1. Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving

Your car is your best ally in winter, but only when equipped to handle the harsh conditions. A little preparation can go a long way.

• Inspect your tires: Tires with adequate tread are critical. If possible, switch to winter tires, as they’re designed to provide better traction on snow and ice. Check tire pressure frequently—cold temperatures can cause it to drop. This can affect your tire’s performance, and performance on the road equals safety.
• Top off all fluids: Winter-grade windshield washer fluid is essential to prevent freezing. Also, ensure your coolant is at the correct level and mixed to handle freezing temperatures.
• Check your battery health: Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency. A weak battery is more likely to fail in freezing temperatures, so consider having it tested at a service center.
• Pack an emergency kit: A winter driving kit should include a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a blanket, snacks, water, a phone charger, jumper cables, a snow scraper, and a small shovel. For added safety, include a bag of sand or cat litter to help with traction if you get stuck.

2. Check the Weather Before You Go

New York winters can be unpredictable, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain all possible in a single day. Staying informed about the weather can make all the difference.

• Monitor real-time updates: Resources, like 511NY, are available to check road conditions, closures, and weather updates before you hit the road.
• Plan ahead: If a winter storm is forecast, consider rescheduling your plans if possible.

Pro tip: Always have a Plan B. Unexpected road closures or poor conditions may require alternate routes or even an overnight stay.

3. Slow and Steady Driving

Driving cautiously is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay safe. Winter roads demand patience and precision.

• Reduce your speed: Icy or snowy roads significantly increase stopping distances. Driving slower gives you more time to react.
• Increase following distance: Aim for at least 6 to 10 seconds of following distance to allow ample time for safe braking.
• Smooth movements: Sudden braking, accelerating, or sharp steering can cause your vehicle to lose traction. Always handle the controls gently in slippery conditions.

4. Recognize and Avoid Black Ice

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that blends with the road, making it nearly invisible. It’s most common on shaded roads, bridges, and overpasses.

• Signs of black ice: If the road looks wet but you don’t hear water splashing from your tires, it may be icy.
• How to handle black ice: If you hit a patch, don’t panic. Ease off the accelerator and keep your steering steady. Avoid braking unless absolutely necessary.

Remember: Roads are often slipperier during the early morning or evening when temperatures are lowest.

5. Share the Road with Snowplows

Snowplows work hard to keep roads safe, but they can present unique challenges for drivers.

• Maintain distance: Stay at least 200 feet behind snowplows to avoid debris and give them room to maneuver.
• Do not pass: The road ahead of the plow is often in worse condition than the road behind it. Passing a snowplow could leave you vulnerable to poor road conditions or limited visibility.
• Be cautious around salt spreaders: Flying salt or sand can damage your vehicle and obscure visibility.

6. Light Up the Way

Winter driving often comes with reduced visibility due to snow, fog, or shorter daylight hours. Proper lighting is crucial for your safety.

• Use low beams in bad weather: High beams can reflect off snow and impair your vision. Stick to low beams or fog lights.
• Keep your lights clean: Snow, ice, and dirt can build up on headlights and taillights, reducing their effectiveness. Wipe them clean regularly.

7. Handle Skids Like a Pro

A skid can be terrifying, but knowing how to respond can keep you safe.

• Front-wheel skid (understeer): If your car doesn’t turn as expected, take your foot off the gas and gently steer in the direction you want to go.
• Rear-wheel skid (oversteer): If the back of your car slides, steer in the same direction as the skid. For example, if the rear of your car slides to the right, turn your wheel to the right.
• Avoid overcorrecting: Quick, jerky movements can make the skid worse. Stay calm and make smooth adjustments.

8. Drive Defensively

In winter, being cautious isn’t enough—you also need to be alert for other drivers’ mistakes.

• Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists: Snowbanks and icy sidewalks may push them closer to the road.
• Anticipate mistakes: Other drivers may brake suddenly or lose control. Be prepared to react safely.
• Keep both hands on the wheel: Winter roads require your full attention, so minimize distractions like phone use or eating.

9. Avoid Using Cruise Control

While cruise control is great for long drives, it’s dangerous on slippery roads.

• Maintain manual control: You need to be ready to adjust your speed immediately if you encounter ice, snow, or sudden traffic changes. Cruise control can delay your reaction time and increase the risk of losing traction.

