• New York's DMV laws are designed to make driving on the state's roads as safe as possible.Traffic Lights image by Francolambert from Fotolia.com
  
  In New York State, the Department of Motor Vehicles oversees drivers licenses, traffic laws, vehicle registration and other driving-related duties. With branches located throughout the state, the department is charged with keeping New York's roads safe and pleasant to drive on. This is accomplished by enforcing a series of laws and policies that all New Yorkers should know.
  
  

Licensing Laws

• The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles issues drivers licenses in stages to new drivers. Young drivers may apply for a learner's permit at 16, and this requires providing proof of identity and passing an eye exam and a written test. All new drivers must complete a driving safety course before taking the driving test, and drivers who pass the road test are issued a junior operator's license if they are under the age of 18. This license limits them to driving during daytime hours unless driving to or from school, church or work. Adult drivers receive a standard license, and drivers who wish to operate a commercial vehicle or motorcycle must apply for a special license.
  
  

Alcohol Policy

• The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration for New York drivers is .08 percent. Drivers found to have a higher BAC are subject to a DWI, or driving while intoxicated, charge. Drivers with a BAC more than .18 percent may face a tougher aggravated DWI charge. Finally, drivers with a BAC between .05 percent and .07 percent, or who show other evidence of impairment, may be subject to a criminal charge. The fines for DWI increase with each offense. Fines range from $1,000 to $10,000, and jail terms can be as high as seven years. New York State can also revoke a driver's license for up to 18 months.
  
  

Traffic Laws

• The New York DMV imposes and enforces a long list of traffic laws. The state sped limit is 65 miles per hour, which drivers must observe on all unmarked highways, and other speed limits include 55 mph on rural roads and 30 mph on city streets. Lower speed limits apply for school zones, railroad crossings and intersections, or when inclement weather makes driving at the posted speed limit unsafe.
  
  New York drivers may turn right after stopping at a red light, provided there is not a sign prohibiting the turn. Drivers must also obey all posted signs, along with directions given by construction workers or police.
  
  

Vehicle Registration

• The New York State DMV registers all vehicles in the state. Drivers who buy a new or used vehicle are required to pay a registration fee, which covers two years of service for the vehicle. The price of a registration fee depends on the type and weight of the vehicle. Drivers must display two license plates, along with a valid registration and inspection sticker in the bottom driver's side corner of the windshield.
  
  The safety inspection is mandatory annually and can be done at a number of service stations and car dealers throughout the state. For a nominal fee, a technician checks the vehicle's safety systems including all lights, brakes, tire tread, glass and horn. Vehicles that fail the safety inspection must be serviced before a new inspection sticker is issued.
  
  

Insurance Laws

• New York State mandates that all drivers insure their vehicles. The state minimum for bodily injury liability insurance is $25,000 for injury to an individual and $50,000 for injury to more than one person. Drivers must also have a $50,000/$100,000 policy for causing the death of another driver or pedestrian and $10,000 of property damage insurance. Other forms of insurance, including collision insurance and uninsured motorist insurance, are not legally required by New York's DMV.