Thursday, April 15, 2010

New York City Driving Restrictions

Junior drivers from other parts of the state may be unaware of the specifics that apply when they drive in New York City. The five boroughs that make up New York City have driving restrictions and privileges that in some instances differ from the rules of the road in other parts of the state for junior drivers. This article breaks down the privileges and restrictions associated with learners permits, limited junior licenses and junior licenses as outlined by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/).

Junior Learners Permit

Privileges

Driving under the supervision of a parent, guardian or driving instructor.

The supervisor must be at least 21-years-old.

The supervisor must have a valid driver's license and be sitting in the front seat

The vehicle driven by the permit holder must have dual brakes.

Only one person under the age of 21, who is not an immediate family member, is allowed to be present in the vehicle.

Note – this law changed on February 22, 2010. If you obtained your permit before February 22, 2010 you are allowed to drive with two passengers under the age of 21 who are not immediate family members

Restrictions

Driving between the hours of 9pm and 5am is not allowed for any reason

Driving in a DMV road test area is not allowed at any time. Even if testing is not taking place.
Drivers with Junior Learners Permits are not allowed to drive on certain roads:
- Streets within any New York City park
- Driving on a bridge or through a tunnel that falls under the Tribourough Bridge and Tunnel Authority's jurisdiction
- Cross County Parkway, Hudson River Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway, Taconic State Parkway (all in Westchester County)
Limited Junior License/Junior License
After drivers have held their Junior Learners Permit for 6 months they are eligible to take the road test for their Limited Junior License or Junior License. When driving within the five boroughs of New York City there are not extra privileges for a driver with a Junior License versus a driver with a Limited Junior License. The same privileges and restrictions apply.

Privileges
Drivers are no longer prohibited from driving on the parkways, bridges, tunnels, etc. they were prohibited from driving on while the possessed a Junior Learners Permit.

The same driving rules apply when driving between the hours of 5am and 9pm as applied to drivers with Junior Learners Permit

Driving is now allowed between the hours of 9pm and 5 am

As long as there is supervision from a parent, guardian, instructor who is at least 21 and has a valid driver's license.

The vehicle must have dual brakes.

The supervisor must be in the front seat.

Penalties for Traffic Violations as a Junior Driver

Senior License

In New York City you must be 18 years old to receive a senior license from the DMV. If you have a valid junior license you will automatically receive a senior license in the mail. If you are over 18 and you pass a road test you will also automatically receive a senior license.

Labels: driving restrictions, new york driving laws