New York Vehicle & Traffic Laws

The Vehicle and Traffic Law is a set of statutes written and enforced by New York State. It includes laws on:

• Driver licensing and suspensions

• Roadway signs, signals, and markings

• Speed limits and safe driving standards

• Impaired driving (DWI/DWAI laws)

• Vehicle registration and insurance

• Traffic violations and enforcement penalties

Whether you're making a lane change, stopping at a crosswalk, or turning at a red light, these laws guide how you should behave — and what happens if you don’t.

New York’s graduated licensing system includes important rules for new drivers:

• You must carry a valid learner permit or driver licence while operating a vehicle.

• You may only drive when supervised or under the conditions allowed by your licence class.

• Driving without a valid licence or in violation of your permit restrictions is illegal and punishable by fines, points, or suspension.

Traffic signs, signals, and road markings are legal commands — not suggestions. Failure to obey them is a direct violation of VTL and can result in penalties, including:

• Running red lights or stop signs

• Ignoring lane-use arrows or pavement markings

• Speeding through school or work zones

The VTL has strict provisions for driving under the influence. These include definitions of:

• Per se DWI (BAC of 0.08 or higher)

• Zero Tolerance Law for drivers under 21 (BAC of 0.02 or higher)

• Rules around chemical testing, implied consent, and refusal penalties

See our full page on Penalties for Driving Violations in New York for more detail.

The law also defines who has the right of way in intersections, pedestrian crossings, school zones, and when merging. Key expectations include:

• Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks

• Obey stop and yield signs without exception

• Be cautious at uncontrolled intersections

New York law also requires safe sharing of the road with bicyclists, motorcyclists, school buses, and emergency vehicles.

Violations may lead to:

• Fines and points on your licence

• Suspension or revocation of driving privileges

• Driver Responsibility Assessments

• Impact on car insurance and future licensing

Knowing the law isn’t just about avoiding tickets — it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.

For more details or questions about a specific VTL section, contact the New York State DMV or speak with your driving instructor.