See:
Chapter 8, “Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats,
and Air Bags”)• Also see “Special Rules for Drivers with
Junior Permits and Licenses,” Chapter 2.
New York State also has additional restrictions
that apply to drivers under the age of 18. Basedon the Graduated Driver Licensing laws, if you
have a Class DJ Driver License (also known asa Junior Operator License) you are restricted towhere and when and who can be in the car withyou when you drive. These restrictions are basedon where you are driving and are best explainedby the chart on the next page:Driver’s Manual | 15

REGIONAL RESTRICTIONS FOR A JUNIOR LICENSE
New York City (5 Boroughs)

Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk)

Upstate (All Other Counties)

5AM – 9PM

5AM – 9PM

5AM – 9PM

You must NOT drive.

You may drive alone only directly
between your home and employ­ment, a work-study program, acourse at a college, university, or
registered evening high school, adriver education course, or while
engaged in farm employment.

You may drive without being
accompanied.

You may drive when accompa­
nied by your licensed parent,
guardian, person “in loco paren­tis”, driver education teacher, or
driving school instructor.

9PM – 5AM
You must NOT drive.

9PM – 5AM

9PM – 5AM

You may drive alone only directly
between your home and a workstudy program, a course at acollege, university, or registeredevening high school, a driver
education course, or while
engaged in farm employment.

You may drive alone only directly
between your home and employ­ment or a school course.

Driving Alone with a Junior License

All other driving must be accom­
panied by your licensed parent,
guardian, or person “in loco
parentis”.

If you hold a Junior License and drive in the coun­ties of Nassau or Suffolk:

It also must list your name, date of birth, driver
license number, job description, and days, hours
and location of employment. The address andtelephone number at which the employer can becontacted must be included for verification by amagistrate or police officer.

You can drive by yourself between home andyour employment, which can include farm work, if
you carry the correct proof of employment. Your
employer can complete a Certificate of Employ­ment (MV-58A), available from the DMV website(search under Forms) or at local motor vehicle
offices. In the upstate counties only, instead of an
employment certificate, you can carry a letter fromyour employer. The letter must be marked witha date and signed by your employer, and mustshow the business name, address and telephone
number where you work.

When you drive by yourself between yourhome and a qualified school course or approved
work-study program, you must carry proof of en­rollment. This must be a letter, marked with a dateand signed by an appropriate school or program
official, on the school or program letterhead. It
must include the address and telephone numberof the official for verification by a magistrate orpolice officer. The letter also must include thedate(s), hour(s) and location(s) of the school
course or program activity, your name, date ofbirth, and driver license number.

Please see this important information:

16 | Driver’s Manual

Motorcyclists and Moped Operators
The restrictions in this manual also apply tooperating a motorcycle or moped. Your learnerpermit or junior license (Class M or MJ) does notallow you to carry any passenger except yoursupervising driver. Your supervising driver musthave a driver license valid to operate the sameclass motorcycle or moped you are driving, andmust exercise general supervision and control byremaining within one-quarter mile. It is strongly
recommended that your supervising driver beable to see you at all times.

driver license, permit, or non-driver ID or valid U.S.
Passport or other identification acceptable to thefederal government. To get a REAL ID, you willneed to go to a DMV Office on or after October30, 2017. You cannot get a REAL ID online, byphone, or through the mail.
To get a Real ID you MUST bring to the office
the following original or certified proof documents:• Proof of identity.
• Proof of Social Security Number or Social
Security Number ineligibility.

NYS Drivers Visiting Other States• Proof of your date of birth.
You can drive outside New York State withyour learner permit, junior learner permit or juniorlicense if it is allowed by the laws of the otherstate. You must obey that state’s permit, juniorpermit and driver license restrictions that may
apply. Ask the police or motor vehicle authorities
in the state you are visiting.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS
If you change your address you must notify
DMV within 10 days by mail, on a Change-of-Ad­
dress Form (MV-232), or online at the DMV web­site dmv.ny.gov. You must write the new addressin the space provided on the back of yourdriver license.

LICENSE RENEWAL
You are responsible to know when yourdriver license expires and to renew it on time. If
the DMV has your current address, you should
receive a renewal notice and instructions in the
mail approximately 45 days before your license
expires. If you do not receive the notice, you canapply for renewal at a motor vehicle office. You
can renew your license up to one year before its
printed expiration date.
Beginning October 1, 2020, the federal govern­
ment will require your driver license, permit or ID
card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it
as identification to board a domestic flight (within
the U.S.), or enter military bases and certain
federal facilities. You may also use an Enhanced• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent
residency or temporary lawful status in
the U.S.
• Two proofs of New York State residence
such as utility bill or mortgage statement(P.O. Box not acceptable). This address will
be displayed on your card.
• The application process also requires the
DMV to take a new photo.
If you decide you do not want a REAL ID or
Enhanced document, your license most likely canbe renewed through the mail or through the DMV
website, but be advised that any license, permit
or ID card issued after October 30, 2017 will bemarked “Not for Federal Purposes”. If you renew
by mail or through the DMV website you must
prove you have passed an eye test within the past
six months or within one year as determined by alicensed health care professional before the date
you renew your license. To renew by mail, youmust return to the DMV your renewal application
and a completed Eye Test Report (MV-619) whichdocuments that you passed the vision test. If you
renew through the DMV website dmv.ny.gov, youwill need information from a completed Eye Test
Report by your health care professional. An Eye
Test Report form is available from the DMV web­site dmv.ny.gov (search under Forms) or at any
motor vehicle office. Make sure to renew early ifyour license will expire while you are out of state.
If you cannot renew early or a serious illness

Driver’s Manual | 17prevents you from doing so, contact a DMV Call
Center.

license will be returned at your request, but only
after you return your New York license.

If you enter military service, your license canbe automatically extended throughout your active
service and for six months after discharge. You
must notify the department within 60 days of theentry date into service. You must submit the form,
Notification of Military Service (MV-75), available
from the DMV website (search under Forms) or at
any motor vehicle office.

Drivers from Outside New York StateNON-RESIDENT AND NEW RESIDENTDRIVERSIf you are a resident of another state or country
and hold a valid driver license there, you canlegally drive in New York State. You should not
apply for a New York driver license unless you
become a resident of this state. Then, to remain
legally licensed, you must apply for a New Yorkdriver license within 30 days after you establish
you are a New York State resident.
If you are a new resident with a valid driver
license issued by a U.S. state, territory or posses­
sion, or a Canadian province or territory, you mustturn in your out-of-state license to get a New Yorkdriver license. You must show additional proof ofname and date of birth (see “Applying for yourFirst License”), and provide your Social Security
card. You must pass the vision test. If your out­of-state license has been valid for less than six
months or had expired more than one year ago,
you must also pass the written and road tests andcomplete the safe driving course.
If you are a new resident licensed in a country
other than Canada, you must pass the vision
test, complete the safe driving course, turn inyour foreign license, and you must pass a written
and road test. When you pass the road test, youmust give your foreign license to the DMV motor
vehicle license examiner who conducted thetest. Your foreign driver license will be destroyed
unless you provide the examiner a written request
to hold your foreign license on file at a New YorkState Department of Motor Vehicles office. The
license examiner will tell you which DMV District
Office will hold your foreign license. Your foreign

If you are under age 18 and hold a learnerpermit, junior permit or junior driver license fromoutside New York State, you must obey the
restrictions described in this publication as well as
the restrictions from your home state. Make sure
your permit or license is valid to drive outside
your home state before you operate a vehicle in
New York. If you are less than 16 years of age, you
cannot drive in New York State even if you havean out-of-state license.

18 | Driver’s Manual

CHAPTER 2 / HOW TO KEEP YOUR LICENSE
If you commit a serious traffic violation or
several violations that are less serious, you canlose your driving privilege through suspension or
revocation of your license.
“Suspension” means your license (or privilege
to drive) is taken away for a period of time before
it is returned. You may be required to pay a sus­
pension termination fee.
“Revocation” means your license (or privilege
to drive) is cancelled. To get a new license, youmust re-apply to the Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV) once the revocation period isover. You may be required to pay a license
re-application fee. Your application may be denied
if you have a poor driving record or refuse tomeet DMV requirements. Revocation periods
may be longer than the minimum periods listed inthis publication.
“Driving privilege” means the courtesy extend­
ed to out-of-state-drivers that allows them to drivea motor vehicle in New York State. It also refers
to permission from New York State for a person
without a license to get a New York driver license.
A driving privilege can be suspended or revokedfor the same reasons as are New York driver
licenses. Driving with a suspended or revoked
privilege carries the same penalties as drivingwith a suspended or revoked license.

SPECIAL RULES FOR DRIVERS WITH
JUNIOR PERMITS AND LICENSES
Every driver with a junior permit or driver
license could face sanctions and other penalties.
For example, your permit, license or privileges will
be suspended for 60 days if you are convicted ofa serious traffic violation (three points or more) or
two other violations.
Your junior permit, license or privileges will be
revoked for 60 days if you are convicted of a se­
rious violation (three points or more), or two otherviolations within the first six months after you
receive your license or privileges back following
suspension or revocation.

In addition, your junior permit, license or priv­
ileges will be suspended for 120 days when you
are convicted of a texting or cell phone violation.
A junior permit must be held for a minimumof six months, excluding any time the permit issuspended or revoked, before a road test canbe scheduled.

PROBATION PERIOD FOR ALL OTHER
NEWLY LICENSED DRIVERS
If you are 18 or older when you pass your roadtest for a driver license, or obtain a license follow­
ing revocation, you will be on probation forsix months.
If you are convicted of DWAI (alcohol),speeding, reckless driving, following too closely,
participating in a speed contest, or any two traffic
violations while on probation, your license will besuspended for 60 days. Following the end of the
60-day suspension, a new six month probationary
period will begin. If you are found guilty of one of
the above violations or any two traffic violations
during this second probationary period, yourlicense will be revoked for at least six months. If
your license is restored following the revocation,
you will be on probation for another six months.
If you are convicted of a texting or cell phoneviolation, your probationary license will be sus­pended for 120 days.

IF YOU RECEIVE A TRAFFIC TICKET
If you receive a traffic ticket, do not delay –follow the instructions on the ticket for the plea
you want to make. Your driver license will besuspended indefinitely if you do not answer the
ticket in the time allowed, or pay a fine (otherthan parking tickets and fines), surcharge, crime
victim assistance fee or suspension-termination
fee. If you do not respond that you have received
the ticket, you could be found guilty by default
conviction. If you are convicted by default, yourlicense will be suspended for not paying the fineand a judgment will be entered against you.

Driver’s Manual | 19

The DMV Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) pro­
cesses the tickets for non-criminal moving traffic
violations issued in the five boroughs of New York
City. The TVB system allows the other courts inthese areas to concentrate on criminal cases. This
includes driving offenses like Driving While Intox­
icated (DWI) and driving while suspended or re­voked. In other areas of the state, traffic violations
are processed in the criminal and traffic court ofthe city, county, town or village where the alleged
offense occurred. No matter what court system
is involved, every motorist who receives a traffic
ticket can present a defense and be represented
by a lawyer.

TRAFFIC TICKETS RECEIVEDOUT OF STATEThe New York State Department of Motor
Vehicles does not record convictions of moving
traffic violations by NYS non-commercial licensed
drivers in other jurisdictions, except traffic offens­
es committed in the provinces of Ontario andQuebec in Canada. Out-of-state traffic convic­
tions, except for Ontario and Quebec, are notadded to your New York State “violation point”
driving record.
However, your New York driver license will
be suspended if you fail to answer a ticket for amoving traffic violation in any state except Alaska,
California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon or Wis­consin. Your license will remain suspended until
you answer the ticket. For clearance of your NYS
driver license or permit you must submit proof
to the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles thatthe ticket has been satisfied. If you are a driverfrom any state, except one of the six states listed
above, you will have your driver license suspend­
ed in your own state if you fail to answer a moving
traffic violation summons in New York State.
If you are over 21 years old and are convictedof an alcohol- or drug-related driving violation(e.g., DUI) in another state or the provinces of
Ontario and Quebec in Canada, your New Yorkdriver license will be revoked for at least 90 days.
Out-of-state drivers who get tickets in New YorkState can contact the motor vehicle department of
their own state or province about how aconviction affects them.

If you are under 21 years old and convicted ofany alcohol or drug-related violation that occurredout of state, your New York driver license will be
revoked for at least one year. If you have any
alcohol conviction your license will be revoked forat least one year or until the age of 21, whicheveris longer.
The New York State Department of Motor
Vehicles records the conviction of any New Yorkdriver for criminal negligence, homicide, or assault
that arises from the operation of a motor vehicle
and which results in death. The driver license or
privilege to drive will be revoked and vehicle
registrations may also be revoked. It does notmatter if the conviction occurred in this state oranother state.

MANDATORY SUSPENSIONOR REVOCATIONYour driver license or driving privilege can besuspended or revoked for many reasons. NOTE:
Motorboat and snowmobile operators less than 21
years old who drink alcohol face similar penalties
and sanctions against their privileges to operate a
motorboat or snowmobile. Examples of revoca­
tions and suspensions that are required by law:
Alcohol and Drug Violations (Also see
Chapter 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs)• Aggravated driving while intoxicated (AggDWI), with .18 of one percent blood alcohol
content (.18 BAC): minimum one-year
revocation.
• Driving while intoxicated (DWI), with .08
of one percent blood alcohol content (.08
BAC): minimum six-month revocation• Driving while ability impaired by alcohol(DWAI): 90-day suspension.
• Driving while ability impaired by drugs(DWAI-drug): minimum six-month suspen­sion• Driving under the influence of alcohol ordrugs out-of-state (DUI): minimum 90-day
to six-month revocation, depending
on conviction.

20 | Driver’s ManualChemical Test Refusals (Also see Chapter 9:
Alcohol and Other Drugs)• Chemical test refusal, drivers over age 21:
minimum one-year revocation• Chemical test refusal, drivers over age 21,
within five years of a prior refusal revocationor any alcohol or drug-related violation:
minimum 18-month revocation• Chemical test refusal, drivers under age 21,
first time: minimum one-year revocation• Chemical test refusal, drivers under age 21,
second time: Minimum revocation until age
21 or one year, whichever is longer• Zero Tolerance test refusal: Minimum
one-year revocation• One violation of “leaving the scene of apersonal injury or fatal accident.”• One “participating in a speed contest” viola­tion. Conviction of a second speed contest
violation within 12 months results
in a revocation of at least one year.
No InsuranceYour driver license will be revoked for at least
one year if you operate or allow another person
to operate your uninsured vehicle, or if the DMV
receives evidence that you were involved in a
traffic crash without being insured. If the insurance
coverage for your vehicle has expired, you mustturn in the license plates and registration to a mo­
tor vehicle office. If the vehicle is removed fromthe road and not being driven, you must return theplates or you can face civil penalties or registra­tion suspension and/or license suspension.

Drivers Under Age 21
Indefinite Suspensions/Revocations
If you are under age 21 when arrested,conviction for any of the alcohol or drug-related
violations listed above will result in a minimum
one-year revocation. A second violation while
under age 21 requires a revocation for one year
or until you reach age 21, whichever is longer.
These penalties apply to youthful offenders, or if
you were arrested or convicted out of state (seeTraffic Tickets Received Out-Of-State).
Under the state’s “Zero Tolerance Law,” a driverunder age 21 will have his or her license suspend­
ed for six months if found to have a BAC from .02
to .07. A .02 BAC could occur from only one drink.
For a second Zero Tolerance violation, the driver
license will be revoked for one year or until thedriver turns age 21, whichever is longer.
Speeding and Other Violations
Your driver license will be revoked for at least
six months if you are found guilty of:Your driver license will also be suspended
indefinitely if you fail to file an accident report,
submit a bad check or incur a credit card charge
back for DMV fees, fail to pay child support, failto pay taxes or fail to fulfill a court judgment that
results from a traffic accident. This suspension will
be in effect until you correct the condition that led
to the suspension.

THE POINT SYSTEMThe DMV point system identifies “persistentviolators”, that is, drivers who commit a series ofviolations in a short time period. The table in thischapter lists the point values assigned to various
moving traffic violations
violations.*.* Note that traffic laws
which must be obeyed on public highways, roads
and streets also apply to parking lots open to
the public.

• Three speeding and/or misdemeanor traffic
violations within 18 months (based on dateof violation, not date of conviction).

While each violation listed alone is not serious
enough to require license suspension or revoca­
tion, the accumulation of several violations on
your driving record can indicate that action must
be taken.

• Three “passing a stopped school bus”
violations within three years.

*All V&T Law violations result in fines to thedriver in addition to license sanctions.

Driver’s Manual | 21

Violation
Speeding MPH not specified
Speeding MPH overposted limit:

PointsViolation

Points3

Improper passing, unsafe lane change, drove
left of center, or drove wrong direction

3

1 to 103

11 to 20

4

Violation involving a traffic signal, stop signor yield sign

3

21 to 30

6

Failing to yield right-of-way

3

31 to 40

8

Railroad crossing violation

5

More than 40

11

Leaving scene of incident involving property
damage or injury to domestic animal

3

Safety restraint violation involving
person under 16

3

Reckless driving

5

Passing a stopped school bus

5

Inadequate brakes

4

Following too closely (tailgating)

4

Inadequate brakes (while driving
employer’s vehicle)2

Use of mobile telephone or portable electron­
ic device while operating a motor vehicle5

Any other moving violation2

Note: Insurance companies can have their own point systems. These have no relationship to and should not be confusedwith the DMV point system.

The point values charged against your record
are from the date you commit the violation, notthe date you are convicted. If you get 11 or morepoints within 18 months, you will be notified by
mail that your driver license will be suspended.
You can request a DMV hearing only to show thatthe convictions in question were not yours. You
cannot re-argue the convictions or request
the suspension be waived based on
special circumstances.

FEES AND CIVIL PENALTIESYou can reduce your point total by up to four
points and save up to 10 percent on your auto lia­
bility and collision insurance premiums by taking
a DMV-approved “Motor Vehicle Accident Pre­vention Course.” Completion of a point reduction
course cannot prevent a mandatory suspension
or revocation or be applied as a “credit” against
future points, or prevent or reduce a Driver Re­
sponsibility Assessment by the DMV.

In most cases, if your driver license has been
revoked, you cannot apply for a new license until
you pay a non-refundable $100 fee to reapply forthe license. This fee is not required if your license
was revoked for operating without insurance or
if you were issued a license with conditions or
restricted uses.

TRAFFIC CRASHESAt this time, except where required by law,
the term “accident” is frequently replaced by“crash.” This is because a “crash” can normally be
prevented. If you are involved in a traffic crash inwhich another person is killed, your license canbe suspended or revoked after a DMV hearing
even if you were not charged with a violation
when the incident occurred.

In most cases, if your driver license has beensuspended for an exact period, like 30 days or 90
days, your license will not be returned until you
pay a non-refundable $50 suspension termination
fee. If your license was suspended as a result of
the Zero Tolerance Law, you will be required to
pay a $125 civil penalty and a $100 suspension
termination fee.

After the following revocations, you must pay acivil penalty to DMV before your application for a
new license can be accepted:• Operating without insurance or accident
without insurance: $750 civil penalty.
• Chemical test refusal: $500 civil penalty($550 if while driving a commercial motor
vehicle).
• Chemical test refusal within five years ofan earlier alcohol, drug or refusal-related
revocation: $750 civil penalty.

22 | Driver’s Manual

DRIVER RESPONSIBILITYASSESSMENTS
In addition to any fines, fees, penalties and sur­charges authorized by law, you may have to pay
a “Driver Responsibility Assessment” for someviolations that result in a conviction or administra­
tive finding. Your learner permit, driver license or
driving privileges will be suspended if you do notmake these payments.
If you are convicted of Aggravated Driving
While Intoxicated (Agg-DWI), Driving While Intoxi­
cated (DWI), Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI),
Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, DWAI-al­cohol combined with drugs, or if you refused tosubmit to a chemical test, you will be required to
pay a driver responsibility assessment of $250
each year for the next three years.
If you are convicted of one or more traffic
violations resulting in six points in any 18-month
period, you will be required to pay $100 eachyear for the next three years. For each additional
point you receive during that period, you will be
required to pay another $25 per point every year
for three years. For information about how points
are assessed, see “The Point System” inthis chapter.
This assessment applies to motorists convictedof violations while driving motor vehicles, andin some cases, motorboats and snowmobiles.
Completion of a DMV-approved “Motor Vehicle
Accident Prevention Course” will not prevent or
reduce the calculation of points that affect the
Driver Responsibility Assessment.

DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED
OR REVOKED
It is a criminal violation to drive while yourlicense is suspended or revoked, and there aremandatory fines from $200 to $5,000. You canface mandatory imprisonment or probation. The
vehicle being driven could be seized and forfeit­ed. More severe penalties apply to drivers whodrive while intoxicated or impaired by alcohol ordrugs while their license or privilege are alreadyunder suspension or revocation for a previous

alcohol or drug-related incident. Drivers with 10
or more suspensions for failure to answer traffic
tickets or pay fines are also subject to severe
penalties. Drivers with 20 or more suspensions
for failure to answer tickets or pay fines face acriminal charge, even if you were not driving
when arrested.

Driver’s Manual | 23

CHAPTER 3 / OWNING A VEHICLE
Whether you are a vehicle owner or registrant,
or a driver of a vehicle owned or registered bysomeone else, it is your responsibility to makesure it is registered, insured and inspected before
the vehicle operates on a public roadway.

REGISTRATION AND TITLE
A registration allows a vehicle to be driven
on public roads and highways. A title certificate
proves who owns the vehicle.
You must be at least 16 to register a vehicle.
You can title a vehicle at any age. A new residentof the state must get a New York registration
within 30 days of establishing residence.
To Register a Vehicle
To register a vehicle, you must prove you own
the vehicle or that the owner authorizes you toregister it, that the vehicle is insured, that thestate and county sales taxes have been paid andprovide any required odometer reading and/or
damage disclosure statement. If the ownership
proofs listed below are not available from theseller, contact any motor vehicle office or a DMV
Call Center before you purchase the vehicle.
To apply for registration, you must complete
a Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82).
You must also present proof of name (6 points)
and proof of date of birth. For additional informa­tion see Registering a Vehicle in New York State(MV-82.1), available from the DMV website (searchunder Forms) or at any motor vehicle office. When
your vehicle is registered, you will get vehicle
plates, a registration document and a registration
sticker for the windshield or vehicle plates. If you
purchased the vehicle from someone other thana New York State registered dealership, you will
also receive a 10-day inspection extension sticker
on request when you register the vehicle. You
must then have the vehicle inspected within 10
days from the date of registration. It should havea valid inspection sticker if you purchased thevehicle from a New York State registered dealer.
The dealer must have the vehicle inspected within
30 days before they sell the vehicle to you.

When you purchase a new or used vehicle
from a dealer registered with the DMV, the dealer
can register the vehicle for you and give you atemporary registration and, if you need them,new vehicle plates. The dealer can charge a
processing fee for this service. It can also charge
registration, vehicle plate and title fees.
Your title certificate will be mailed to you sever­
al weeks after the vehicle is registered.
Proof of Ownership
If you purchase your vehicle from a New YorkState registered dealer, the proof of ownership fora new vehicle will be a Manufacturer’s Certificateof Origin (MCO) and a dealer’s Certificate of Sale
(MV-50). For a used vehicle, proof of ownership isthe previous owner’s Certificate of Title (MV-999),
the correct odometer and salvage disclosurestatement and the dealer’s Certificate ofSale (MV-50).
If the dealership does not register the vehicle
for you, make sure it gives you the ownership
documents listed above and a completed Appli­
cation for Registration/Title (MV-82) signed by the
dealer’s representative. Examine the ownership
documents carefully before closing the sale.
If you purchase a used vehicle from a dealer
registered outside New York State – the proof ofownership is the title certificate or transferable
registration signed over to the dealer by the previ­ous owner, plus the bill of sale and/or invoice fromthe dealer and other proofs from the dealer.
For a used vehicle purchased from a private
seller – the proof of ownership is the “Certificate
of Title” (MV-999), or a transferable registration for
1972 or older models, signed over to you. The sell­er must complete and you must acknowledge withyour signature, the correct odometer and damage
disclosure statements.
Before you accept the title certificate from any
seller, check the front of the title for the names
and addresses of “lien” holders. A lien indicatesthe current owner owes money on a loan for thevehicle. If a lien is listed on the title, ask the seller
to give you proof the lien has been paid – in mostcases, it is an official lien release from the lender.

24 | Driver’s Manual

If proof is not provided and the loan has not been
paid, the lien holder could repossess the vehicle.
A motor vehicle office will not accept a title cer­tificate if the correct odometer or damage disclo­sure statement is not completed, or if informationon the title is adjusted, erased or canceled. This
includes any name or signature.
Disclosure Statements• If you purchase a vehicle eight modelyears old or newer, the DMV will NOT reg­ister your vehicle or issue you a new title
certificate unless the seller has completed,and you have signed, both the odometerand the damage disclosure statementson the Certificate of Title (MV-999). Thesestatements indicate whether the new title
certificate should be described as“Rebuilt Salvage.”• If you purchase a vehicle 10 model years
old or newer, make sure the private seller
has completed the odometer statement on
the back of the Certificate of Title (MV-999).
The damage disclosure statement is not
required for vehicles nine model years old
or older. As the buyer, you must confirm
the odometer statement as shown on thetitle certificate by writing your initials next
to the odometer box on the title certificate.
Compare the odometer statement on thetitle certificate with the odometer readingin the vehicle.
IMPORTANT: The DMV must examine every ve­
hicle described as “Rebuilt Salvage”, OR SIMILAR
WORDS, for stolen parts before the vehicle canbe registered or titled. If you are to purchase avehicle that is registered or titled out-of-state,contact a DMV Call Center for more information.
Proof of Sales Tax Payment
When you purchase a vehicle from a New YorkState registered dealer, the dealer collects thesales tax.
If you purchase a vehicle from someone otherthan a NYS registered dealer, you need to fill out
a Statement of Transaction/Sale or Gift of Motor
Vehicle (DTF-802), which is available at any motor
vehicle office and from the DMV website dmv.

ny.gov. This form certifies the purchase price anddetermines the sales tax you must pay when you
register the vehicle. One side of the form must
be completed and signed by the buyer. The otherside must be signed by the seller if the selling
price is below fair market value or if the vehicle isbeing given as a gift from someone who is not afamily member. If the form is not completed by theseller, you will be charged sales tax based on thecurrent fair market value of the vehicle. Bring thecompleted form to a state or county motor vehicle
office when you register your vehicle.
Proof of Insurance
When you purchase vehicle liability insurance,
the insurance agent or broker gives you two
insurance identification cards. The name(s) andvehicle identification number (VIN) on these cards
must exactly match the information on the reg­istration application. You must present one card
when you register your vehicle. Keep the second
card with the vehicle.
Fees
Registrations for most vehicles with a maximum
gross weight of not more than 18,000 pounds(8,165 kg) are valid for two years, and fees are
based on vehicle weight. There are also vehicle
plate and title fees.
By law, registration fees cannot be refunded if
you use the vehicle plates or registration sticker
on your vehicle even for one day. However, if
your vehicle plates and registration sticker are
returned unused within 60 days after you register
your vehicle, you can receive a full refund, minus
a processing fee. You may receive a refund of thefee for the second year of a two-year registration,minus a processing fee, if you use the plates &registration only during the first year. Make sureto get a DMV Universal Receipt (FS-6T) to turn inyour plates.
If you transfer a registration from one vehicle
to a replacement vehicle, you will receive credit
for the remaining part of your current registration.
This credit cannot be applied to other vehicles
registered to you.

Driver’s Manual | 25

Trading In or Selling Your Old Car
Before you trade in or sell your old vehicle,
make sure to remove the vehicle plates and thewindshield registration sticker, which shows yourplate number. This can prevent you from being
charged with parking tickets that are not yours.

REGISTRATION RENEWAL
Most registrations are renewed every two
years. Approximately 45 to 60 days before yourregistration will expire, you should receive arenewal reminder in the mail. If you changed youraddress and did not notify the DMV, you will notreceive the reminder. If you did not answer threeor more parking tickets, or if your registration issuspended or revoked, you will not receive thereminder. Allow two weeks to process and deliver
the registration. You are responsible to know
when your registration expires and to renew it on
time. This is true even if you do not get a reminder
in the mail.
If the expiration date falls on a weekend or le­gal state holiday, your registration is automaticallyextended to midnight of the next business day.
Make sure you maintain liability insurance on yourvehicle during the extension period.
If you have not received a renewal notice, you
may be able to renew your registration –By mail: Complete a Vehicle Registration/Title
Application (MV-82), available at any motor vehi­
cle office and from the DMV website dmv.ny.gov(search under Forms). If your registration must be
sent to an address that is not the mailing address
you entered on the application form (MV-82),
enclose a separate note that requests the DMV
to mail your registration to the other address. Do
not put this mailing address on form MV-82 unless
you want it to appear on the registration andyour DMV registration record. Reminder – if you
indicate a change of address on your registration,
it will affect ONLY that registration. Use a Changeof Address Form (MV-232) to change all yourDMV records. This form is available at any motor
vehicle office and from the DMV website (searchunder Forms).
Enclose a check or money order for the correctfee, payable to the “Commissioner of Motor

Vehicles.” If you do not know the exact fee you
must pay, you can determine the fee using the
Schedules of Registration Fees (MV-204A) avail­able at any motor vehicle office or through a work
page at the DMV website. Make sure to include
your insurance card with your renewal application
if your insurance company has changed and you
have not responded to a DMV Insurance
Inquiry Letter.
Mail your completed Vehicle Registration/Title
Application and other documents to:
NYS DMV Utica Processing Center, P.O. Box359, Utica, NY 13503.
Allow two weeks to receive your registration
renewal. If you do not receive it after two weeks,contact a DMV Call Center or visit any state or
county motor vehicle office. Allow more time foroverseas mail.
If your name has changed and you have notnotified the DMV, you must visit a DMV office andshow proofs of your identity. For more informa­tion, contact a DMV Call Center.
Online at the DMV website dmv.ny.gov:
Online registration renewal requires that you havenot changed your address or insurance company,
and that the registration is for a passenger car,small commercial truck or a motorcycle that is not
used exclusively off road. Your registration fee,and any related fees, will be displayed on thecomputer screen. In three quick steps, you canrenew your registration online and use your credit
card for payment. Your renewal will be automat­
ically processed and mailed to you. Allow two
weeks for delivery.
In person at a state or county motor vehicle
office: You must complete and submit a Vehicle
Registration/Title Application (MV-82). Note: An
application brought into an office by a second
party (someone who is not the registrant) must be
accompanied by the original New York license/
permit/non-driver identification card for the sec­
ond party and either the original or a photocopy
for the registrant. This includes spouses (hus­bands and wives). The application must be signedby the registrant, not the person who brings theform into the office.

26 | Driver’s Manual

Insurance

INSPECTIONYour vehicle must be covered by liability insur­
ance as long as it is registered, even if you do not
drive it.

Most vehicles sold in New York State must be
inspected within 30 days of the date of transfer
or sale and must have a certificate of inspection
before delivery. If you purchase a vehicle fromsomeone who is not a NYS dealer, you must havethe vehicle inspected within 10 days after you
register it. Make sure to request a “Ten-Day Time
Extension for Motor Vehicle Inspection” (VS-1077).
If a person moves to NYS, an inspection certifi­
cate that was issued before is valid until it expires
or one year from the date it was issued,
whichever occurs first.

Minimum liability coverage is required of$50,000 against the death of one person and$100,000 against the death of two or more per­sons, $25,000 against injury to one person and$50,000 against injury to two or more persons
and $10,000 against property damage. Insurance
coverage limits refer to death, injury or damage
related to any one incident.
Before your liability insurance expires or is
discontinued, return vehicle plates at any stateor county motor vehicle office. Be sure to obtaina DMV Universal Receipt (FS-6T) to turn in yourvehicle plates. If you do not do this, you may haveto pay a civil penalty for each day the vehicle
was not insured or your vehicle registration canbe suspended. If your vehicle is not insured for
90 days, unless you have turned in your vehicle
plates, your driver license will also be suspended.
If you receive a letter from DMV that asks
about your vehicle insurance, read it carefully andrespond as directed in the letter.
Motorcycles must be insured, but you are notrequired to turn in the vehicle plate when yourmotorcycle insurance is discontinued or expires.

RESIDENT AND NON-RESIDENTRESPONSIBILITY
Anyone who drives or permits a vehicle to be
driven in New York State, this includes people
who are not New York residents, must be able
to prove the vehicle has acceptable liability
insurance, (see “Insurance,” above, for minimum
insurance coverage required). If you are convictedof driving an uninsured vehicle or if you allow an­other person to drive your uninsured vehicle, yourlicense or privilege to drive in New York State will
be revoked for at least one year. The same penal­
ty applies if the DMV receives evidence that you
were involved in a traffic crash without insurance.

Under some conditions, vehicles sold at retailare exempt from the inspection requirement.
These conditions are: transfer to a “welfare towork” program; transfer of a chassis; transfer ofa vehicle through factory direct delivery; transfer
of a vehicle for registration in another state or
country; transfer of a scrap vehicle; and transfer ofa vehicle to a long-term lessee (lease buyout).
After the first inspection of your vehicle, it
must be inspected at an official state-licensed
inspection station before the expiration date on
the current inspection certificate. An inspection is
also required on change of registrant. Inspection
stations have yellow and black “Official Motor
Vehicle Inspection Station” signs. Heavy trucks,
buses, tractors and semi-trailers must be inspect­
ed at special “Heavy Vehicle” Inspection Stations
and motorcycles at special Motorcycle
Inspection Stations.
Putting your signature on a registration renewal
form certifies that the vehicle was inspected as
required by law. Keep track of when your annual
inspection is. Schedule a new inspection early, so
you will have time to repair your vehicle if it does
not pass.
After inspection, the vehicle inspector will issue
a sticker for the vehicle to prove it has passed in­spection. If your vehicle did not pass, the inspec­
tor will give you a rejection notice. In most cases,
your vehicle must be repaired to meet standards
and must be inspected again. A vehicle that isDriver’s Manual | 27

subject to a high enhanced or OBD II emissions
inspection that fails a first inspection can qualify
for a waiver. An attempt must be made to repair
the malfunction and the cost for repairs must be
at least $450. Many gasoline-powered vehicles(except motorcycles) must be inspected for
exhaust emissions during the safety inspection.
Exceptions are gasoline-powered vehicles thatare 26 or more model years old, or less than twomodel years old, or registered as historic. Thosevehicles are subject to a safety inspection only.
Diesel-powered vehicles that operate in NYS,
even if registered elsewhere, are subject to ran­
dom roadside safety tests by the NYS Police andthe NYS Department of Transportation. Vehicles
with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) morethan 8,500 pounds are subject to a Diesel fuelemissions inspection.

COMPLAINTS AGAINST BUSINESSESThe DMV regulates motor vehicle dealers,
inspection stations and auto repair shops. Thesebusinesses should be identified by registration or

license certificates and outside signs. Make sure
you are dealing with a registered or
licensed business.
If you have a complaint against one of thesebusinesses, first try to resolve it with the manage­
ment. If that fails, call (518) 474-8943 between
8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. weekdays. You can also
write to Vehicle Safety Services, DMV, Bureau ofConsumer and Facility Services, Box 2700-ESP,
Albany, N.Y., 12220-0700. By regulation, the DMV
can receive a repair shop complaint only within
90 days or 3,000 miles (4,828 km) of the vehicle
repairs, whichever comes first.

PART

28 | Driver’s Manual

2

RULES OF THE ROAD

CHAPTER 4 / TRAFFIC CONTROLSIGNSTraffic signs tell you about traffic rules, special
hazards, where you are, how to get where you aregoing and where services are available.
The shape and color of traffic signs give indica­
tions to the type of information they provide:
REGULATION SIGNS normally are white rectan­
gles with black letters or symbols, but some aredifferent shapes, and some can use red lettersor symbols.
WARNING SIGNS normally are yellow and dia­
mond-shaped, with black letters or symbols.
DESTINATION SIGNS are green with white lettersand symbols.
SERVICE SIGNS are blue with white letters andsymbols.
Know the signs shown below and what they
indicate. You will be asked about them on yourwritten test.
Here are descriptions of common traffic signs
and what they indicate.

REGULATION SIGNS:
Stop Sign
COLOR: Red, with whiteletters
MEANING: Come to a fullstop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedes­
trians in or heading toward the intersection. Go
when it is safe. You must come to a stop before
the stop line, if there is one. If not, you muststop before you enter the crosswalk. (See “Stop
Crosswalk Lines” under the “Pavement Markings”
section of this chapter.) If there is no stop line orcrosswalk, you must stop before you enter theintersection, at the point nearest the intersectionthat gives you a view of traffic on theintersecting roadway.
Yield Sign
COLOR: Red and white, with
red letters.
MEANING: Decrease speed
as you reach the intersec­
tion. Prepare to stop and yield the right-of-way
to vehicles and pedestrians in or heading toward
the intersection. You must come to a full stop at
a YIELD sign if traffic conditions require it. When
you approach a YIELD sign, check carefully for
traffic, and be prepared to stop.
Other Regulation Signs
COLOR: White,with black and/or red letters or
symbols
MEANING:
These signs give information about rules for traffic
direction, lane use, turns, speed, parking andother special requirements.
Some regulation signs have a red circle witha slash over a symbol. This indicates that anaction, like a right turn, is not allowed or that somevehicles are restricted from the road. Rectangularwhite signs with black or red letters or symbols
are indications to be alert for special rules.

Driver’s Manual | 29

WARNING SIGNS:DESTINATION SIGNS:COLOR: Yellow,
with black letters or
symbols

COLOR: Green, with whiteletters

MEANING: You areapproaching a haz­ardous location or alocation where there
is a special rule, as shown in the sample signs.
Sometimes a warning sign is joined with a yellow
and black “recommended speed” sign. This indi­cates reduced speed is advised in that area.
Work Area Signs
COLOR:
Orange, withblack lettersor symbols

MEANING: Show the direction and distance tolocations.
Route Signs
COLOR: Varied.
MEANING: Indicate interstate, U.S., stateor county routes. The shape tells you the type ofroute you are on. The sample signs, left to right,
are for state, U.S., and interstate routes. When you
plan a trip, use a highway map to decide whichroutes to take. During the trip, watch for destina­
tion signs so you will not get lost, or have to turnor stop suddenly.
SERVICE SIGNS:MEANING: People are at work on or near the
roadway and traffic can be controlled by a flag
person. A work area speed limit as low as 25 MPH(40 km/h) can be posted. Even if no speed limit
is provided, you must drive at a reduced speed
through the work zone and you must always obey
the flag persons. These illustrations show somesignals a flag person will use. Know andobey them.

COLOR: Blue,with white lettersor symbols
MEANING: Show the location of services,like rest areas, gas stations, camping or
medical facilities.

TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Traffic Lights

STOP

PROCEED

SLOW

Traffic lights are normallyred, yellow and green fromthe top to bottom or left toright. At some intersections,
there are lone red, yellow
or green lights. Some traffic
lights are steady, others flash.
Some are round, and some are arrows. State law
requires that if the traffic lights or controls are outof service or do not operate correctly when you
approach an intersection, you must come to astop as you would for a stop sign. You must thencontinue according to the rules of right-of-way,unless you are told to continue by atraffic officer.