10. Smart Parking Practices

Parking during winter comes with its own set of challenges, especially in urban areas like New York City.

• Choose spots carefully: Avoid parking near snowbanks or in areas prone to plowing. Snow can block your car or damage it if pushed by a plow.
• Lift your wipers: To prevent them from freezing to the windshield, lift your wipers when parking during a storm.
• Keep an ice scraper handy: You’ll likely need it after parking outdoors during snowfall or freezing rain.

Safety First, Always

Driving in New York winters may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, it’s entirely manageable. Take your time, stay alert, and don’t be afraid to delay your plans if conditions seem unsafe. After all, arriving late is better than not arriving at all.

By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever winter throws your way. Safe travels, and don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of the season!

The post How to Stay Safe on New York Roads During Winter: Essential Tips appeared first on MyImprov.

 

Most states have seatbelt laws, however, they will vary from state to state. If you live in or often drive in New York state it would behoove you to become familiar with NYS seatbelt law.  Failure to obey the New York seatbelt law can result in tickets, accumulated points on license. After you have read through this post take a look at our post on the importance of seatbelt laws. 

NY Seat Belt Law Requirements

The law in New York State requires that all passengers in the front seat wear seat belts. In addition, children under the age of 16 are required to wear seat belts when they are in the front seat and the back seat. Children under the age of four are required to be secured in child safety seats while riding. All children must ride in child restraint systems until the age of eight.

Seat Belt Violation Penalties in NY

The penalty for a seat belt or child safety seat violation in NYS is a fine of up to $50. If the seat belt violation NYC involves a person under the age of 16, the driver may receive a fine of $100. Drivers may receive three driver violation points on their NY driving license if found guilty.  Excessive point accumulations on a NY driver’s license can result in significant fines as well as loss of license and an increase in auto insurance rates. You can mitigate the damage by enrolling in driving school.

Enroll in a New York Defensive Driving Course

The Point & Insurance Reduction Program, aka PIRP, in NYS was created to help refresh driving knowledge. By offering safety tips, teaching defensive driving techniques, and reviewing traffic laws this is easily accomplished. Those who complete a New York defensive driving course may be eligible for a four-point reduction on your NYS driving record. Attending defensive driving school offers a minimum 10% reduction in your automobile insurance premiums. This is for every year for three consecutive years. If you have an NYS seatbelt violation, taking an online defensive driving school class is definitely a smart choice.

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A hit and run is defined as involving or being a motor-vehicle driver who does not stop post involvement in an accident. People might flee the scene of a car accident for different reasons. Some people run away because they just do not want to deal with the stress of the issue and they hope they won’t get caught. Other people are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, in a rush and do not care, or they may panic when they hit someone and just not know what to do. Some people will go to the police later to admit what they’ve done. Knowing the laws can help reduce panic and ensure that you do the right thing if you’re involved in a hit and run. These laws can also help you protect yourself if you’re being accused of leaving the scene of an accident.

New York is Clear on Their Hit and Run Laws

There are serious consequences if you leave the scene of an accident without giving the other driver your information. That’s because New York law states that anyone involved in an accident must stop their vehicle and trade information with the other driver. Failing to do that is counted as a hit and run even for very minor accidents, which means you could get a ticket that you must deal with. With the defensive driving online ticket dismissal course, you can work toward getting rid of that ticket and you don’t have to sit in a classroom. But it’s still better to avoid the ticket in the first place since fines and fees can also be high.

It’s Not Just About the Ticket

A ticket for a hit and run accident in NY can cost you up to $250, but that’s not all. There can be court costs and other fees along with that amount, and you can also be jailed for as much as 15 days. You’ll see three points on your driving record, and that could cause your vehicle insurance rates to rise dramatically. Your insurance company may even cancel you, and that will force you to find new insurance. If you have to go with a high-risk company, your rates are going to be much more than they were previously, and you’ll have a hard time getting those rates down for several years after the accident.

Be Mindful of What You Say About the Accident

Too often, people who have been involved in a hit and run may blurt out that they didn’t mean to, or something else that implies guilt. It’s very important that you don’t do that because it can affect whether you’re found guilty of the crime or whether you can get your ticket dismissed. Don’t admit any fault and understand what your defense can be. For example, if you truly didn’t realize you struck another vehicle you may not be charged. That can happen to someone backing out of a parking space, or parallel parking, when they just tap the bumper and there’s no damaged caused. But the law says you still must stop.

