DRIVERS LICENSING, NY State:
The cost of an operator's license is about $45. See listings for Newburgh and West Haverstraw NY State Division of Motor Vehicles. These offices are where you get drivers licenses and register your motor vehicles and obtain NY State plates for your vehicles.
You must have a New York State license to drive in New York State unless you are a resident of another state or Canadian province and have a valid drivers license from there. Residents of most other countries may also drive in New York with a valid license from their home nations. You may not drive in New York State if you are under the age of 16, even if licensed elsewhere.
If you become a permanent resident of New York, the law requires you to obtain a New York license within 30 days and turn in your out-of-state license. With a few exceptions, it is illegal to hold both a New York license and a license from another state.
If you are a new resident licensed in a United States state, territory or possession, or Canadian province, you need only turn in your out-of-state license and pass the vision test to get a New York license. However, if your out-of-state license expired more than one year ago, you must also take written and road tests, and the safe driving course.
If you are a new resident licensed in a country other than Canada, you must take the vision, written and road tests, the safe driving course and turn in your foreign license. Foreign licenses turned into the Department of Motor Vehicles are destroyed. Apply for a New York license only if you become a resident of the state.
SEAT BELTS and CAR SEATS:
1. All PASSENGERS and the DRIVER in the front seat of a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt [Section 1229-c(3), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].
2. All children under the age of TEN must wear a SEAT BELT in the back seat [Section 1229-c(1), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].
3. All children under the age of TEN are required to be BUCKLED UP when traveling in recreation vehicles, mobile homes and campers.
4. The law states that children under the age of FOUR must be restrained in a federally approved CAR SEAT while riding on a school bus [Section 1229-c(11), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].
5. The law requires children under the age of FOUR to be restrained in a federally approved CAR SEAT [Section 1229-c(1), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]. The law does not specify weight.
6. Children under the age of FOUR riding in campers, recreation vehicles or mobile homes are required to be in a CAR SEAT.
NEW Cell Phone Law:
New York State is the first state in the nation to enact the hands-free cell phone while driving law. Using the cell phone in your hand while driving is an enforceable traffic infraction that carries a $100 fine per violation. Headsets or speakers, including hands-free units are permitted. You must keep your hands on the wheel while driving in New York.
VEHICLE INSURANCE (NY STATE):
In New York State, anyone, even a non-resident, who permits his or her vehicle to be driven in New York, must be able to prove that he or she has adequate liability insurance on that vehicle. If you are a non-resident and cannot provide such proof, your privilege to drive in New York may be revoked for at least one year. Your vehicle must be covered by liability insurance as long as it is registered, even if you do not drive it.
Minimum liability coverage of $50,000 against the death of one person and $100,000 against the death of two or more persons, $10,000 against injury to one person and $20,000 against injury to two or more persons, and $5,000 against property damage is required. Coverage limits refer to death, injury or damage related to any one accident. "No-fault" auto insurance is issued in New York State. For more information on no-fault insurance, contact the New York State Department of Insurance, Agency Building 1, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12257.
It is always important to contact your insurance agent and change the location of your car since your rates (costs) depend on the area in which you reside. Once you have adequate liability coverage, the following strategies can be used to save money on auto insurance: take advantage of any discounts for which you are eligible such as for anti-theft devices, air bags, and Defensive Driving Class Certificate. The Defensive Driving Class with an approximate $30 fee offered through Community Recreation Division. Successfully attending the 6-hour course can both lower your insurance rates and reduce your points, plus it is good for three years. Don't forget to SHOP AROUND since premiums for identical coverage vary widely from company to company.