30 | Driver’s Manual

Here is what different traffic lights indicate:
STEADY RED: Stop. Do not go until the light isgreen. If a green arrow is shown with the red light,
you can go only toward the arrow and only if theintersection is clear.
You can make a right turn at a steady red lightafter you come to a full stop and yield the right-of­
way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. You canmake a left turn at a steady red light when you
turn from a one-way road into another one-way
road after you come to a full stop and yield theright-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Lane Use Control Lights
Special above the pavement lights are sometimes
used to indicate which lanes of a highway can beused at certain times:
STEADY RED “X”: Do not drive in this lane.
STEADY YELLOW “X”: Move from this lane.
FLASHING YELLOW “X”: This lane can only be
used for a left turn.
GREEN ARROW: You can use this lane.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS

You cannot make a turn at a red light if there isa NO TURN ON RED sign posted or another sign,
signal or pavement marking prevents the turn.
You are not allowed to turn on a red light in New
York City unless a sign that permits it is posted.
The driver of a school bus containing students
cannot turn right on any red light.
FLASHING RED: Means the sameas a STOP sign: Stop, yield theright-of-way, and go when it is safe.
RED ARROW: Do not go in the di­rection of the arrow until the red arrow light is off
and a green light or arrow light goes on. A right orleft turn on red is not permitted at a red arrow.
STEADY YELLOW: Be prepared tostop. A steady yellow light means
the traffic signal is about to turn red.
FLASHING YELLOW: Drive withcaution.
YELLOW ARROW: The protection of a green
arrow will end. If you intend to turn in the directionof the arrow, be prepared to stop.
STEADY GREEN: Go, but yield theright-of-way to other traffic at theintersection as required by law (seeChapter 5).
GREEN ARROW: You can go in the
direction of the arrow, but you mustyield the right-of-way to other traffic
at the intersection as required bylaw (see Chapter 5).

Lines and symbols on the roadway divide lanes
and tell you when you can pass other vehicles orchange lanes. They also tell you which lanes touse for turns and where you must stop for signs
or traffic signals. The arrows on these illustrations
show the direction of traffic.
Edge and Lane Lines
Solid lines along the side of the road tell you
where its edge is – where the travel lane ends
and the shoulder begins. It is illegal to drive
across the edge line, except when told to by apolice officer or other authorized official or whenallowed by an official sign. An edge line thatangles towards the center of the road shows thatthe road is narrower ahead.

Driver’s Manual | 31

Lines that separate lanes of traffic that move inthe same direction are white. Lines that separate
traffic that moves in opposite directions are yel­low. There may be two lines between lanes andlines can be solid or broken. Read Chapter 6 forthe Rules on how to pass other vehicles.
What some lane lines indicate:
One broken line: You can pass other vehicles
or change lanes if you can do so safely without
interfering with traffic.

Solid line with broken line: If you are on the sidewith the solid line, you cannot pass other vehicles
or go across the line except to make a left turninto a driveway. If you are on the side with thebroken line, you can pass if it is safe to and you
will not interfere with traffic.

Double solid lines: You cannot pass or change
lanes. You cannot go across the lines except toturn left to enter or leave the highway (e.g. to orfrom a driveway or to do a U-turn, see
Chapter 5).

One solid line: You can pass other vehicles orchange lanes, but you can only do so when ob­
structions in the road or traffic conditions makeit necessary.

Stop and Crosswalk Lines: At an intersection
controlled by a STOP sign, YIELD sign ortraffic light, there canbe a white stop line
painted across thelane, (called a StopLine) and/or twoparallel lines painted
across the road (calleda Crosswalk). Whenrequired to stop be­cause of a sign or light,
you must stop before
you reach the stop line,
if there is one, or the
crosswalk. You need
only stop at a stop lineor crosswalk if required
to by a light, sign ortraffic officer, or to yield
to a pedestrian, in-line
skater or scooter at amarked or unmarked crosswalk. A single stop line
may be placed at intersections to allow room forlarger vehicles (such as tractor-trailers, buses, andtrucks) to turn without forcing other traffic to backup. It’s important that you stop before you reachthis stop line (See “Pedestrians” in Chapter 11).
Arrows: Arrows show which lanes you must use.
In this illustration, for example, you can turn rightonly from the right lane. To go straight, you must
use the left lane. You must be in the correct lane
before you reach the solid line that separates
the lanes.

32 | Driver’s Manual

Diamond Symbol: This symbol indicates the lane
is reserved lanes for buses, HOV (High-Occupan­cy Vehicles) like car-pools and van-pools, bicycles
or other special vehicles. You cannot enter anduse these lanes unless your vehicle complies withthe occupancy or other requirements indicatedby signs for the times the special conditions arein effect. When used to designate reserved laneson city streets, sections of the solid white line that
separates the diamond lanes from the normal
lanes can be replaced by broken white lines. In
these locations, non-HOV can enter the HOV lane
if they make a right turn at the next intersection.
Bus lanes and HOV lanes are to promote themost efficient use of limited street and highway
capacity. They assure that vehicles with thehighest importance move the fastest.

• What must you do at a STOP sign?
• What color and shape is a railroad crossing
warning sign?
• What must you do when you encounter eachof the following: a flashing red light, flashingyellow light, steady yellow light, a red lightwith a green arrow?
• What does it indicate if an edge line angles
in toward the center of the road?
• What do each of these lines indicate: one
broken, one solid, double solid, solid andbroken together?
• If an intersection has crosswalk lines but no
STOP line, where must you stop for a red
light at that intersection?
• What type of pavement marking shows you
which lane you must use for a turn?

TRAFFIC OFFICERS
Directions given by traffic officers take prece­dence over signs, signals or pavement markings.
If a traffic officer signals you to stop at a green
light, for example, you must stop. If an officer sig­
nals you to drive through a red light or stop sign,
you must do it.
Among the persons authorized to direct traffic
are police officers, fire police, highway work area
flag persons and school crossing persons.

QUESTIONS
Before you move on to Chapter 5, make sure
you can identify the signs in this chapter andknow what they mean. Also, make sure you cananswer these questions:• A regulation sign is normally what shape?
• What is the normal color and shape of awarning sign?
• What color and shape is a destination sign?

• Which of the following must you obey over
the other three: red light, flashing red light,
STOP sign, police officer?

Driver’s Manual | 33

CHAPTER 5 / INTERSECTIONS AND TURNS
Most traffic crashes occur at intersections whena driver makes a turn. Many occur in large parking
lots like at shopping centers. To prevent this typeof crash, you must understand the right-of-way
rules and how to make correct turns.

RIGHT-OF-WAY
Traffic signs, signals and pavement markings
do not always resolve traffic conflicts. A green
light, for example, does not resolve the conflictof when a car turns left at an intersection while
an approaching car goes straight through theintersection. The right-of-way rules help resolvethese conflicts. They tell you who goes first andwho must wait in different conditions.
Here are examples of right-of-way rules:• A driver who approaches an intersection
must yield the right-of-way to traffic that isin the intersection.
Example: You approach an intersection. The
traffic light is green and you want to drive straight
through. Another vehicle, coming from the oppo­
site direction, is already in the intersection making
a left turn. You must let that vehicle complete its
turn before you enter the intersection.
• If drivers approaching from opposite di­rections reach an intersection at about thesame time, a driver that turns left must yield
to traffic that moves straight or turns right.
Example: You want to turn left at an intersection
ahead. A vehicle reaches the intersection from the
opposite direction and moves straight ahead. You
must wait for approaching traffic to go throughbefore you turn. You may enter the intersection toprepare for your left turn if the light is green andno other vehicle ahead of you plans to make aleft turn (see “Turns” later in this chapter). Whenyou enter the intersection, keep to the right of thecenter line. Keep your wheels straight to prevent
being pushed into oncoming traffic if your vehicle
is hit from behind. When traffic headed toward
you clears or stops for a red light, complete yourturn when you can do so safely.

You must also yield to traffic headed toward
you when you turn left into a driveway, parking lot
or other area, even if there are no signs or signalsthat control the turn.
For any left turn, the law requires you to yield
to any traffic headed toward you that is closeenough to be a hazard. The decision about whentraffic is too close takes experience and judg­
ment. If you have any concern, wait for traffic topass before you turn left.
• At intersections not controlled by signs or
signals, or where two or more drivers stop at
STOP signs at the same time and they
are at right angles, the driver on the left
must yield the right-of-way to the driver on
the right.
Example: You are stopped at a stop sign and you
are going to go straight through the intersection.
A driver on the cross road has stopped at a stop
sign on your right and is going to go straight. You
must yield the right-of-way to the other driver.
• A vehicle that enters a roadway from adriveway, private road or another place thatis not a roadway, must stop and yield theright-of-way to traffic on the roadway andto pedestrians.
Example: You intend to leave a parking lot andturn right when you enter a street. A vehicle
approaches from your left. You must stop and wait
for the vehicle to pass before you enter the street.
If you were to turn left, you would have to yield tovehicles that approach from both directions. If apedestrian walked across the parking lot exit, you
would have to wait for that person to go across.
• Drivers must yield to pedestrians who
legally use marked or unmarked crosswalks.
This means you must slow down or stop
if necessary.
Example: You are stopped at a red light. A pedes­
trian steps into the crosswalk, and then the lightturns green. You must wait for the pedestrian togo across. You must also yield to pedestrians incrosswalks on your left or right before you turn.
• You cannot enter an intersection if traffic isbacked up on the other side and you can­34 | Driver’s Manualnot get completely through the intersection.
Wait until traffic ahead clears, so you do notblock the intersection.
• Be alert to cross-streets or offset intersec­
tions, so that you don’t cause gridlock byblocking another street.
• A driver who approaches a traffic circle orrotary must yield the right-of-way to drivers
already in the circle. (For more information
on how to drive in a rotary see “How to
Drive Through a Roundabout” in Chapter 8of this manual.)

EMERGENCY VEHICLESYou must yield the right-of-way to fire, ambu­
lance, police and other authorized emergency ve­
hicles when they respond to emergencies. They
will display lights that are flashing red, red andblue or red and white and/or may sound a sirenor air-horn. When you hear or see an emergency
vehicle heading toward your vehicle from any
direction, safely pull over immediately to the rightedge of the road and stop. Wait until the emer­
gency vehicle passes before you drive on. If you
are in an intersection, drive out of the intersection
before you pull over.
You must pull over and stop for an emergency
vehicle even if it is headed toward you in the
opposite lane of a two-lane roadway.
If you hear a siren or air-horn close by but do
not know exactly where the emergency vehicle
is, you must safely pull over to the right-side edgeof the road and stop until you are sure it is notheaded toward you.
An emergency vehicle that uses lights and asiren or air-horn can be unpredictable. The driver
can legally exceed the speed limit, pass red lights
and STOP or YIELD signs, go the wrong way on
one-way streets and turn in directions not normal­
ly allowed. Although emergency vehicle drivers
are required to be careful, you must be cautious
when an emergency vehicle heads toward you.

Move Over Law
This law requires every driver to exercise careto avoid colliding with an authorized emergen­cy or hazard vehicle that is parked, stopped or
standing on the shoulder or any portion of the
highway with its emergency lights or one ormore amber hazard lights activated. Drivers must
reduce speed on all roads when encounteringsuch vehicles, but on parkways, interstates andother controlled access roads with multiple lanes,
drivers are further required to move from the laneadjacent to the emergency or hazard vehicle
unless traffic or other hazards prevent doing sosafely. Drivers are also required to move overfor vehicles with blue and green lights which aredescribed in the next section. Violations of thislaw are punishable as a moving violation.

BLUE, GREEN AND AMBER LIGHTS
Personal vehicles driven by volunteer firefighters responding to alarms are allowed todisplay blue lights and those driven by volunteer
ambulance or rescue squad members can display
green lights. Amber lights on hazard vehicles
such as snow plows and tow trucks warn otherdrivers of possible dangers. Flashing amber lights
are also used on rural mail delivery vehicles andschool buses to warn traffic of their presence. The
vehicles that display blue, green or amber lights
are not authorized emergency vehicles. Theirdrivers must obey all traffic laws. While you are
not required to yield the right-of-way, you should
yield as a courtesy if you can safely do so.

TURNS
Always signal before you turn or change lanes.
It is important that other highway users know yourintentions. The law requires you to signal a turn orlane change with your turn lights or hand signals
at least 100 feet (30 m) ahead. A good safety tip
is, when possible, to signal your intention to turnbefore you begin to brake or make the turn. The
proper hand signals are shown on the next page.

Driver’s Manual | 35

LEFT

RIGHT

STOP

Remember these other tips when you prepare
to turn:• Reduce your speed.
• Be alert for traffic on all sides. Take special
caution to check for motorcycles. Most
crashes that involve motorcycles and othervehicles are caused because the driverof the other vehicle has failed to see
the motorcycle.

LEFT TURN FROM ONE-WAY ROAD INTO ONE­WAY ROAD:
Move into the left lane when you prepare to
turn. If the road you enter has two lanes, you mustturn into its left lane.

• Keep your wheels straight until you actually
begin to make your turn. If your wheels areturned, and you are hit from behind, yourvehicle could be pushed into the oncominglane of traffic.
• Remember that your rear wheels will travel
inside the path of the front wheels, nearer
to the curb (right turn) or to traffic headed
toward you (left turn).
• Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and mo­
ped riders, especially on right turns. They
are often difficult to see in traffic.

LEFT TURN FROM ONE-WAY ROAD INTO
TWO-WAY ROAD:• Be especially alert to individuals in wheel
chairs, people pushing strollers, or some­one pulling a wheeled suitcase behindthem. They may be closer to the groundand hidden behind a car.

Approach the turn in the left lane. As you pro­ceed through the intersection, enter the two-way
road to the right of its center line, but as close as
possible to the center line. Be alert for traffic thatapproaches from the road to the left. Motorcycles
are often hard to see, which may make it difficult
to judge their speed and distance from you.

The following illustrations show the correct
position of your vehicle for turns. These positions
are from requirements in the law and are not justgood advice.
RIGHT TURN:
As you prepare to turn, get as far to the rightas possible. Do not make wide, sweeping turns.
Unless signs direct you to do otherwise, turn into
the right lane of the road you enter.

36 | Driver’s Manual

LEFT TURN FROM TWO-WAY ROAD INTO
TWO-WAY ROAD:

Approach the turn from the right half of the
roadway closest to the center. Try to use the left
side of the intersection to help make sure that you
do not interfere with traffic headed toward youthat wants to turn left. Keep to the right of the cen­terline of the road you enter, but as close as pos­sible to the center line. Be alert for traffic heading
toward you from the left and from the lane you areabout to go across. Motorcycles headed toward
you are hard to see and it is difficult to judge their
speed and distance away. Drivers often fail to seea motorcycle headed toward them and hit it while
they turn across a traffic lane.
LEFT TURN FROM TWO-WAY ROAD INTO ONE­WAY ROAD:

Approach the turn from the right half of the road­way closest to the center. Make the turn before
you reach the center of the intersection and turninto the left lane of the road you enter.

LEFT TURN FROM TWO-WAY ROAD INTO
FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY:

Approach the turn from the right half of the
roadway closest to the center. Enter the left lane,to the right of the center line. When traffic permits,
you can move out of the left lane.

U-TURNSA “U-turn” is any turn you make so you canproceed in the opposite direction.
Do not try a U-turn on a highway unlessabsolutely necessary. If you must turn around,use a parking lot, driveway or other area, and, if
possible, enter the roadway as you move forward,
not backing up.
You can make a U-turn only from the left part ofthe lane nearest to the centerline of the roadway,never from the right lane. Unless signs tell you
otherwise, you can make a U-turn when you get
permission to proceed by a green arrow left turntraffic signal, provided it is allowed and you yieldto other traffic.
You cannot make a U-turn near the top of a hill,a curve or any other location where other drivers
cannot see your vehicle from 500 feet (150 m)
away in either direction. U-turns are also illegal inbusiness districts of New York City and where NO
U-TURN signs are provided. You can never makea U-turn on a limited access expressway, even if
paths connect your side of the expressway withthe other side. In addition, it is prohibited for avehicle to make a U-turn in a school zone.
Unless prohibited, a three-point turn can beused to turn around on a narrow, two-way street.
You may be required to make a three-point turnon your road test.

Driver’s Manual | 37

To make a three-point turn:
1. Signal with your right turn signal, then pull overto the right and stop. Signal with your left turnsignal, then check carefully for traffic fromall directions.
2. Turn left, go across the road so you come toa stop while you face the left curb or edge ofthe road.
3. Look again for traffic. Turn your steering wheel
as far to the right as possible, then look behind
you as you back up. Stop before you reach theright curb or any obstacle to the right curb oredge of the road whichever comes first.
4. Stop, check again for other traffic, then turnyour steering wheel all the way to the left and pullforward to complete your turn when it is safe.

right, and both of you prepare to go straight,
who has the right-of-way?
• What must you do if you enter a road froma driveway?
• You face a green light, but traffic on theother side of the intersection does not allow
you to travel all the way through the inter­
section. May you enter the intersection?
• Does a vehicle prepared to enter a traffic cir­cle or rotary have right-of-way over vehicles
in the circle?
• What should you do if you hear a siren closeby but cannot see where the emergency
vehicle is?
• How far before a turn must you signal?
• When you prepare for a right turn, should
you remain as near the center of the laneas possible?
• Where must you position your vehicle when
you prepare to make a left turn from a twoway roadway into a one-way roadway?

QUESTIONS
Before you go on to Chapter 6, make sure you
can answer these questions:• What is the hand signal for a stop?
• A right turn?
• If two drivers enter an intersection from op­
posite directions at the same time, and one
travels straight, the other prepares to turnleft, which must yield the right-of-way?
• If you enter an intersection to make a left
turn, but oncoming traffic prevents the turnimmediately, what should you do?
• If you reach an intersection that is not con­trolled at the same time as a driver on your38 | Driver’s Manual

CHAPTER 6 / HOW TO PASS

• If you try to pass, you will interfere withoncoming traffic.

The law requires that we drive on the rightside of the road. When we are allowed to passother vehicles, we usually pass on the left. You
are permitted to pass on the right only in certain
circumstances and it must be done only whennecessary and safe. When you pass other vehicles
or change lanes to keep away from hazards, do
so with caution and only when necessary. You
must not exceed the speed limit to pass anothervehicle.

If conditions are correct to pass, check in yourmirrors and signal your lane change. Before you
pull into the left lane, look quickly over your leftshoulder, through the back side window, to makesure there is no vehicle close behind you in theleft lane. Never depend on your mirrors when you
prepare to change lanes. Even correctly adjusted
mirrors will leave “blind spots” behind both sidesof your vehicle. If a vehicle is in the blind spot, you
may not see it in your mirrors. Always quickly lookover your shoulder before you change lanes
or pass.

When you pass a motorcycle, remember togive the motorcycle the same full-lane width asother vehicles are allowed. Never move into thesame lane space as a motorcycle, even if the lane
is wide and the motorcycle is to one side.
The law requires you to use turn signal lamps
or hand and arm signals to indicate your intention
to change lanes at least 100 feet (30 m) before
you make a lane change. You must never pass avehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to allow apedestrian to go across.

HOW TO PASS ON THE LEFT
The left lane is normally used to pass othervehicles. You cannot pass a vehicle on the left if:• Your lane has a solid yellow center line.
• You cannot safely return to the right lane
before you reach a solid yellow center line
for the right lane.
• You cannot safely return to the right lane
before any oncoming vehicle comes within
200 feet (60 m) of you.
• You approach a curve or the top of a hill on
a two-way road and cannot see around orover it.
• You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a railroad
crossing on a two-way roadway.
• You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a bridge,
tunnel or viaduct on a two-way road andyour view is obstructed.

When you pass, move completely into the leftlane. Before you return to the right lane, signal
and look at your interior rear-view mirror andmake sure you can see the front bumper of thevehicle you passed. Look quickly over your rightshoulder to make sure that you can safely moveinto that lane without crowding the vehicle you
passed. Then return to the right lane.

HOW TO PASS ON THE RIGHT
Although you normally pass other vehicles on
the left, some situations allow you to pass on theright. You can pass a vehicle on the right only inthe conditions listed below and only if you canpass safely. You cannot drive on or across theshoulder or edge line of the road unless a sign
allows it or when indicated by a traffic officer (seeChapter 4). You can pass on the right:• When a vehicle ahead makes a left turn.
• When you are on a two-way road that ismarked for two or more lanes or is wide
enough for two or more lanes in eachdirection and passing is not prohibited bysigns or restricted by parked cars orother obstructions.
• When you drive on a one-way road that ismarked for two or more lanes or is wide
enough for two or more lanes, and to pass
is not prohibited by signs or restricted byparked cars or other obstructions.

Driver’s Manual | 39

If you prepare to pass on the right at an inter­
section, check the traffic ahead carefully. Make
sure a vehicle that is approaching is not preparedto turn left into your path, and watch at the rightside of the road for pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line
skaters and moped riders.
Before you pass on the right on multi-laneroads like expressways, make sure you checkyour mirrors, use the correct signals for the lanechange and look over your right shoulder for oth­er vehicles. After you pass, make sure to quickly
look over your left shoulder and signal before you
return to the left lane.

BEING PASSED
If another vehicle passes you on the left,decrease your speed slightly and stay centered inyour lane. When the vehicle has safely passed andis ahead of you, continue at your normal speed.
If you find that you are being passed on theright by many vehicles, you should move into theright lane and allow them to pass you on the left.

SCHOOL BUSES
When a stopped school bus flashes its red
light(s), traffic that approaches from either direc­
tion, even in front of the school and in school
parking lots, must stop before it reaches the bus.
You should stop at least 20 feet (6 m) away fromthe bus. You can identify this bus by a “SCHOOL
BUS” sign, the red lights on the top and its uniqueyellow-orange color.
Before a school bus stops to load or discharge
passengers, the driver will usually flash warning
lights, which are located on the front and backof the bus near the roof. When you see them,decrease speed and be prepared to stop.
When you stop for a school bus, you cannot
drive again until the red lights stop flashing or
when the bus driver or a traffic officer signalsthat you can proceed. This law applies on all
roadways in New York State. You must stop for aschool bus even if it is on the opposite side of adivided highway.

After you stop for a school bus, look for chil­dren along the side of the road. Drive slowly until
you have passed them.
Safety Tip: Most school bus-related deaths andinjuries occur while children cross the street after
being discharged from the bus, not in collisions
that involve school buses.
Remember that vehicles that transport disabled
persons can be equipped as school buses andyou must stop for them as you would for otherschool buses.
The fine when you pass a stopped school bus
ranges from a minimum of $400 for a first viola­tion to a maximum of $1,500 for three violations inthree years. If you are convicted of three of these
violations in three years, your driver license will
be revoked for a minimum of six months.

QUESTIONS
Before you go on to Chapter 7, make sure you
can answer these questions:• Under most conditions, on which side canyou pass another vehicle that is headed thesame direction?
• What should you do before you pass
another vehicle?
• What should you see in your rear-view mirror
before you attempt to return to the right lane
after you pass a vehicle on the left?
• Under what conditions can you pass avehicle on the right?
• When can you pass a vehicle stopped ata crosswalk to allow a pedestrian togo across?
• What action should you take when anothervehicle passes you on the left?
• What do yellow lights going on and off on aschool bus indicate?
• What do red lights going on and off on aschool bus indicate?

40 | Driver’s Manual

CHAPTER 7 / PARALLEL PARKING
Parallel parking takes skill and is part of every
road test. You must know where parking is illegal
and what NO PARKING, NO STANDING and NO
STOPPING signs indicate.

to turn your steering wheel completely toward thenear curb. Look through the rear window, not themirrors, when you back up. Look to the side andfront occasionally to make sure you will not touch
the vehicle ahead.

HOW TO PARK
Many motorists consider parallel parking themost difficult part of driving. But practice willteach you how to back up correctly and to judge
distances and angles.
Some vehicles have additional safety equip­
ment (such as back up cameras and range-de­tecting sensors) to help the driver back up safely.
Some vehicles can even park themselves (incertain conditions). Although these can be usefulfeatures, you need to be alert and check the area
behind your vehicle before you back up. YOU –as the driver – are ultimately responsible for thesafe operation of your vehicle.
The following instructions are general. You must
adjust parallel-parking procedures to the particu­
lar situation. Practice is the only method tolearn correctly.

3.
3. When your front wheels are opposite the backbumper of the vehicle ahead, turn the steering
wheel the other way while you continue to backup. Make sure you clear the vehicle ahead. Lookback and stop to ensure that you do not bump thevehicle behind you.

4.
4. Bring your wheels straight and pull forward. Al­
low room for the vehicles ahead and behind you.
In your final parking position, your wheels must be
no more than one foot (30 cm) from the curb.
To get nearer to the curb, alternately pull forward
and back up, and turn the steering wheel first
toward the curb and then quickly straight again.

1.
1. Select a space that is large enough for your ve­
hicle on your side of the road. Check your mirrors
before you stop and signal to warn other drivers.
Stop next to the vehicle in front of the space andleave about two feet between the other vehicle
and your vehicle.

2.
2. Look behind you over both shoulders to makesure you will not interfere with pedestrians or on­
coming traffic. Back the vehicle slowly and begin

After parking, remember that you must not open
the door on the road side if it will interfere withbicyclists and other traffic.

HOW TO PARK ON A HILL
After you park on a hill, make sure to set yourparking brake. Put the transmission in “Park” (or,if your vehicle has a manual transmission, put
the transmission into 1st gear). Turn the wheels
toward the curb or side of the road, so they willkeep your vehicle from heading into traffic.

HOW TO PULL OUT FROM PARALLEL
PARKING
To pull away from a parallel parking space, makesure your wheels are straight, back up to theDriver’s Manual | 41

vehicle behind you and turn your wheels awayfrom the curb.

obey a traffic sign, signal or officer or to prevent
conflicts with other vehicles.

Six steps to enter safely into traffic:

Besides parking, standing and stopping rules,
there are statewide rules not always indicatedby signs:

1) Turn your head to look over your rightshoulder and check through the rear-win­
dow for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists
and other vehicles that can becomea hazard;
2) Use your interior rear-view mirror tohelp keep an eye on hazards behind
your vehicle;
3 Signal your intentions to move from yourparking space into traffic;
4) Check your side mirrors for oncoming vehi­cles, pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line skaters,
motorcyclists and other highway users;
5) Turn your head to look over your left shoul­
der out through the rear-window and begin
to slowly drive forward. Make sure you can
avoid the vehicle parked ahead when you
enter traffic;6) Turn your head and look over your leftshoulder to look through the rear-window,
drive into the traffic lane when it is safe
to do so.

You cannot park, stop or stand:• Within 15 feet (5 m) of a fire hydrant, unlessa licensed driver remains in the vehicle tomove it in an emergency.
• On the road side of a parked vehicle(“double parking”).
• On a sidewalk or in a crosswalk.
• In an intersection, unless permitted by signs
or parking meters.
• On railroad tracks.
• Next to or opposite road work, construction
or other obstructions if your vehicle
blocks traffic.
• Within 30 feet (10 m) of a pedestrian safetyarea, unless another distance is marked.
• On a bridge or in a tunnel.
Parking or standing is not allowed:

PARKING REGULATIONS• In front of a driveway.

What people understand as “parking” is legallydivided into three categories: parking, stand­ing and stopping. Parking is when a vehicle isstopped, occupied or not, other than temporarily
for the purpose of loading or unloading merchan­dise or passengers. Standing is similar to Parking,except that it only relates to receiving or discharg­
ing passengers. Stopping is literally that, bringing
the vehicle to a stop (even temporarily).

• Within 20 feet (6 m) of a crosswalk at
an intersection.

A NO PARKING sign means you can make atemporary stop to load or discharge merchandiseor passengers.
A NO STANDING sign means you can only makea temporary stop to load or discharge passen­
gers. The driver cannot exit the vehicle.
A NO STOPPING sign means you can stop only to• Within 30 feet (10 m) of a traffic light, STOP
sign or YIELD sign.
• Within 20 feet (6 m) of a fire station driveway
or within 75 feet (23 m) on the opposite sideof the road.
• Along a curb that is cut, lowered or made foraccess to the sidewalk.
You cannot park your vehicle within 50 feet
(15 m) of a railroad crossing.

42 | Driver’s Manual

RESERVED PARKING FOR PEOPLE
WITH DISABILITIES

parking areas. These spaces are needed to giveaccess to those with wheelchairs and vehicles
with special equipment.

Parking reserved for persons with disabilities
is a legal requirement. These special parking
spaces for motorists with disabilities ensure safeand equal access to goods and services, accesswhich is taken for granted bymany persons. You can parkin reserved spaces only if you
have a permit or vehicle plates
for persons with disabilities
and only when the person who
received the permit or vehicle
plates is in the vehicle.

The fines for parking violations on a street are
set by municipalities. Unless a municipality sets
higher penalties, the fine for a shopping center
violation is $50 to $75 for a first offense and $75
to $150 for a second offense within two years inthe same municipality. A mandatory surcharge of$30 will be added to each penalty.

It is illegal for any vehicle topark, stop or stand in a spacereserved for the disabled unless it has vehicle
plates for the disabled issued by the DMV, a New
York State Parking Permit for the Disabled issued
by a city, town, county or village or a similarvehicle plate or permit issued by another state.
The vehicle must be in operation to transport thedisabled person described in the registration or
permit. This law applies to spaces reserved andprovided by local ordinance on streets and high­ways and those held for special use by state law
in shopping centers that have five or more storesand 20 or more off-street public parking spaces.

• After you have parallel parked, how near tothe curb must your vehicle be?

It is a misdemeanor to make a false statement
or give false information on an application forvehicle plates. If you make a false statement orprovide false information to get a parking permit
for a person with a disability, you face a fine from$250 to $1,000, plus a mandatory surcharge of$30 and possible civil penalties from $250 to$1,000. These penalties apply to the applicant
and to a doctor who provides certification.
To apply for vehicle plates for the disabled orfor a NYS Parking Permit for the Disabled use
the MV-664.1 Instructions and Application for a
Parking Permit or License Plates for People with
Severe Disabilities.
Reserved spaces must be marked with signs
like the one shown above, and also can be des­ignated with pavement markings. Do not park inthe spaces with diagonal stripes next to reserved

QUESTIONS
Before you go on to Chapter 8, make sure you
can answer these questions:• May you open a door on the road side ofyour vehicle if there is no oncoming traffic?
• Before you leave a parking space, whatshould you do?
• What does a NO STOPPING sign mean?
• Can you stop to load or drop off passengers
at a NO STANDING or NO PARKING sign?
• May you park on a crosswalk in the middle
of a block?

PART

Driver’s Manual | 43

3

SAFE DRIVING TIPS

CHAPTER 8 / DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Most drivers are good drivers. But even thebest drivers make errors now and then. Equip­
ment fails, weather conditions can be bad, andsome drivers ignore traffic laws or drive in an
erratic manner. To prevent making errors or being
involved in a crash because of someone else’s
error, learn to drive in a defensive manner:

Anticipate errors by other drivers, bicyclists andpedestrians and think about what you will do if
an error occurs. Do not assume that a driver who
approaches a STOP or YIELD sign on a side roadis actually going to stop or yield. It is better toassume the other driver will not stop.

DRIVER DISTRACTIONS• Allow space.

A distraction is anything that takes yourattention away from driving. Distracted driving
can cause crashes, resulting in injury, death, orproperty damage. Taking your eyes off the roador hands off the steering wheel presents obvious
driving risks. Mental activities that take your mind
away from driving are just as dangerous.

• Wear your seat belt.

When driving:• Be prepared and look ahead.
• Maintain the correct speed.
• Signal before you turn or change lanes.

• Do not drive if you are very weary, are on
medication or have been drinking beverag­es that contain alcohol.
• Keep your vehicle in good condition.
• Do not use hand held mobile devices
while driving.

BE PREPARED AND LOOK AHEAD
You should sit in a comfortable but vertical
position and keep both hands on the steering
wheel. Slouching in the driver’s seat or using only
one hand on the wheel makes it more difficult oreven dangerous to control your vehicle.
Traffic conditions change continuously. Always
scan the road ahead. Do not use the road or eventhe vehicle ahead as your only points of focus.
Look ahead so you can prevent, or decrease,possible problems.
Keep your eyes moving, notice what is happen­
ing at the sides of the road, and check behind
you through your mirrors every few seconds.

• Do not use cell phones or text.
• Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional
conversations with passengers.
• Avoid eating while driving.
• Be sure children are properly andsafely restrained.
• Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or por­table kennel.
You must pay attention to the driving task. You
are responsible for operating your vehicle in asafe manner.

AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS
Aggressive driving includes speeding, which
often leads to following too closely, frequent or
quick lane changes without a signal, passing on
the shoulder or parts of the roadway that are notpaved or being a nuisance to motorists, bicyclists
or pedestrians, who don’t get out of the way.
Aggressive drivers sometimes run stop signs and44 | Driver’s Manual

red lights, pass stopped school buses, fail to keepright, drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs
and drive in a reckless manner. Some aggressive
drivers try to cause harm to another driver, andthat is how aggressive driving becomesroad rage.
To prevent road rage, it is sometimes better
not to make eye contact with another driver. The
other driver can take this as being challenged.
When an aggressive driver confronts you:
• Do not make eye contact.
• Remain calm and relaxed.

• Do not drive when you are angry, upset orvery tired.
• Make your vehicle comfortable. Listen torelaxing music and prevent conditions thatmake you anxious.
• When you drive, relax and be aware of how
you sit. Sit back in your seat, loosen yourhold on the steering wheel and do not grind
your teeth.
• Be polite, courteous and forgiving toother drivers.
• You can control how you react. If anotherperson drives aggressively, do not dothe same.

• Try to move away safely.
• Do not challenge an aggressive driver withincreased speed or try to hold your position
in your travel lane.
• Wear a seat belt and encourage yourpassengers to do the same.
• Ignore gestures and shouts and do not
return them.
• Report aggressive drivers to law enforce­
ment authorities and give a vehicle descrip­
tion, location, vehicle plate number anddirection of travel.
• If an aggressive driver is following you, donot stop or get out of your vehicle. Drive tothe nearest police station.
• If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash,stop a safe distance from the crash scene.
When the police arrive, report the driving
behavior you saw.
To avoid becoming an aggressive driver:• Allow enough travel time to reach yourdestination on schedule.
• Adjust your schedule to prevent driving
during times with the most highway traffic.
• If you are late, call ahead so you can relax.

If you have the right-of-way, do not think of
it as a complete right. Be prepared to yield theright-of-way to other highway users. To wait a few
seconds for another driver is far better than to riska crash.

ROAD RAGE
What is “road rage”? Road rage is an angry,
hostile state, which can increase into violent
criminal actions or attempts of violent action that
result from the operation of a motor vehicle. Road
rage can include behavior to provoke others or to
make them fearful.
Aggressive driving is not road rage. Howev­
er, aggressive driving can become road rage.
Aggressive driving generally involves the violationof a traffic safety law, while road rage involves thebreaking of a criminal law.
Who can become road raged? It could happen
to anyone when our irritation or anger with others
leads us to behavior that is a threat to ourselves
and to the safety and lives of others on and near
the road or highways. To endanger, threaten or
assault another person is illegal. These behaviors
can result in severe penalties that include fines,
imprisonment and court-ordered probation. They
can also result in revocation or suspension of adriver license.

Driver’s Manual | 45

Road rage can include many behaviors, such as:• Shouts, excessive use of a horn or obscene
gestures and threats.
• Driving actions like when you cut off anothervehicle, drive too closely, block anothervehicle so it cannot use a traffic lane, chaseanother vehicle or run it off the road, ordeliberately slam into a vehicle.
• When you stop a vehicle at the side of theroad, get out to threaten, attack, fight or
injure another motorist or passenger or apedestrian, bicyclist or other person.
Research indicates that being in a state of rage
can affect your blood pressure and your ability toreason and make decisions. As a driver, you will
make more errors. The chance of being involvedin a traffic crash will increase.
Aggressive driving and road rage can lead to
revoked or suspended driver licenses, problems
between family members and friends, loss of
employment and legal problems.
Many drivers do not recognize when their own
aggressive driving or road rage is affecting theirability to drive safely. State law requires every
DMV-approved accident prevention course toaddress the hazards and dangers of road rage.
For information about DMV-approved accident
prevention courses, go to the DMV website athttps://dmv.ny.gov/learn-more-about/pirp. You
can also contact one of the program sponsors.
Information is available at any state or county
motor vehicle office.

SPEED
You must obey the speed limit. If no limit isposted, drive no more than 55 mph (88 km/h).
Often, it is common sense to keep your actual
speed below the posted limit. For example, thelegal limit on a slippery or fogged-in expressway
might be 55 mph (88 km/h), or even 65 mph (100km/h), but the safe speed to drive would be much
lower. Even if you were to drive at 50 mph (80km/h) on that hazardous highway, a police officer
could ticket you for a speed “not reasonable” forthe conditions.
To keep a smooth traffic flow, some highways
also have minimum speed limits. If you drive slow­
er than the minimum speed you can interfere withthe traffic flow and create a dangerous condition.
Even if there is no minimum speed limit, thosedriving too slow can be as dangerous as those
who drive too fast.
Know that some cities have speed limits lessthan 55 mph (88 km/h) that are not always posted.
For example, the speed limit is 25 mph (48 km/h)
in New York City unless another limit is posted.

ALLOW YOURSELF SPACE
Four of every 10 crashes involve rear-end colli­
sions, normally because a person is following too
closely (tailgating). Leave enough room between
your vehicle and the one ahead so you can stopsafely if the other vehicle stops suddenly. Brake
early and gently when you prepare to stop or turn.
It gives drivers behind you plenty of warning thatyou plan to decrease your speed.
For a good “space cushion,” use the two-sec­
ond rule: Select an object near or above the roadahead like a sign, tree or overpass. As the vehicle
ahead passes it, count slowly, “one thousand one,
one thousand two.” If you reach the same object
before you finish the count, you are following too
closely. In bad weather and when following large
trucks, increase the count to at least three or four
seconds for additional space.
If a driver follows you too closely (tailgates),
move to another lane if possible or reduce speed
and pull off the road to let the driver go by. Make
sure to signal when you drive off the road andwhen you return to it. Do not press your brakes
suddenly or unnecessarily as this may startle themotorist behind you and could escalate into
road rage.
In case you must change lanes quickly or pullover to avoid a hazard, leave some “escape”
room to your left and right.

46 | Driver’s Manual

SEAT BELTS, CHILD SAFETY SEATSAND AIR BAGS
Seat belts save lives and can prevent serious
injuries in traffic crashes. This is why New YorkState requires seat belt use by adults in motor ve­
hicles and seat belts, booster seats or child safety
seats for children.
New York is a “primary enforcement” state,
which means a police officer can pull you overjust because you or one of your passengers isn’t
wearing their seatbelt. A law enforcement officer
can issue a traffic ticket for failure to wear a seatbelt. This law also applies to visitors from outside
New York State. Highlights of the New York Stateoccupant restraint law:
• In the front seat, the driver and each passen­
ger must be properly restrained, one person
per belt. The driver and front-seat passen­
gers age 16 or older can each face a fine of
up to $50 if they fail to buckle up.
• For vehicles driven by persons with aClass-DJ learner permit or a Class-DJ driver
license, every occupant, no matter the age
or seating position, must correctly use asafety restraint.
• The driver must make sure that each pas­
senger under 16 obeys the law. The driver
can face a fine of $25 to $100 and receive
three penalty points on his driver license foreach violation.
• Seat belt use is not required in taxis orlivery vehicles, emergency vehicles, 1964
or older vehicles or by passengers in buses(except school buses; seat belt use can berequired by a school district). Rural Letter
Carriers are also exempt when they aredelivering mail.
Every passenger under age 16 must use asafety restraint. If under age 4, persons must be
correctly secured in a government approved childsafety seat that is attached to a vehicle by a safe­ty belt or universal anchorage (LATCH) system.
A child under age 4 who weighs more than 40
pounds can be restrained in a booster seat witha lap and shoulder belt. A child of age 4, 5, 6 or

7 must use a booster seat with lap and shoul­
der belt or a child safety seat (The child safety
restraint system must meet the height and weightrecommendations of the restraint manufacturer.)
Exception: A child more than 4 feet 9 inches
in height or weighing more than 100 pounds isallowed to use a seat belt that has both a lap belt
and a shoulder harness. If the seat belt does not
fit correctly, the child must use a booster seat witha lap and shoulder belt.
When you drive, you must make sure each
person in your vehicle is properly restrained bya seat belt, child restraint system, or car seat.
During a crash, a person not properly restrained
becomes a flying object and a danger to each
person in the vehicle.
• For added protection, adjust your vehicle
head rest, lock the doors and do not keeploose, heavy objects in the passenger area.
Put them in the trunk.
• Air bags are meant to work WITH seat belts,
not to replace them. An air bag protects afront-seat occupant in a head-on crash byinflating on impact and providing a cushionso the occupant does not collide with thesteering wheel, dashboard or windshield.
The combination of a seat belt and an air
bag offers maximum protection, partly be­cause they help the driver maintain controlof the vehicle and help prevent
secondary collisions.
• Air bags engage (expand quickly) from thesteering wheel and/or dashboard. Most adults
who are correctly fastened are safer in a
vehicle with air bags, but the pressure of an
air bag as it opens could injure those who sit
too close to it. You should sit with at least 10
inches between the center of your chest andthe cover of the air bag. Place your hands on
opposite sides of the steering wheel, at the 3
and 9 clock positions, to keep them away if
the air bag engages.
IMPORTANT: NEVER PUT AN INFANT IN A
REAR-FACING CHILD SAFETY SEATIN THE FRONT SEAT OF A VEHICLE THAT HAS
A PASSENGER AIR BAG.

Driver’s Manual | 47

HOW TO DRIVE SAFELY IN WORK ZONES
Areas where road work takes place are danger­
ous to drive in -- and to work in. That is why when
you speed in work zones, ticket fines double,
even when the workers or work vehicles are notthere. Expect to find a work zone wherever you
drive – you may have to decrease speed quickly
or even stop. Traffic lanes can shift or be com­pletely closed. Workers and work vehicles can beon or near your driving lane. When you drive in awork zone, make it safer because you know what
to do.
Orange signs in the shape of diamonds -- “workzone” warning signs – are often placed before
road construction projects and other work areasthat can change traffic flow. One sign can read:“flagger ahead.” A flagger is a worker who
motions for you to stop, continue with caution orchange lanes. A flagger has the same authority asa sign, which indicates you can receive a ticket fordisobeying their directions. Decrease speed! Be
Alert! Obey the signs!
Work Zone Tips:• Some signs can indicate a detour that allows
you to avoid the work zone. If you know
where a work zone is ahead, you should try
to use a different route.
|• As you enter a work zone, flashing signs orsigns with arrows or signs that warn “laneclosed ahead” mean you should merge
your vehicle into the correct lane when it issafe. Do not speed to the end of the closed
lane and try to get into the other lane. If you
move to the correct lane at first notice, youwill drive in a calmer, more efficient, andsafe manner.
• Decrease your speed when a sign indicates:“Road Work 1,500 feet,” that means your car,with a speed of 60 miles per hour, will getthere in 17 seconds.
• The rear-end collision is the most com­
mon crash in a work zone. To avoid being
involved in one, it helps to keep a braking
distance of two seconds or more between

you and the vehicle in front of you. (See“Allowing Yourself Space,” earlier in thischapter) Keep a safe distance between yourvehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construc­tion equipment and workers.
• Some work zones are not stationary, likewhen workers paint lines, patch roads ormow. In these cases the size and/or locationof the work zones may change. As work pro­
gresses, the work zone size may increase,decrease, or move to different sections of
the roadway. Workers can be close even if
you do not see them immediately after thewarning signs. Obey the signs until you pass
the one that states the work zone
has ended.

48 | Driver’s Manual

HOW TO DRIVE THROUGH A
ROUNDABOUT
A “roundabout” or “traffic circle” is a roundintersection with a small diameter that makes
drivers decrease speed, normally to 30 mph orless. Vehicles travel counterclockwise around araised center island, with entering traffic yielding
the right-of-way to traffic already circulating in theroundabout. Studies show a roundabout can re­duce the number and severity of accidents at anintersection, compared to intersections controlled
by stop signs or traffic signals. Roundabouts, orrotaries, are now more common in New York Stateand other states.

not change lanes or take an exit before you
check for vehicles that may be continuing
through the roundabout in the lane next toyou or behind you. Expect vehicles to be in
the “blind spots” you cannot see in your mir­rors. (For more about blind spots see, Large
Vehicles, Chapter 11.)DROWSY AND FATIGUED DRIVING
Driving and sleep do not mix. When you arebehind the wheel of a car or truck, fatigue isdangerous. If you are tired when driving you areslower to react, and not as aware as you should
be and your judgment will be impaired. As withdrugs and alcohol, drowsiness can contribute to a
traffic crash.
Symptoms of Fatigue
Researchers have found the following symptoms
to be associated with drowsy driving:• Your eyes close or go out of focus by them­selves.

When using roundabouts or traffic circles:• As you get near the roundabout, look forthe street and direction signs you need. This
will help you know which exit to take. Thesesigns will be provided along the roadside
before you reach the entrance to theroundabout. Slow down when you enter theroundabout. A sign, like the one on the left
above, warns of a roundabout.
• When you arrive at the roundabout, yield
the right-of-way to any pedestrians andbicyclists. You must also yield to any drivers
who were in the roundabout before you.
Sometimes a stop sign or traffic signal willcontrol your point of entry. When the trafficlevel allows enough space and time, you
can enter the roundabout in a counterclock­wise direction.
• While inside the roundabout, remain in yourlane until you are ready to exit. Use yourright turn signal to let the other users know
your intention to move from the “insidepath” to the “outside path”, or if you are in
position to exit now. Start to signal at theexit BEFORE the one you want to take. Do• You find it difficult to keep your head up.
• You continue to yawn.
• Your thoughts wander and are
disconnected.
• You do not remember driving the last
few miles.
• You drift between lanes, tailgate or misstraffic signs.
• You must jerk the car back into the lane.
• You have drifted off the road and hit the
rumble strips, which produce a loud noiseand vibrations.
Who is Most at Risk? All Drivers who are:• Deprived of sleep or fatigued.
• Driving long distances without rest breaks.
• Driving through the night or at times when
you are normally asleep.

Driver’s Manual | 49

• Taking medication that increases sleepinessor drinking alcohol.

• Recognize that you are close to sleep andcannot calculate when sleep may occur.

• Driving alone.

• Not depend on the radio, open window orother “tricks” to keep you awake.

• Driving on long, rural, or boring roads.
• Frequent travelers, e.g., business travelers
and long-distance commuters.
• Young People – Drowsy driving crashes aremost common for young people, who tend
to stay up late, sleep too little and drive atnight.
• Shift Workers – Drivers who have non-tradi­tional work schedules have a greater risk ofbeing involved in a fatigue-related
traffic crash.
• People With Undiagnosed Sleep Disorders –The presence of a sleep disorder increases
the risk of crashes. If you find you are regu­
larly tired in the daytime or experience anyof these symptoms on a regular basis, you
may have a sleep disorder and should seek
medical help.
Effective Countermeasures
Prevention – Before you embark on a trip, you
should:• Get enough sleep.
• Plan to drive long trips with a companion.
• Schedule regular stops for every 100 miles
or two hours.
• Avoid alcohol and medications (over-the­counter and prescribed) that may impair
performance. Check with your doctor or
pharmacist about any medication you aretaking. Alcohol amplifies fatigue, increasing
its effects.
• You are not at your best if you are ill or very
tired. Do not drive for at least 15 minutes
after waking from sleep.
Actions for the Drowsy Driver
If you suspect that you are drowsy when driving,

you must:• Find a safe place to stop for a break inresponse to symptoms of fatigue.
• Pull off into a safe area away from traffic andtake a brief nap (15 to 45 minutes).
• Drink coffee or another source of caffeine topromote short-term alertness if needed. (Ittakes about 30 minutes for caffeine to enter
the bloodstream.)
NOTE: See Chapter 9 for more information about
the dangers of driving under the influence ofalcohol and other drugs.

USING A CELLULAR OR MOBILE
TELEPHONE
A driver can become distracted from safe
driving by use of a mobile telephone (like acellular telephone). In New York State, it is a traffic
infraction to speak into or listen to a hand-heldmobile telephone while driving. For a first offense,
you could be required to pay a fine up to $200
and receive five license points. The phone may
be hand-held to activate, begin, or end a call.
Exemptions are provided for calls for emergency
situations, for police and other law enforcement
officers and for fire department personnel and op­
erators of authorized emergency vehicles in theperformance of official duties. In New York State,a hands-free mobile telephone allows the user tocommunicate without the use of either hand. A
driver can use a hands-free telephone at any time.
Penalties for texting, electronic device use
In New York State, it is illegal to use portableelectronic devices, such as cell phones andsmart phones, to send or receive text messages
or e-mails while driving. The penalty for a first
offense is a fine of up to $200. A second offense(both committed within 18 months) is a fine up to$250. A third or subsequent offense (all commit­
ted within 18 months) is a fine up to $450. Also,
drivers with probationary and junior licenses who
use a hand-held phone or text while driving will

50 | Driver’s Manual

receive a 120-day suspension for a first conviction
and a revocation of at least one year for subse­
quent convictions within six months of the time alicense is restored after suspension.

VEHICLE CONDITIONNew York State Law requires that all vehicles
registered in New York pass an annual safety
inspection, but that does not mean it is the only
time you should have safety equipment checked.
Follow your owner’s manual for routine mainte­
nance. Have problems corrected by a qualified
mechanic as soon as possible. Do not wait until
mechanical problems cause breakdowns
or crashes.

between your thumb and forefinger. Place Lin­
coln’s head first into the deepest looking groove.
Can you see all of his head? If yes, your tires are
too worn – don’t drive on them, and make sureto get them replaced. It is also illegal to drive withtires that have cuts down to the cords, bumps orbulges. Refer to your owner manual or a tire store
about correct tire pressure, and check it oftenwith a reliable gauge.
GLASS - Keep your windows clean and clear.
Replace worn wiper blades. Keep your defrosterand rear window defogger in good condition andmake sure there is enough windshield fluid in
the reservoir. Any broken or cracked glass must
be repaired or replaced.

Pay special attention to the maintenance andrepair of the brakes, steering mechanism, lights,
tires and horn. Depend on your owner manualand an experienced mechanic as keys to a safe
vehicle. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensurethat the vehicle being driven is safe.

HORN - Your horn is important safety equipmentthat could become your only means of warning
other drivers or pedestrians of possible problems.
If the horn does not work, get it repaired as soon
as possible. It should be used properly, not to
express anger at other drivers or pedestrians.

Here are some common problems, and someequipment checks you can do:

QUESTIONSBRAKES - Brakes that pull to one side may be
wet or may need to be adjusted or repaired. If
wet, you can dry them riding the pedal lightly. If
this does not help, have your brakes checked bya mechanic. If you notice any change in the brake
performance, have them checked immediately.
STEERING - There should not be much freemovement in the steering wheel. If your vehicle
has power steering, check the fluid level periodi­
cally. A noise like a whine when you make a sharp
turn can indicate a problem.

Before you move on to Chapter 9, make sure you
can answer these questions:• Should you always look straight ahead when
you drive?
• If there is no posted speed limit, what is thefastest you can legally drive in New YorkCity?
• Is it always safe to drive at the assigned
speed limit?

LIGHTS - Keep your lights clean and free of dirt,snow and ice. Broken lenses can cause danger­
ous glare for other drivers, so replace them assoon as you can. Make sure headlights are adjust­ed correctly to give you the best view of the road.

• What is the purpose of minimum speed
limits?

TIRES - The law requires that your tires haveat least 2⁄32nds of an inch (.16 cm) of tread. Most
tires for passenger cars and light trucks haveindicators called “wear bars” that show across thetire grooves when the minimum tread depth isreached. You can check your tread depth with apenny. Hold a penny with Abraham Lincoln’s body

• How can you prevent fatigue on a long trip?

• Who must wear seat belts? Who shouldwear them?

• What is road rage? How can you prevent
becoming involved in road rage?
• How should you drive safely through awork zone? A roundabout?

Driver’s Manual | 51

CHAPTER 9 / ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS
You have probably heard the facts before –driving while impaired or intoxicated is a serious
traffic safety problem in the United States. In New
York State, more than 20 percent of all highway
deaths involve the use of alcohol or other drugs.
But the facts and statistics do not tell the wholestory. Behind the numbers are thousands of lives
cut short, permanent or disabling injuries, andfamilies devastated because someone drove
while under the influence of alcohol orother drugs.
When you drink alcohol or take other drugs,
safe driving is not possible. Not every impaired or
intoxicated driver causes a traffic crash, but each
one is dangerous, putting the lives of himself or
herself and those sharing the road at risk.
Young people, who have less experience withalcohol or drugs and driving are especially at highrisk. Drivers under age 21 are approximately 4
percent of the driving population, but 7 percent of
the impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes. Thisis one reason the driver license revocation penal­
ties are more severe for young drivers who drive
under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Because driving “under the influence” is so
dangerous, the penalties for alcohol or drug-re­lated violations are tough and enforcement isimportant. The chance of apprehension and con­viction are high and New York State law strictly
limits your ability to plea bargain when charged
with an offense related to alcohol or drugs.

You do not have to look or feel intoxicatedfor these things to occur. The effects of alcohol
consumption can begin long before you become
intoxicated or even legally impaired and begin
with the first drink.
As alcohol physically limits your ability to drive,it also makes you less aware of what is happening
to your safe driving abilities. It becomes difficult
for you to judge your condition. You can gain
confidence about driving, when you should not be
driving at all.
During each mile you drive, you make hundreds
of decisions. Your decisions turn into actions thatkeep your vehicle controlled and ensure you
avoid crashes. Alcohol makes it difficult to makecorrect decisions and to take the safest actions.
For example: You have just stopped at a STOP
sign. You see another vehicle approaching theintersection. You must quickly make a decision
whether it is safe to go through the intersection.
Under the influence of alcohol, you are more like­ly to make a wrong decision and “take a chance.”Your slower reaction time, and the bad decision,
could cause a crash.

OTHER DRUGS

WHAT ALCOHOL DOES

Drugs, which include many prescription andover-the-counter medications, can affect yourability to drive. They can have effects similar toalcohol or even worse. If you take medication,even a remedy for colds or allergies that is notprescribed, check the label for warnings about
its effects. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or
pharmacist about driving while on the medication.

Alcohol increases reaction time, reduces yourability to see clearly, changes your judgment ofspeed and distances, often makes you less inhib­
ited and makes you more prone to take chances.
The important skills you need to drive safely are
made weaker.

Never drink alcohol while you are taking otherdrugs. It could be dangerous, often enhancing
the effects of the alcohol and the other drug. For
example, taking one drink while you are alsousing a cold remedy could affect you as muchas several drinks.

Because your vision is normally restricted atnight, it is especially dangerous to drink and drive
after dark. Alcohol also reduces your ability to re­cover from the glare of headlights. When anothervehicle moves toward you, you can be blinded byits headlights for a long period of time.

52 | Driver’s Manual

It can be a criminal offense to drive while
impaired by the effect of drugs or alcohol anddrugs, illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, LSD,
heroin and opium and by some prescription drugs
like tranquilizers. Drugs can affect your reflexes,
judgment, vision and alertness in ways similar
to alcohol and they may have other dangerous
effects as well.
A combination of alcohol and other drugs se­verely reduces your ability to drive and can cause
serious health problems, which can include death.

ALCOHOL, OTHER DRUGS AND
THE LAWIn New York State, you can be arrested forany of these offenses: aggravated driving while
intoxicated (Agg-DWI), driving while intoxicated(DWI), driving with a blood alcohol content of .08
percent or more (.08 BAC), driving while ability im­paired by a drug (DWAI-drug), driving while ability
impaired by alcohol (DWAI), or driving under the
combined influence of alcohol and drugs.
Blood alcohol content (BAC) is the percentage
of alcohol in your blood and is normally deter­
mined by a chemical test of breath, blood, urine
or saliva. A BAC of more than .05 percent is legal
evidence that you are impaired, a BAC of .08
percent or higher is evidence of intoxication, anda BAC of .18 percent or more is evidence of aggra­vated driving while intoxicated.

Many people think chemical test evidence is re­quired to prove you were intoxicated or impaired.
However, the testimony of a police officer about
the way you drive, your appearance and behavior
when arrested can provide enough evidence toconvict you, even without a chemical test.
If you are found guilty of any alcohol or drug-re­lated violation, the court must revoke or suspend
your driver license when you are sentenced. Even
if the court allows you to continue driving for 20days, your driver license will be taken immediately.
The BAC standards and penalties for commer­
cial drivers are even tougher than those indicatedin this chapter. For complete information, see Sec­tion 1 of the Commercial Driver’s Manual (CDL-10).

YOUR BACYour blood alcohol content (BAC) depends on:• How much alcohol you drink.
• How much time passes between drinks.
• Your weight.
Your BAC does not depend on the type of bev­
erage you drink, how fit you are, or how you can“hold your liquor.”.02 BAC =OR
5 oz. glass of wine
12% alcoholOR
1 1⁄2 oz. liquor
80 proofOR
12 oz. (360 ml)
can of beer
5% alcohol

12 oz. wine cooler
5% alcoholDriver’s Manual | 53

Different types of drinks do not affect you differ­
ently. It is the amount of alcohol you consume, notwhether it is in beer, wine or liquor that raises yourBAC and reduces your driving ability. These drinks
contain about the same amount of alcohol – 1-1⁄2
ounces of liquor, 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces ofbeer, and 12 ounces of wine cooler. None is “safer
to drink” than the others.
For a 150-pound male, each one of these drinks
contains enough alcohol to increase his BAC byabout .02 percent. On average, it takes the body
approximately one hour to remove that muchalcohol. Studies indicate that a woman will takelonger to process and remove alcohol from theblood. This can cause a higher BAC over a longer
period of time.
Compared to the 150-pound male describedabove, your body weight can make some differ­ence in the BAC and the effects of alcohol. No
one has immunity to the effects of alcohol. It is a
simple fact: the more you drink in a given periodof time, the higher your BAC will be and the lesssafe you will drive.
It takes only a few drinks to increase your BAC
to levels at which it is illegal to drive. And remem­ber, the effects of alcohol on your ability to drive
begin at even lower BAC levels after justone drink.
Eating before or while you drink helps slow theabsorption of alcohol somewhat, but it cannot
prevent intoxication or impairment if you have toomuch to drink.
The only method to effectively reduce yourBAC is not to drink over a period of time. Coffee,
exercise and cold showers cannot reduce yourBAC and the effects of alcohol. They can help you
remain awake, but it cannot change your BAC or
make you sober.

CHEMICAL TESTS
Chemical tests use blood, breath, urine or saliva
to measure the BAC of a person. If you are ar­rested for an alcohol or drug related violation, thepolice officer will likely request that you submit toa chemical test (breath test analyzer). Under New

York’s “Implied Consent” law, when you drive acar in this state you are considered to have given
your consent to take this type of test.
Chemical test refusal is a separate issue
from whether you were guilty of an alcohol or
drug-related violation. If you refuse to take thetest after being arrested, your driver license will
be suspended when you are arraigned in courton the alcohol or other drug-related charge. In
addition, the fact that you refused a chemical test
can be brought up in court when you are triedon the alcohol or drug-related charge. If a DMV
hearing later confirms you refused the test, yourdriver license will be revoked even if you arefound not guilty of the alcohol or other drug-relat­
ed violation. For information about driver license
revocations and civil penalties for chemical test
refusals, see Chapter 2.

THE CONSEQUENCES
The table “Penalties for Alcohol/Drug Related
Violations” describes fines, surcharges, license
penalties and possible imprisonment if you areconvicted of an alcohol or drug-related violation.
Impaired or intoxicated driving can also haveother serious results.
Repeat Offenders
Drivers with repeat dangerous driving convic­
tions in New York State face one of the toughest
licensing policies in the nation. These regulations
call for:• Lifetime Record Review by DMV: DMV will
review the lifetime record of all drivers who
apply to have a license reinstated after
a revocation.
• Truly Permanent License Revocation for
Persistently Drunk & Dangerous Drivers:
After conducting a lifetime record review, DMV
will deny any application for reinstatement of alicense after revocation if the applicant has:
• Five or more alcohol or drug related driving
convictions in his or her lifetime, or54 | Driver’s Manual• Three or more alcohol or drug related
driving convictions in the 25 year look backperiod plus at least one other serious driving
offense during that period. A serious driving
offense includes: a fatal crash, a driving-re­lated penal law conviction, an accumulationof 20 or more points assessed for driving
violations within the 25 year look back peri­
od or having two or more driving convictions
during the 25 year look back period eachworth five points or more.
• Delayed Re-Licensing, Driving Restrictions,& Interlocks for Other Drivers with Repeated
Alcohol- or Drug-Related Driving Convic­
tions: For those drivers seeking reinstatementof a license after revocation who have three orfour alcohol- or drug-related driving convic­
tions but no serious driving offense in the 25
year look back period, DMV will:• Deny their applications for five years beyond
their statutory revocation period if the appli­
cant’s license was revoked for an alcohol- or
drug-related offense; or two additional years
if the applicant’s license was revoked fora reason other than an alcohol or drug
related offense;• Restore the applicant’s license after that
additional period as a “restricted” license
limiting the applicant’s driving to, for exam­
ple, travel to and from work or medical
visits; and• Require an interlock device on the vehicle
driven by the applicant for five years fromthe date of the interlock device installation.
• End the Reduction of Mandatory Suspension
or Revocation Periods: Previously, repeat
drunk drivers whose licenses had been re­voked or suspended could get their full driving
privileges back in as little as seven weeks bycompleting DMV’s Impaired Driver Program.
DMV’s new regulations will ensure that thosedrivers cannot regain their driving privileges
until their full term of suspension or revocation
has ended.

Zero Tolerance for Drivers Under Age 21
The legal purchase and possession age forbeverages containing alcohol in New York Stateis 21. Under the state’s “zero tolerance” law, it
is a violation for a person under 21 to drive withany BAC that can be measured (.02 to .07). Aftera finding of violation is determined at a DMV
hearing, the driver license will be suspended forsix months. The driver then must pay a $100 sus­
pension termination fee and a $125 civil penalty
to be re-licensed. For a second Zero Tolerance
violation, the driver license will be revoked forat least one year or until the driver reaches 21,
whichever is longer.
Illegal Purchase of Beverages
Containing Alcohol
When you use a driver license or Non-Driver ID
card as proof of age to illegally purchase bever­ages that contain alcohol, state law requires thesuspension of your driver license or privilege toapply for a license.
Open Container Law
It is a traffic infraction for a driver or passenger
in a motor vehicle on a public highway, street orroad to drink a beverage containing alcohol or tohave a beverage containing alcohol. The penalty
for a first conviction is a fine up to $150, a man­datory surcharge, a crime victim assistance fee,and possible imprisonment of 15 days. Additional
offenses within 18 months bring higher penalties.
The law exempts passengers in vehicles likestretch limousines and other vehicles that display
a commerce certificate or permit issued by the
U.S. Department of Transportation or the NYS
Department of Transportation.

Driver’s Manual | 55

PENALTIES FOR ALCOHOL/DRUG RELATED VIOLATIONSAGGRAVATED DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATEDAGG-DWI (0.18 and higher Blood Alcohol Content [BAC])CONVICTION

FINE ONLY*

JAIL SENTENCE

LICENSE ACTION**
AND REQUIREMENTS

1st Offense(Misdemeanor)

Minimum $1000
Maximum $2500

Up to 1 year

Minimum 1-Year
Revocation

2nd Offense(Class E Felony)
Within 10 Years

Minimum $1000
Maximum $5000

Up to 4 years

Minimum 18-Month
Revocation

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED OR
DRIVING WHILE ABILITY IMPAIRED BY A DRUG
DWI (0.08 and higher Blood Alcohol Content [BAC]) or DWAI-Drug
CONVICTION

FINE ONLY*

JAIL SENTENCE

LICENSE ACTION**
AND REQUIREMENTS

1st Offense(Misdemeanor)

Minimum $500
Maximum $1000

Up to 1 year

Minimum 6-Month
Revocation DWI;
Minimum 6-Month
Suspension (DWAI-D)

2nd Offense(Class E Felony)
Within 10 Years

Minimum $1000
Maximum $5000

Up to 4 years (DWI & DWAI-D):
minimum 5 days jail or 30days of community service(for DWI within prior 5 years)

Minimum 1-Year
Revocation

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED BY COMBINED ALCOHOL & DRUGSDWAI-Combination
CONVICTION

FINE ONLY*

JAIL SENTENCE

LICENSE ACTION**
AND REQUIREMENTS

1st Offense(Misdemeanor)

Minimum $500
Maximum $1000

Up to 1 year

Minimum 6-Month
Revocation

2nd Offense(Class E Felony)
Within 10 Years

Minimum $1000
Maximum $5000

Up to 4 years

Minimum 1-Year
Revocation

DRIVING WHILE ABILITY IMPAIREDDWAI (more than 0.05 up to 0.07 Blood Alcohol Content [BAC])CONVICTION

FINE ONLY*

JAIL SENTENCE

LICENSE ACTION**
AND REQUIREMENTS

1st Offense(Traffic Infraction)

Minimum $300
Maximum $500

Up to 15 Days

90 Day Suspension

2nd Offense(Traffic Infraction)
Within 5 Years

Minimum $500
Maximum $750

Up to 30 Days

Minimum 6-Month
Revocation

NOTE: Higher fines, longer jail sentences, and increased license penalties (including lifetime revocation) may result from a third or subsequentconviction within 10 years.
*Conviction fine only, does not include mandatory surcharge or crime victims’ assistance fee.
**The Department of Motor Vehicle determines when your license can be returned. Its return or reinstatement, based on state law or regulation, is
not automatic. You must reapply for your license and may have to pass a test.
NOTE: License actions for those under age 21 are different.

56 | Driver’s Manual

The Ignition Interlock Program andLeandra’s Lawof thousands of dollars and a maximum jailterm of 15 years.

Courts must order all persons convicted ofdriving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while
intoxicated, or of a penal law of which an alcohol
related violation of any provision of section 1192
of the Vehicle & Traffic Law is an essential ele­ment to install and maintain an ignition interlock
on any vehicle owned or operated by such driver
for at least 12 months. (This device, purchased
and installed at the expense of the motorist, isconnected to a motor vehicle ignition system
and measures the alcohol content of the breathof the driver. The vehicle cannot be started until
the driver provides an acceptable sample breath.)
The 12-month requirement may be waived by
the court if the defendant demonstrates thatthe interlock device was installed for at least six
months, unless the court orders the interlock
device to be installed for a longer period of time.
The judge also must order an alcohol assessment
for a repeat offender. If the assessment indicatesalcohol treatment is necessary, the judge may berequired to order the completion of treatment as acondition of probation.

• If you drive while your license is suspended
or revoked, you face a mandatory fine of$200 to $1000 and a mandatory jail term orprobation. If impaired or intoxicated when
you are arrested, the maximum mandatory
fine is $5,000 and the vehicle canbe seized.
• Liability insurance may not cover the cost of
injuries and damage from a traffic crash. You
could be sued for thousands of dollars andyou would find it difficult and expensive to
buy liability insurance for several years.

Drivers who commit these alcohol-related
offenses with a child under 16 years old in thevehicle may be charged with a class E felony,punishable by up to four years in prison. (This is
known as Leandra’s Law.)
The law also makes it a felony to drive drunkwith a conditional license, which is a license that
may be issued by the DMV when someone isconvicted of an alcohol-related offense. Such alicense may be used only for driving to and fromessential destinations such as school, work andmedical appointments. The conditional driver
license will be revoked if the motorist does notcomply with the court terms or for a conviction
for any traffic offense except parking, stopping
or standing.

A FEW IMPORTANT REMINDERS• If you kill or cause an injury to anotherperson because of an alcohol or otherdrug-related violation, you can be convictedof criminally negligent homicide, vehicular
manslaughter or assault. These carry a fine

• Besides fines and surcharges, you could
also face costly legal fees.
• You could have a criminal record, whichmakes it harder to get a job or move forward
in your job.

HOW TO AVOID TROUBLE
You are not likely to worry about the results ofyour actions while you are impaired or intoxicat­
ed. The time to consider them, and how toprevent them, is before you become impaired
or intoxicated.
• If you go to events with the same group offriends, rotate drivers. Each friend takes aturn being the “designated driver” who does
not drink any alcohol.
• Arrange to remain overnight or ride homewith a friend who does not drink.
• Before you drink, give your car keys to afriend who does not drink and who will not
let you drive after you drink.
• Call a cab or use public transportation.
• Drink slowly. Alternate between drinks withalcohol and drinks without any alcohol.
• Do not make alcohol the focus of your event.
• If you have had too much alcohol, stop
drinking several hours before you intend
to leave so your body can begin to lower
your BACDriver’s Manual | 57

QUESTIONSCHAPTER 10 /SPECIAL DRIVING CONDITIONSBefore you move on to Chapter 10, make sure you
can answer these questions:

Even under the best conditions, driving requires
your full attention and your best judgment. Whenspecial conditions or hazards occur, attention andjudgment become even more important. To be agood and safe driver, you must learn how to driveon expressways, at night, in bad weather andwhen an emergency occurs.

• How does impaired driving rank as a high­way safety problem?
• What are the effects of alcohol on the skills
you need to drive?
• Which of these drugs could affect yourability to drive: marijuana, a cold remedy,
a tranquilizer?
• If you take a non-prescription drug, whatmust you do before you drive?
• What is a likely effect when you take anotherdrug while you drink beverages
containing alcohol?
• On what three conditions does your blood
alcohol content (BAC) depend?
• Which of these contains more alcohol thanthe other three: 1-1⁄2 ounces (30 ml) of liquor,
five ounces (120 ml) wine, 12 ounces (360 ml)
of beer, 12 ounces (360 ml) of wine cooler?
• On average, how long does it take yourbody to remove the alcohol contained in 12
ounces of beer?
• What is the only effective method to reduce
your BAC?
• What happens to your driver license if you
refuse a chemical test?
• Other than fines, action against your driver
license and a possible jail term, what aresome of the results when you drive under
the influence of alcohol or other drugs?

RAILROAD CROSSINGSGRADE CROSSINGS
A grade crossing is the point at which train
tracks intersect with a roadway and is considered
an intersection. As you approach a crossing,always expect a train. Trains can run on any track,at any time, from either direction. Never race a
train to a crossing, never drive around lowered
gates, and do not stop on tracks. (You will learn
later in the section what to do if your vehicle stalls
or gets stuck on a track.) When crossing tracks,
always stay in your lane and in the same gear.
Some grade crossings have flashing red lights
or lowering gates when a train approaches(“active” grade crossings). When approachingmarked, or active, grade crossings, do not pro­ceed until the gates are completely raised andthe lights are off. It is illegal and dangerous to goaround lowered gates or to cross while the lights
are still flashing.
Some grade crossings do not have gates or
flashing lights. When approaching unmarked,
or passive, grade crossings, slow down and be
prepared to stop. Before you cross, be sure that a
train is not coming. If you see a train coming, wait
until it passes, and then cross the tracks when it issafe to do so. If there are multiple tracks, wait until
you can clearly see down all sets of tracks inboth directions for another approaching train
before crossing.
Remember that the train you see is closer andfaster-moving than you think, and be aware thattrains cannot stop quickly.

58 | Driver’s Manual

Railroad Crossing Warning Sign
COLOR: Yellow with black letters“RR” and “X” symbol.
MEANING: There is a railroad
crossing ahead. Use caution,and be prepared to stop. If you
are following a bus or truck
approaching a railroad crossing, be careful.
Most buses and some trucks must stop at
railroad crossings.

Do not under any circumstances, attempt tocross any railroad tracks unless you are certain
your entire vehicle will clear all of the tracks at
the crossing. You cannot go across any railroad
tracks unless there is room for your vehicle on theother side. If other traffic prevents you from going
fully across, wait and go across only when there
is room.

(See “Railroad Crossing Signals”.)

School buses with or without passengers, otherbuses with passengers on board and vehicles
with explosives or flammable cargo must stop at
all railroad crossings. Remember those rules if
you are following one of these vehicles.

Railroad Crossing Signals

Pavement Markings

Flashing red
lights, loweredcrossing gates
and/or a bell at arailroad crossing
indicate that you
must stop, at least
15 feet (5 m) fromthe tracks. Do
not go across the
tracks until thelights and bell have stopped and the crossing
gates are completely up. Do not drive around or
under a gate that is moving up or down.

Sometimes, grade crossings do
not have flashing red light signals
or gates. Pavement markings
will often show you that a grade
crossing is ahead. Stay behindthe stop line while waiting for a
train to pass.

Yield when you see acrossbuck sign, which is a sign
shaped like an “X” with “RAIL­
ROAD CROSSING” printed on it(like the sign above but without
flashing lights). If there are
multiple train tracks, the sign
will show the number of tracks.
Look and listen for trains
before crossing any railroad
tracks. If an approaching train
is near enough or going fastenough to be a danger, you
cannot go across the tracks,even if they have no signals or
the signals are not working.

Stalling on Railroad Tracks
What should you do if you
stall on the tracks, for any
reason?
1. GET OUT! (Thatincludes EVERYONE
in the car, children, babies, an elderly
passenger, etc.)
2. Get away from the tracks, even if you do
not see a train.
3. Locate the Emergency Notification System
sign and call the number provided, tellingthem about the stalled vehicle.
Run toward the general direction the train iscoming from. If a train is approaching, run toward
the train but away from the tracks at a 45-degree
angle. If you run “down the track,” in the same
direction as the train, you can be hit with debris
when the train hits your vehicle.

Driver’s Manual | 59

EXPRESSWAY DRIVING“Expressway” means any divided highway
where traffic moves in one direction on two
or more lanes. You normally enter or exit theexpressway on ramps (controlled-access). The
speed limit is normally 55 mph (88 km/h), but canbe posted at 65 mph (100 km/h) in some rural
areas. Examples of expressways are the New
York State Thruway, major interstate routes andparkways.

Remain alert for traffic that enters ahead. If
possible, move from the right lane when you
approach the entrances to allow more room for
traffic entering the expressway from the ramp.
To prevent a last-minute lane change, check thedestination and exit signs and get into the correctlane for your exit ahead of time. Make sure tosignal your exit at least 100 feet (30 m) before
you reach the exit ramp. When you are on theexit ramp, decrease your speed. There is often alower speed limit for the ramp.
After you leave an expressway, look for speed
limit signs and check your speedometer to be
sure you are within the posted limit. You are not
likely to be on a 55 mph (88 km/h) road.

Before you travel on an expressway, identify
your entrance and exit points on a road map.
Know where to get on and off the expressway
and be prepared to get into the correct lanes foryour entrance and exit. If you enter an express­
way going a different direction than you intended,or at the wrong exit, stay on the expressway
until the next exit. After you exit the expressway,
you can figure out where you need to go and(if necessary) get back on the expressway. IT ISDANGEROUS to back up on an entrance or exit
ramp, or to try to cross a median.
Unless there is a STOP or YIELD sign or traffic
light on the entrance ramp, use the ramp to accel­
erate to expressway speed and blend with traffic.
Signal, then look over your shoulder for traffic
already on the expressway. If necessary, slow
down to safely merge into traffic.
If the entrance lane is too short to allow accel­
eration to expressway speed, the safest method
to enter is to stop and wait for a large space intraffic. Then enter the expressway and accelerate
quickly. To avoid conflicts with other entrance
lane traffic, stop when necessary and merge into
expressway traffic as soon as possible.
As you drive on the expressway, make sure
to signal all lane changes and check over yourshoulder to make sure you will not cut off any
vehicles behind you. Make sure your directionalsignal goes off after you change lanes.

Expressway driving normally combines higher
speeds with heavy traffic. The higher speed andamount of traffic require you to think faster andhandle your vehicle in a more efficient mannerthan in most other conditions. On long trips, planfrequent rest stops. On a bright day, sunglasses
can reduce glare and eye fatigue.

NIGHT DRIVING
About 90% of your decisions are based on what
you see. At night, you must use extra caution to
make up for reduced visibility. You should also
know that the ability to see well at night decreas­
es with age.
Night driving is more dangerous because thedistance you can see ahead or to the side is
reduced. You should drive slower than you wouldin daylight, especially in areas that are not known
or on narrow roads with many curves. Your head­lights cover about 350 feet ahead. It is importantthat you drive at a speed that allows you to stopsafely within that distance. This is called “driving
within the range” of your headlights.

60 | Driver’s Manual

The law requires you to use your headlightsfrom one-half hour after the sun sets to one-halfhour before the sun rises, when visibility is lessthan 1,000 feet (300 m) and when you use yourwindshield wipers to clear rain, snow or sleet.
Turn your headlights on at dawn, dusk and in fog.
Even when headlights do not help you see in low­light periods, they make it easier for other drivers
and pedestrians to see your vehicle. Do not use
parking lights or daytime lights as a replacement.
Headlights do a better job. If an oncoming driver
flashes headlights at you during a period of low
visibility, it means your vehicle was difficult to see
and you should turn on your headlights.
Be considerate when you use your high beams.
Your headlights must be on low beam when you
are within 500 feet (150 m) of an oncoming vehicle
or within 200 feet (60 m) of a vehicle ahead ofyou, even if the vehicle ahead is in a different lane.
You should also dim your lights for pedestrians
who approach you. Any fog or driving lights yourvehicle has must be arranged, adjusted or operat­
ed to avoid dangerous glare to other drivers.
If an approaching driver does not dim theheadlights, flash your headlights to high beam fora second, then return to low beam. To help avoid
the glare of approaching high beams, move youreyes to the right. Use the road edge as a guide
until the approaching vehicle passes by.
To reduce glare from the lights of following
vehicles, switch your inside rear view mirror to the“night” position.

improve your safety under these conditions (seeChapter 8). Take additional care on curves, turns
and expressway ramps.
In heavy rain, your tires can begin to ride on thewater that is on top of the road pavement. Thisis called “hydroplaning” and can cause complete
loss of traction and control of steering. Hydroplan­ing normally occurs at higher speeds, but it also
can occur if your tires are tread worn or not in­flated properly. When there is heavy rain, it always
makes sense to drive more slowly. If your vehicle
begins to lose traction, decrease your speed evenmore. Good tires with deep tread help toprevent hydroplaning.
Rain, fog or snow make it harder to see throughyour windshield, and difficult for other drivers to
see you. New York State law requires you to turnon your headlights when the weather conditions
require the use of windshield wipers to clear rain,snow, sleet or fog. “Daytime lights” do not qualify
as headlights.
Headlights on high beams reflect rain, fog andsnow as it falls. This makes it even harder for you
to see. For better visibility during these weather
conditions, keep your headlights on low beam.
Reduce your speed. Signal your turns further
ahead of time to give other drivers and roadway
users more warning. Brake early when you de­crease speed behind another vehicle or come to
an intersection stop.

A dirty windshield increases glare from ap­
proaching headlights. Make sure your lights andwindshield glass are clean for night driving.

Some vehicles have front fog lights or front andback fog lights, for use when heavy fog or similar
hazardous weather conditions restrict visibility.
In New York State, all fog lights must be correctly
installed and of a type approved by the Commis­
sioner of DMV. Front fog lights can be amber orwhite in color. Back fog lights must be red andcan be larger than the normal back lights – they
will give advance warning of the presence of yourvehicle to the drivers behind you. When visibility
improves, you can switch off your fog lights to
reduce the glare that can bother other drivers.

DRIVING IN RAIN, FOG OR SNOWHOW TO DRIVE IN WINTER

Light from inside your vehicle or from street
lights makes it harder for you to see the roadahead. Keep the interior roof light off and dim thedashboard lights. Adjust your visors to reduceglare from lights from above.

A bit of rain, snow or ice makes roads slip­
pery. Wet leaves can be slippery and hazardous.
Reduced speed and increased following distance

Winter is the most difficult season in which todrive. In addition to snow and ice on the roads,
there are fewer hours of daylight.

Driver’s Manual | 61

Before winter weather arrives, make sure yourvehicle is in good condition. Make sure your vehi­
cle has good snow tires. Put them on the vehicle
before the first storm. Never combine radial andnon-radial tires on the same vehicle. Tires withmetal studs can be used in New York State only
from October 16 through April 30.
During ice or snow storms, do not drive unless
you must. If you must drive, first clear the ice
and snow from your vehicle. This includes theheadlights and back lights, the windshield wipers
and all of the windows. Make sure the windshield
washer reservoir is filled with a cleaning solutionthat resists freezing.
Drive slowly. Even if your vehicle has good trac­
tion in ice and snow, other drivers will travel withcaution. Do not break the flow of traffic by driving
faster than other vehicles.
In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, you can normallyfeel a loss of traction or the start of a slide. Witha front-wheel drive vehicle, there might not be
a warning. Although front-wheel drive and fourwheel drive vehicles normally handle better in
ice and snow, they do not have flawless traction;
skids can occur without a warning. Do not let theability to better handle a front-wheel drive or fourwheel drive vehicle make you drive faster thanthe conditions dictate.

rapidly only as your car slows down. If you
brake hard with regular brakes, it will makethe situation worse.
If your front wheels skid:• Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutralor push in the clutch, but do not try to
immediately steer.
• As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow
the vehicle and traction will return. As trac­
tion returns, turn the wheel in the direction
you want to go. Then put the transmission
in “drive” or release the clutch andaccelerate carefully.
To prevent skids on snow and ice, brake early,
carefully and gently. “Press” your brakes in slow,
steady strokes. Allow the wheels to keep turning.
If they begin to lock, decrease pressure on thebrake pedal. As your vehicle decreases speed,
you can also shift into a lower gear.
When sleet, freezing rain or snow begin to fall,
remember that bridges, ramps and overpasses will
freeze first. Also know that slippery spots may re­main after road workers have removed the snow.

The best method to recover from a skid is thesame for both front and rear wheel drive vehicles.
If your rear wheels start to skid:• Turn the steering wheel in the direction thevehicle is trying to go. If your rear wheels
slide left, steer left. If they slide right,
steer right.
• If your rear wheels start to slide in the otherdirection as you recover, turn the steering
wheel toward that side. You might have toturn the wheel left and right several times to
get your vehicle completely controlled.
• If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS),
keep your foot with even pressure on thebrake pedal. If your vehicle does not have
ABS, pump the pedal carefully. Pump more

HOW TO AVOID COLLISIONS WITH DEER
Two-thirds of all deer-vehicle collisions occur
during the months of October, November andDecember. This is also the time when deer breed
and when they travel the most. Daily deer activity
is highest at dawn and dusk, which often is thehighest time of travel for motor-vehicle com­muters. Deer travel in groups – if you see one,
expect more. Areas where there have been manydeer-vehicle collisions often are marked with

62 | Driver’s Manual

deer crossing signs. The New York State Depart­
ment of Environmental Conservation recommends
these precautions motorists can take to reducethe chance of a deer hit:

LOSS OF A WHEEL - Handle this as you woulda blowout. A thump or noise in the wheel can bea warning sound. Leave the roadway and stop.
Then check your vehicle or have it checked.

• Be careful when you drive at dawn anddusk; this is when driver visibility is bad andthe deer are most active.

STEERING FAILURE - If your vehicle suddenly will
not respond when you steer, slowly take your footoff the gas pedal, turn on your emergency lights
and keep your foot off the brake pedal while it issafe to do so. The balance of the vehicle will allow
it to continue going straight, but a sudden change
in speed could send it out of control. As the vehi­
cle decreases speed, you can brake very carefully
to bring it to a stop.

• The risk of deer-vehicle collisions increases
when deer movements increase during
breeding season in October, November
and December.
• Decrease speed when you approach deernear roadsides. Deer can “bolt” or change
direction at the last minute.
• If you see a deer go across the road, de­crease speed and be careful. Deer travel ingroups, expect other deer to follow.
• Use emergency lights or flash your head­lights to warn other drivers when deer are
seen on or near the road.
• Use caution on roadways marked with deercrossing signs. These signs are put in areasthat have had a large number of deervehicle collisions.

DRIVING EMERGENCIESThe most important rule in any emergency is
do not panic. You have a better chance in an
emergency if you do not let fear take over. In mostemergencies, you will have a second or two tothink before you act.
Here is what to do in different emergency
situations:
TIRE BLOWOUT - A thumping sound can be awarning that a blowout is about to occur. If you
hear it, get safely off the road and check yourtires. If a tire blows out, hold the steering wheel
tight and slowly take your foot off the gas pedal. If
your vehicle skids, handle it as you would on ice
or snow. Do not use your brake until your vehicle
is controlled. Leave the road when it is safe to
do so.

BRAKE FAILURE - If your brake pedal suddenly
goes to the floor, try pumping it to increase pres­sure. If that does not help, use your emergency or
parking brake – but use it gently. If you shift to alower gear, it will help your vehicle
decrease speed.
HEADLIGHT FAILURE - If your headlights sud­denly go out, try your emergency lights, parking
lights and directional signals. These may continue
to work and can give you enough light to leave
the roadway safely. If your headlights begin todim, drive to a service station or pull off the roadand go for help.
STUCK GAS PEDAL - Hook your shoe under thepedal and see if you can free it. If not, shift into
neutral and use the brake to slow your vehicle
and get off the road. Do not turn off the ignition
if your vehicle has power steering or a steering
wheel that has a column that locks, because if
you do, you will lose your power steering or nothave the ability to steer at all.
RUNNING OFF THE PAVEMENT - If your wheels
move off the pavement, do not pull the steering
wheel back. Ease your foot off the gas pedal andbrake gently. When your vehicle has decreased
speed, check for traffic behind you, then turncarefully back onto the pavement.
VEHICLE APPROACHING HEAD-ON IN YOURLANE – Decrease speed, pull over to the rightand sound your horn to warn the other driver.
Do not turn into the left lane. If you do, the otherdriver may suddenly recover and pull back intothat lane, causing a head-on collision.

Driver’s Manual | 63

STALLING ON RAILROAD TRACKS - If a train
approaches, release your seat belt, leave thevehicle and get as far away as you can from thetracks. Run toward the general direction the train
is coming from. If you run “down the track” in thesame direction as the train, you can be hit withdebris when the train hits your vehicle. When you
are completely sure no trains are coming, open
your window to listen for a train and try to start theengine. If that fails, shift your vehicle into neutral
and push it from the tracks.

• What are expressway entrance ramps
used for?

GOING INTO WATER - A vehicle will normallyfloat for a while, and you should have time toremove yourself before it starts to sink. Release
your seat belt and escape through a window. An
open door would cause water to rush in and the
car could turn over on top of you.

• Why is expressway driving different fromnormal driving?

If the vehicle sinks before you can remove
yourself, get into the back seat. An air pocket canform there as the weight of the engine pulls thevehicle down front first. When the vehicle settles,
take a breath and escape through a window.
When you rise air pressure will build in your lungs.
Let it out in small breaths through your nose or
lips as you surface. Do not hold your breath tightor try to blow air out; just allow the air to escape ina natural way.
FIRE - If you see smoke come from under thehood, pull off the road and park your vehicle. Turn
off the ignition. Get away from the car and call thefire department. It is dangerous to try to fight thefire yourself.
BLOCKED VISION - If your hood opens suddenly
or your vision through the windshield becomesblocked by some other object or wipers that havefailed, you can open the side window so you cansee. Turn on your emergency lights and carefully
pull your vehicle off the road and park it.

QUESTIONS
Before you go on to Chapter 11, make sure you
can answer these questions:• What should you do if you miss an
expressway exit?

• What should you do if an entrance ramp
is short?
• When should you signal that you are exiting
an expressway?
• What should you check for when you leavean expressway?

• What is the main reason night driving ismore difficult than daytime driving?
• Driving within the range of your headlights
indicates you can stop your vehicle within
about how many feet?
• What should you do if you are blinded by
the headlights on an approaching vehicle?
• Is it best to keep your headlights on highbeam or low beam when there is fog, rain or
falling snow?
• Which direction should you turn your steer­ing wheel to get out of a skid?
• How should you use your brake pedal on aslippery road?
• What is the most important rule to remember
in any emergency?
• What should you do if one of your tires
blows out?
• What is the first thing you should do if yourbrakes fail?
• What should you do if your wheels move off
the pavement?

64 | Driver’s Manual

CHAPTER 11 /SHARING THE ROAD
As a driver, you must learn to safely share theroad with a variety of other users. These include,
but are not limited to: large vehicles, motorcycles,
mopeds, pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line skat­
ers, roller skaters, skateboarders, slow moving
vehicles, non-motorized scooters and horseback
riders. You should know how to safely manage
the problems they can present and understandthe special rules they must obey.

PEDESTRIANS AND SKATEBOARDERS
Pedestrians and skateboarders are at high riskin traffic. The law requires you to be extra careful
to avoid a collision with them.
Look out for children, near schools, bus stops,
playgrounds, parks and ice cream trucks.
When you back up your car or truck, lookthrough your back window for pedestrians. Do
not rely only on mirrors when children are near.
Before you back into a driveway, or out of it, getout of the vehicle and check behind your vehicle.
Pedestrians are supposed to walk on the sideof the road and face the traffic in the lane nearest
them. When you make a right turn, watch for
those pedestrians on your right. When you makea left turn, watch for pedestrians on the other sideof the road on your left.
Pedestrians and skateboarders who are legallycrossing the road or street at marked or un­
marked crossings, like at an intersection, always
have the right-of-way. You must decrease yourspeed or, if necessary, come to a complete stop.
Elderly and disabled pedestrians can require
additional time to complete their crossings.
A special right-of-way law allows blind pedes­
trians to go across the road with a guide dog or awhite or metal cane. You must always give them
the right-of-way when they are trying to cross at amarked or unmarked crosswalk even if the traffic
signals or other right-of-way rules are not intheir favor.

Remember to move your eyes as you drive.
Look to either side every few seconds to help
you spot pedestrians near or approaching theroadway.
The law requires pedestrians and skateboarders
to:• Obey traffic and pedestrian signals, traffic
officers and official signs.
• Use the sidewalk when available or face traf­
fic as they walk, as far from the near traffic
lane as possible.
• Never stand in the road to hitchhike or
conduct business with motorists.

BICYCLISTS AND IN-LINE SKATERS
Bicyclists and in-line skaters have the right toshare the road and travel in the same direction
as motor vehicles. They are often hard to see intraffic and have no protection from a traffic crash.
Check your “blind spots” before you make a turn,parallel park, open a door or leave a curb. Do notdepend only on your mirrors – turn your head tolook for bicyclists, skaters and scooter operatorsthat may be next to you or approaching.
Give bicyclists and in-line skaters room when
you drive. Reduce speed as you pass them. Air
pressure from a vehicle that passes them quickly
can send them off balance.
Be aware that the bicyclist or in-line skaternear or in front of you can react to road hazards
with sudden changes of speed, direction or lane
position.
The rules of the road and right-of-way apply toand protect these and other highway users. You
must yield the right-of-way to them just as you
would to another vehicle. And they must obey therules of the road just as motor vehicle drivers do.

Driver’s Manual | 65

Bicyclists and in-line skaters must:• Ride in a bicycle lane, if available. Where
there is none, they must remain near theright curb or edge of the road or on a rightshoulder of the road, to prevent interferencewith other traffic. When they prepare for aleft turn or must move left to avoid hazards,
cyclists do not have to remain to the right.
• Come to a full stop before they enter a road­way from a driveway, an alley or over a curb.
• Never travel with more than two side-by-side
in a single lane.
• Never ride on a sidewalk if it is prohibited by
local laws.
Bicyclists and their passengers and in-line skat­
ers, ages 1 through 13, must wear an approved
helmet. Adults must obey any local laws or regula­tions about helmet use.
Bicyclists also must:• Signal turns, lane changes and stops
through the use of the hand signals shown.
A bicyclist can signal a right turn when theyextend the right arm straight out to theright. Never carry an infant under a year old
as a passenger. It is against the law. Childpassengers ages 1 - 4 must ride in attachedbicycle safety seats.
• Never carry a passenger unless the bicycle
has a passenger seat.
• Keep at least one hand on the handlebars
at all times and do not carry any item which
prevents correct control of the bicycle.
• Any bicycle crash that causes death or seri­
ous injury must be reported to DMV within
10 days of the incident. Bicycle accident
report forms (MV-104C) are available at any
motor vehicle office.

A bicycle driven on public highways must haveadequate brakes and a horn or bell that can beheard at least 100 feet (30 m) away. A bicycle
used at night must have a headlight visible fromat least 500 feet (150 m) ahead and a red taillightvisible from at least 300 feet (90 m) behind. Oneof these lights must be visible from at least 200
feet (60 m) away on each side. A bicycle sold bya dealer must have wide-angle, spoke-mounted
reflectors or reflective tires, a wide-angle rearreflector and pedal reflectors.

66 | Driver’s Manual

MOTORCYCLISTSAs a driver, you share the road with a lot ofother motorists – not all of which are driving carsor trucks. Motorcycles are common on New
York roads. As a driver, you are responsible tobe aware of motorcycles and understand how tosafely share the road with them.
Motorcycles (which include scooters and mo­peds) come in a variety of shapes and sizes. New
York State Law defines a motorcycle as “Every
motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the useof the rider and designed to travel on not morethan three wheels in contact with the ground,but excluding a tractor.” Most motorcycles you’ll
see have either two or three wheels. Examples
include (but are not limited to):Motorcyclists have the same rights and respon­
sibilities as drivers of other vehicles, and must
follow the same traffic laws. However, motorcy­
clists, like pedestrians, bicyclists and skaters, areless visible to drivers. Though you may often see
motorcycles on the roads in the spring, summer,
or fall – you can encounter motorcycles anytime
and anywhere. Because we don’t see them all
year, we may not actively think about them.
When there is a crash involving a motorcycle
and another vehicle, the rider (and passenger)
have a much higher chance of being seriously
hurt or killed than the driver (and passengers) of
the other vehicle. Though motorcyclists are re­quired to wear approved helmets and goggles ora face shield, motorcycles themselves do not offer
the rider the protections that you have with othertypes of vehicles. For example, motorcycles don’t
protect the rider with a frame around the rider.

Driver’s Manual | 67

Many drivers who are involved in a crash witha motorcyclist report that they did not see themotorcycle. The question is “why not?”There are several factors that make motorcy­
clists less visible.
• Motorcycles, when compared to otherhighway users, are smaller. No matterfrom which direction you view a motorcycle(front, back, or side), you’ll find they aresmaller than most other highway users.
• Motorcycles may appear to move fasterthan other vehicles. A motorcycle’s smaller
size makes it seem much farther away, andmakes it difficult to judge how far away they
are or how fast they are going.

• Motorcycles don’t have a tail lightat eye level. Most cars and trucks areequipped with a “Center High Mount
Stop Light” (CHMSL) which is designed
to be at, or close to, eye level. Most mo­torcycle brake lights are mounted lower
than eye level, which makes them lessobvious to many motorists.
• Turn signals on motorcycles are often
close to the headlight or taillights,
which can make them more difficult tosee. Additionally, on most motorcycles,
the directional signal does not turn off
automatically after a turn, so their turnsignal may be on inadvertently when the
motorcyclist has no intention of turning.

• Motorcycles may not take up the entire
lane because they are not as wide asother vehicles, but an experienced rider
may move around within a lane to avoid
obstacles, or to help them see better. In
addition to using the full lane, two motorcy­
clists are allowed to ride side-by-side in asingle lane, but a motorcyclist cannot passor share a lane with another motor vehicle
that is not a motorcycle. If you are overtak­ing a car/SUV/truck, you might not haveseen the motorcycle in front of that vehicle
until you’re already in the passing lane.
The same holds true if you are entering an
expressway. You may not see a motorcyclethat is driving in the left portion of the lane
you intend to merge into.

Intersections can be especially dangerous formotorcycles. It’s human nature to notice large
vehicles first. Motorcycles are smaller than othervehicles, and they may seem to “blend in.” Num­bers help tell the story:• Motorcycle lighting is different, and often
less obvious, than other vehicles:

Another factor is that drivers may not see
motorcycles simply because they don’t look
for motorcycles. It’s human nature to look forsomething specific. A new driver may be told tolook for cars (and trucks) before going through anintersection – and that is precisely what s/he will
look for. All drivers need to train themselves tolook for motorcycles and to share the road safely
with them.

• Headlights and taillights on motorcy­
cles must be illuminated when driving.
But, with so many vehicles equipped withdaytime running lights (i.e. headlightsthat are always on – even in daylight),
motorcycle headlights don’t stand out.
• It’s harder to see the brake lights. Taillights on a motorcycle are generally
smaller in size than those on other vehi­cles, and because motorcycle tail lights
are always on, the brake lights don’t
always stand out.

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Admin­
istration reports that, in 2015, 41 percent of
fatal motorcycle crashes in the US occurredwith “the other vehicle turning left while themotorcycles were going straight, passing,or overtaking other vehicles.”• In 2014, there were 4,750 reported motorcy­
cle crashes in New York State. 2,546 ofthese crashes involved another vehicle.
That’s 53.6% of the reported crashes.

68 | Driver’s Manual

Because motorcyclists must take additional pre­cautions when they come upon special highway
surfaces, you should know what a motorcyclist
may do:• Don’t tailgate. Motorcycles can stop in ashorter distance than cars – under the rightconditions. Also, it may be more difficult to
notice they are slowing or stopping.

• The motorcyclist may quickly change speed
or lane position to avoid loose gravel,
debris, seams or grooves in the pavement,
sewer or access covers or small animals.

• If it’s raining, or dark, give motorcycles evenmore space.

• When approaching a railroad crossing, a
motorcyclist may decrease speed and rise
off the seat to cushion the rough crossing
and change direction to go across the
tracks at a right angle.
• On steel deck bridges the motorcyclist may
move to the center of the lane to adjust
for the surface that is not even. Stay agood distance behind a motorcyclist in
this situation.
Drivers need to adjust how they drive aroundmotorcycles.

• Be careful when you pass a motorcyclist.
Like bicycles, the air pressure created by
vehicles as they quickly pass by canaffect motorcycles.

MOPED OPERATORS
Limited use motorcycles, often called mopeds,
are low speed, two- or three-wheeled vehicles forlimited use on public highways. There are threedifferent classes of mopeds based on maximum
performance speed. The chart below describes
the requirements for moped operation.

GUIDE TO LIMITED USE MOTORCYCLE (MOPED) OPERATION
Class

A

B

C

Top speed range mph (km/hr)

31 to 40(over 48 to 64)

21 to 30
(32 to 48)

20 or less
(32 or less)

M

ANY CLASS 4

ANY CLASS 4

Registration required

YES (A Plate)

YES (B Plate)

YES (C Plate)Headlight to be on
when operating

YES

YES

YES

Helmet & eye protection
required when operating 5

YES

YES

Recommended

Where operation is permitted

Any Traffic Lane & Shoulder

Mandatory insurance required

YES

YES

Safety responsibility applies 3

YES

YES

YES

Annual inspection required

YES

Recommended

Recommended

Title required

NO

NO

NO

Type of license or learnerpermit required 4

1 Except when making a left hand turn2 If a Class C limited use motorcycle is used in a rental business, insurance ismandatory.
3 Safety responsibility is the requirement to pay for or post security for damage
or personal injury you may cause in a traffic crash.
4 Usual learner permit and junior license restrictions apply.
5 Motorcyclists must wear approved motorcycle helmets, as defined by
USDOT federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS 218). To improve theRight Hand Lane orShoulder 1

Right Hand Lane orShoulder 1
Recommended 2

motorcyclist’s visibility, the DMV recommends that helmets have at least foursquare inches of reflective material on both sides. Motorcyclists must also
wear approved eye protection, even if the motorcycle is equipped with awindshield. Prescription or made-to-order safety glasses may be used if theuser can present written certification that they meet DMV standards. The eye
protection must be manufactured in conformity with the regulations issued by
the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission (ANSI Z87.1).

Driver’s Manual | 69

Class B and C mopeds can be driven onlyin the right lane of traffic, as far to the right as
possible. Class A mopeds are allowed to drive inany lane and any section of a lane. Mopeds are
not permitted on expressways or other controlled
access highways unless posted signs permit it.
When you approach a moped, use the same
precautions you would when you approacha bicyclist.

LARGE VEHICLES
In more than 60 percent of all fatal crashes thatinvolve cars and big trucks, the car driver, not thetruck driver, contributes to the cause of the trafficcrash. Four out of five times, it is the car driver
who is killed.
Many of these crashes could be prevented if
motorists know about truck (and bus) limits andhow to steer free from situations that are unsafe
and involve large vehicles.
Large trucks, recreational vehicles and buses
are not big cars. The bigger they are:
• The bigger their blind spots.
• The longer it takes them to stop.
• The more room they need to maneuver.
• The longer it takes for an automobile topass them.
Different from cars, large vehicles have deep
blind spots behind them. They also have larger
blind spots on both sides. Tractors with longhoods can have a blind spot of 20 feet in front of
the vehicle. You should avoid these “no zones.”
Side Blind Spots
Large vehicles have large blind spots on bothsides. If you drive in these blind spots, you cannot
be seen by the driver. Even if the driver knows
you are there, if you remain next to the vehicle,
it can make it difficult for the driver to avoid adangerous situation.
Blind Spots in Back
If you remain in the back blind spot of a large
vehicle, you increase the chance of a crash. The

other driver cannot see your car and your view ofother traffic will be blocked.
Distance to Stop
Large vehicles take much longer to stop thansmaller vehicles
that travel at thesame speed. For
tractor trailers, thedifference comesfrom brake delay.
Air brakes use
compressed air
to transmit brake
power to all thewheels. Compressed
air takes longer totransmit the brake
power than hydraulicbrakes, and this can
add many feet to the
distance it takes tostop. Leave plenty ofspace between yourcar and the truck. If
you are in front of atruck, indicate yourintention to turn orchange lanes early.
Do not make sudden moves.
Ability to Maneuver
Large vehicles are not as maneuverable as cars.
They take longer to stop and to accelerate andthey often need to move wide to make their turns.
You can reduce the chance of a collision with alarge vehicle if you:
• Do not cut abruptly in front of the large ve­
hicle; when you exit, take a few additional
seconds to decrease speed and exit behindit; when you pass, do not pull in front of it
unless you can see the whole front of thevehicle in your mirror.
• Pay close attention to the turn signals.
Because trucks make wide right turns, they
move to the left before they turn right.
Look at the turn signals.

70 | Driver’s Manual• Do not delay near a large vehicle. You may
not be visible to the driver in the wide area
the truck needs for making a turn.
When you pass
When you pass a large vehicle, it takes a lon­
ger time and requires more space than when you
pass a car. On a two-way road, leave more timeand space when you pass a large vehicle. Make
sure you can see the whole front of the vehicle
before you return to your lane after you pass. A
large vehicle normally loses speed on a grade ora hill. Look far ahead when you drive. If you needto pass a large vehicle, be prepared and know
when you are near a grade that can cause theother vehicle to decrease speed. Also, as yourown vehicle begins a downward grade, the speedof the other vehicle can increase significantly. This
will increase the time it takes you to pass it.

completed its backup maneuver than to try to
pass. If you try to pass in this situation, it is likelythat you will enter one of the blind spots. This
could make your vehicle invisible to the driverand increase the risk of a traffic crash.
When you approach a truck
Do not underestimate the size and speed of an
approaching tractor-trailer or other large vehicle.
Its larger size will often make it appear to move ata slower speed than it really is. Also, from a dis­
tance it may not appear to be as large as it really
is. The other vehicle will often reach you before
you expect! When you drive on a two-way high­way, it is often better to move as far to the right as
possible to make sure your vehicle will not be hit
by an approaching tractor-trailer or otherlarge vehicle.
When you stop behind a truck

When a truck is backing up
Never pass close behind a large vehicle thatis backing up. Often a truck driver has to block aroad to back into an area to load or unload goods.
Be patient!
It is far better to wait until the large vehicle has

Always leave space when you stop in back of atruck or bus at a traffic light or stop sign, especial­ly when you face up a hill. The truck or bus could
move backward slightly when it starts. If you leave
enough room between your vehicle and the vehi­
cle ahead, you usually can pull away from behindand go around it.

Average Total Stopping Distance at 55 MPH*

Passenger Car
Tractor-Trailer With Cool Brakes
Tractor-Trailer With Hot Brakes
Tractor - Trailer, Empty
Tractor Unit Only*Distance based on a study of average braking distances by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety + reaction
distance recommended by the National Safety Council

Driver’s Manual | 71

SLOW-MOVING VEHICLESThe “slow-moving vehicle” symbol, a reflective
orange triangle, must be displayed on the backof vehicles drawn by animals, most farm vehi­cles, and construction equipment. The UnitedStates Postal Service also requires these orange
safety-triangles to be displayed on all rural maildelivery vehicles. Use caution when you approacha slow-moving vehicle and make sure it is safe
before you pass.

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES AND
SNOWMOBILES
State law allows all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) andsnowmobiles to legally go across many state
highways and local roadways. Before they cross,they must come to a stop and yield to traffic. They
must go across at a 90-degree angle to theroad surface.

HORSE RIDERS
Horse riders are subject to, and protected by,
the rules of the road. They also must ride single
file near the right curb or road edge or on a rightshoulder, lane or path that can be used.
The law requires you to be careful when you
approach a horse being ridden or walked along aroad. You must drive at an acceptable speed andat an acceptable distance away from the horse. It
is illegal to sound your horn when you approachor pass a horse.

QUESTIONS
Before you go on to Chapter 12, make sure you
can answer these questions:• How do the blind spots around a large com­
mercial vehicle differ from the blind spots
around a car?
• How does the stopping distance of a large
vehicle with air brakes compare with the
stopping distance of a car?

• After you pass a large vehicle, what should
you make sure of before you return to thelane of the large vehicle?
• What is the best method to follow when you
approach a large vehicle that is in reverse
as it moves toward a loading area?
• When children are close, what should you
do before you back out of a driveway?
• How can you identify a blind pedestrian towhom you must yield the right-of-way?
• Where must a pedestrian walk when there
are no sidewalks?
• How must you approach a bicyclist?
• Must a bicyclist obey traffic laws and signs?
• Where there is no bicycle lane, where on
the road must a bicyclist ride?
• What equipment must a bicycle have whenused at night?
• What can a driver do to be more awareof motorcyclists?
• What factors contribute to drivers not being
aware of motorcycles?
• Why are motorcycles harder to see?
• Why is it important for a motorist to beaware of motorcycles?
• May three motorcyclists ride side-by-side ina single lane?
• What is the slow moving vehicle symbol?
• Where are you likely to find an ATV, snow­
mobile or horse rider?

72 | Driver’s Manual

CHAPTER 12 /IF YOU ARE IN A TRAFFIC CRASH
There are more than 300,000 traffic crashes
in New York State each year. If you obey the law
and follow the advice in this manual, it is possible
you will avoid a crash. Yet even the most carefuldrivers are involved in crashes caused by events
that are not planned or the error of other drivers. If
you are in a traffic crash, you must be ready to act
in a responsible manner at the scene and obey
the law when you report the incident.
You can carry an emergency kit in your vehicle
that has flares and first aid supplies. Emergency
road-kits are available in department stores orstores that sell automobile goods.

AT THE SCENE
If you are in a crash, you must stop. The levelof damage does not matter. You must stop. It is atraffic violation to leave the scene of an incident,
like a traffic crash that involves property damage.
It is a criminal violation to leave the scene of anincident that involves a fatality or personal injury.
Even if the crash involves only property damage,
you must exchange information with other drivers
involved. Give your name, address, driver license
number and vehicle registration and insurance
information. This includes the insurance policy
number and effective date. Give the information
to the other drivers and police on the scene. You
must show your insurance identification card if re­quested. If a parked vehicle or property different
from a vehicle is damaged or if a domestic animal
is injured, you must try to find the owner or notify
the police.
If any person is injured or killed, the police must
be notified immediately and you should makesure ambulance or rescue personnel have beencalled.
If possible, move your vehicle off the road. Pro­
tect the scene with reflectors or flares, but watch
for any fuel that may leak. Make sure to protect
yourself and others from oncoming traffic.

EMERGENCY FIRST-AID
Do not stop at a crash scene unless you are
involved or emergency help has not arrived.
Focus on driving and the directions given bytraffic officers.
Follow these first-aid tips if help is not immedi­
ately available:• Do not move an injured person unless it
becomes necessary because of fire or
another life threatening danger. If you mustmove an injured person, keep the back andneck as straight as possible. Put your arms
under the back, and carefully support theneck with your upper arms. Hold clothingwith your hands and pull the victim headfirst away from the danger.
• If there are wires down, do not go nearthem. If wires touch the vehicle or lay nearit, warn the occupants to remain inside until
help arrives.

REPORTS TO DMV
If you are in a traffic crash that involves a fatality
or personal injury, you must report it to the DMV.
You must also report any traffic incident or crashthat involves $1,000 or more in damage to theproperty of any one person. The form Report ofMotor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) is available atany motor vehicle office, from most insurance
agents, and from the DMV website dmv.ny.gov(search under Forms).
When you report a crash or incident to yourinsurance company, it does not mean your legal
obligation is finished. You must file a report with
DMV within 10 days of the event. The failure to re­port an accident is a criminal offense (misdemean­or) and can mean the suspension or revocation ofyour driver license and/or registrations and thoseof the vehicle owner.
If the driver is injured and unable to complete
the report, a passenger or the vehicle owner may
do so.

Driver’s Manual | 73

DMV CONSUMER DIRECTORYSTATE DMV OFFICESUPSTATE REGIONMETROPOLITAN REGION

Albany855 Central Avenue 12206

Manhattan

Peekskill1045 Park Street 10566
Syracuse
4671 Onondaga Boulevard,
Western Lights Plaza 13219
North Syracuse
5801 East Taft Road 13212
West Haverstraw
50 Samsondale Plaza, State Route 9W 10993
White Plains
200 Hamilton Avenue 10601
No written tests.

• Harlem
159 East 125th Street,
3rd Floor New York 10035• Midtown Manhattan – Herald Square
366 West 31st Street,
2nd Floor New York 10001
No renewal of licenses and ID cards.
• License Express
145 West 30th Street New York 10001
Limited to license and registration duplicatesand plate surrenders.
Lower Manhattan – Greenwich Street
11 Greenwich Street New York 10004

LONG ISLAND REGION

Brooklyn – Atlantic Center
625 Atlantic Avenue, 2nd Floor 11217

Bethpage
4031 Hempstead Turnpike 11714
No CDL tests. No escort vehicle testing.

Brooklyn - Coney Island
2875 West 8th Street 11224
No oral exams.

Garden City
801 Axinn Avenue 11530
No driver or motorcycle permit testing.

Bronx Registration Center
696 East Fordham Road 10458
No original license, permit, or non-driver I.D.
transactions.

Hauppauge
250 Veterans Memorial Highway 11788
Huntington
Big H Shopping Center,
813 New York Avenue 11743
No permit testing.
Massapequa
927 Carmans Road, Carmans Plaza Shopping Center
11758
Medford2799 Route 112, Suite 1 11763
Port Jefferson
3 Roads Plaza,1055 Route 112 11776
No CDL testing. No written tests.
Riverhead
200 Old Country Road, Route 58
11901

Bronx Licensing Center
1350 Commerce Avenue 10461
Limited to original permit/license applications andtests, and original non-driver I.D. applications.
QueensJamaica
168-46 91st Avenue, 2nd Floor 11432• Springfield Gardens
168-35 Rockaway Boulevard
Jamaica 11434• College Point
30-56 Whitestone Expressway
Flushing 11354
Richmond
1775 South Avenue,
West Shore Shopping Plaza Staten Island 10314
Yonkers
1 Larkin Plaza 10701

74 | Driver’s Manual

DMV CONSUMER DIRECTORY
COUNTY DMV OFFICES
Allegany
7 Court Street, Court House
Belmont 14813• Sidney
21 Liberty Street, Civic Center
13838

Broome137 Washington Avenue
Endicott 13760

Dutchess
22 Market Street, County Office
Building, Poughkeepsie 12601•

Binghamton
81 Chenango Street 13901 and,181 Clinton Street 13905

Cattaraugus
303 Court Street
Little Valley 14755• Delevan
1006 North Main Street 14042• Olean
1 Leo Moss Drive,
Suite 1412 14760
Cayuga160 Genesee Street
Auburn 13021
Chautauqua
7 North Erie Street
Mayville 14757• Dunkirk
3988 Vineyard Drive 14048• Jamestown
512 West 3rd Street 14701
Chemung425-477 Pennsylvania Avenue
Elmira 14904• Beacon
223 Main Street 12508• Millbrook
15 Merritt Avenue 12545• Pawling
20 East Main Street 12564

Herkimer
109 Mary Street, Suite 1111
13350
• Old Forge
183 Park Avenue 13420

Erie
170 Pearl Street, Rath Building,
Buffalo 14202

Lewis
7049 State Route 12
Lowville 13367• Cheektowaga
2122 George Urban Boulevard
Depew 14043

Livingston
6 Court Street, Room 204
Geneseo 14454• Eastern Hills Mall
4545 Transit Road
Williamsville 14221• DansvilleNorth Dansville Town Hall
14 Clara Barton Street 14437• Evans Town Hall8787 Erie Road (Route 5)
Angola 14006

Madison138 North Court Street, Building 4
Wampsville 13163• Amherst - Tonawanda
2309 Eggert Road Tonawanda
14150

MonroeSuburban Plaza
2199 East Henrietta Road
Rochester 14623

Clinton137 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh 12901

Essex
7559 Court Street
Elizabethtown 12932

Columbia
560 Warren Street
Hudson 12534• Ticonderoga
132 Montcalm Street Suite 3
12883

Cortland
112 River Street 13045

Franklin
355 West Main Street Room 107
Malone 12953• Margaretville773 Main Street 12455

Hamilton
County Office Building, Route 8Lake Pleasant 12108

Jefferson
175 Arsenal Street, County Building
1st Floor Watertown 13601• Erie County Community
College - South Campus
4041 Southwestern Boulevard
Orchard Park 14224• Deposit
3 Elm Street 13754

Greene411 Main Street Catskill 12414• Wappingers Falls
29 Marshall Road, Suite 3B 12590

Chenango
5 Court Street
Norwich 13815

Delaware
1 Court House Square, Suite 1
Delhi 13753

Batavia 14020• Saranac Lake
39 Main Street Suite 4 12983
Fulton223 West Main Street
Johnstown 12095
Genesee
15 Main Street County Building 1• Greece
Greece Ridge Mall, 152 Greece
Ridge Center,
Rochester 14626• Irondequoit
545 Titus Avenue Rochester
14617• Westside Mobile Units
1940 West Ridge Road
Rochester 14626
Montgomery
County Office Building
64 Broadway, Fonda 12068
Niagara111 Main Street Lockport 14095• Niagara Falls
1001 11th Street 14301• North Tonawanda
500 Wheatfield Street 14120

Driver’s Manual | 75

Oneida321 Main Street Utica 13501• Ogdensburg
206-210 Ford Street 13669• Rome301 West Dominick Street 13440

Saratoga
40 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa 12020

Ontario
20 Ontario Street
Canandaigua 14424• Clifton Park
22 Clifton Country Center 12065• Geneva
83 Seneca Street 14456• Saratoga Springs
3065 Route 50, Wilton Mall 12866

OrangeSchenectady
2025 State Street 12305• Newburgh
128 Broadway 12550• Port Jervis
20 Hammond Street 12771• Middletown
12 King Street 10940
Orleans
14016 Route 31 West Albion 14411
Oswego384 East River Road 13126• Fulton
200 North Second Street 13069• Pulaski
2 Broad Street 13142

Schoharie
284 Main Street 12157
Schuyler
105 Ninth Street Watkins Glen 14891
Seneca1 DiPronio Drive Waterloo 13165
Steuben3 East Pulteney Square Bath 14810• Corning
10 West 1st Street, Suite100
Corning 14830• Hornell
12 Allen Street 14843

Otsego197 Main Street Cooperstown 13326

Sullivan
100 North Street, County Government Center,
Monticello 12701• Oneonta
16 South Main Street 13820

Tioga
56 Main Street Owego 13827

Putnam
1 Geneva Road
Terravest Corporate Park, Route 312 Brewster 10509(adjacent to Exit 19 of I-84)

Tompkins
301 Third Street Ithaca 14850

Rensselaer
1600 Seventh Avenue Troy 12180• Schodack
Schodack Town Hall
265 Schuurman Road 12033
St. Lawrence
80 State Highway 310, Suite 3
Canton 13617• Gouveneur
1227 US Highway 11 13642• Massena
21 Harrowgate Commons
13622

Ulster244 Fair Street Kingston 12401
Warren1340 State Route 9Lake George 12845
Washington
383 Broadway
Fort Edward 12828
Wayne
9 Pearl Street. Lyons 14489
Wyoming
6 Perry Avenue Warsaw 14569
Yates
417 Liberty Street, Suite 1067
Penn Yan 14527

76 | Driver’s Manual

TELEPHONE NUMBERSDMV CALL CENTERS
Metropolitan New York City:
From area codes 212, 347, 646, 718, 917, 929:
1-(212)-645-5550 or 1-(718)-966-6155
Downstate Call Center General Assistance:
1-(718)-477-4820
Albany Call Center General Assistance:
1-(518)-486-9786
EDL Helpline: 1-(518) 474-9981
TTY/TDD (Telecommunications Device for theDeaf):
Within New York State: 1-(800) 368-1186,
Outside New York State: 1-(518) 473-9002
To schedule a road test: dmv.ny.gov or
1-(518)-402-2100

IMPORTANT DMV ADDRESSES &TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Office of Traffic Violations
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228(See DMV Call Centers)
To contact a Traffic Violations Bureau
about a scheduled hearing:
New York City TVB: 1-(718) 488-5710
Driver Improvement Bureau
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228
1-(518) 474-0774
Financial Security Bureau(formerly Insurance Services Bureau)
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228
1-(518) 474-0700

Bureau of Consumer & Facility Services
PO Box 2700-ESP
Albany, NY 12220-0700• Complaints about a repair shop/dealership/
inspection station: 1-(518) 474-8943• Questions about Emissions Inspections:
1-(518)-473-0597
Custom Plates Unit
6 Empire State Plaza
P.O. Box 2775
Albany, NY 12220
1-(518)-402-4838
Title Services Bureau
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228
1-(518)-486-4714
For the most recent updates of state and county motor
vehicle office locations, useful DMV addresses
and telephone numbers, and other important information,please visit our website.

The DMV website: dmv.ny.gov
Note: Approximate metric equivalents to U.S. measures
are provided for information only.
New York State laws and regulations use U.S. measure­ments only.
The information in this manual is as accurate as possibleat the time of publication but is subject to change.
This manual is intended to provide basic information andcannot possibly cover every traffic law or situation.
If you have a question about the information supplied inthis manual or a situation not covered, consult a motor
vehicles representative at any motor vehicle office, or
write to: Office of Communications, Department of Motor
Vehicles, 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228© Copyright 2018, New York State Department of Motor
Vehicles. All rights reserved.