Take Care of the Issue Promptly

If you’ve been ticketed for a hit and run in New York, make sure you focus on a defensive driving online course for ticket dismissal. That can help keep points off your driver’s license and lower the chances that your insurance is going to rise or be canceled. It’s important to be careful behind the wheel but accidents do happen. If you’re involved in one, knowing the laws and taking the right steps can help you protect yourself.

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New York traffic laws are strict compared to many other States and Canadian provinces. If you find yourself in receipt of multiple moving violations in New York, and/or some adjoining territories as described below, you may want to check your driving record and how to sign up for a point reduction program which will also produce an auto insurance reduction. Also, if you are a beginning New York driver, or you are an experienced driver who is new to the area, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the point system for New York licenses. Learn to understand how points are accrued on your driving record and what steps you can take to decrease the impact of points on your license, and how repeated violations can lead to suspension or revocation of your driver license as well as receiving penalties from your insurance company.

NYS Point System

Most common traffic violations in New York lead to the addition of points to your driver license as well as the requirement to answer for your ticket by either paying a fine or appearing in court. It’s important to note that you don’t get points on your driving record until you admit guilt or are convicted of the offense. You must pay or not appearing can lead directly to the suspension of your license regardless of your points status. If you receive a ticket it’s always in your best interest to deal with it promptly and look into a point reduction program or your insurance company may raise your rates.

The table below details the points assigned when you are convicted of a traffic violation:

How many points to suspend license in NY

Per the NY seat belt traffc law, a driver will receive 3 points if a passenger under 16 years old is not wearing his belt. In addition to points on your driving record, you may be liable for NYS speeding ticket fines as well as speeding tickets for NY points. A large percentage of points are assigned to those who are not watching the speed limit, will break the traffic law, plead guilty and receive a 3, 4, 6 or 8 point ticket.

New York driver’s license points are not assigned for any bicycle or pedestrian violations. You will also have to pay a driver responsibility assessment to the NY DMV when you accumulate 6 or more points within 18 months.

One interesting note: traffic violations in other States of the United States do not add points to your New York license or driving record, but violations in some parts of Canada do. The Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario have reciprocal agreements with New York State for speeding ticket points, so violations there will add the appropriate number of points on license NY, and vice versa for Canadian drivers from those provinces.

Points and License Suspension in New York State

If you get an 11 point total on your license in an 18 month period, your license is suspended. As described below, to get 11 points on your driving record in New York state is not the only situation that can lead to license suspension or revocation. However, repeated minor traffic violations will lead directly to a suspended license.

Of note, the point total is added to your license until you are convicted or are pleading guilty to the offense, but the date of the violation is used for calculation of your point total in a given 18 month window.

If your license is suspended, a notice will be sent to the address on file with the New York DMV. It will contain detailed instructions for how to proceed and information about point reduction. If you are unsure of your license status or whether or not you’ve collected points in the last 18 months, you can check at the portal on the NY DMV web site.

Point Reduction and Suspension Removal

If you get 11 points, or have accumulated points on your license and are near suspension within 18 months or your license has already been suspended, you can remove points through participation in a New York State approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP). This defensive driving course is basically a non-behind-the-wheel driving school, and it can subtract 4 points from your license for purposes of a suspension and reduce your insurance rates by 10%. It’s important to note if you participate in PIRP, all points remain on your license, but four of those points from the last 18 month period will not be counted for purposes of a suspension. The details of this program can be found on the New York DMV website where you can receive a free consultation about the point system and point reduction process.

When Points Don’t Matter

The most severe consequence for a traffic violation is when the consequence is a felony and the points will stay on your driving record for 10 years (and there is no hope of point reduction). There are some offenses that lead directly to the immediate suspension or revocation of your driving license, outside collecting them in the last 18 months, and even if you have no points on your driving record. Offenses that carry this penalty include traffic violations such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to answer or pay a traffic ticket, driving without insurance or being involved in an uninsured motorist accident, or being the driver in a motor vehicle crash that involved a fatality. You can also lose your license for non-traffic violations such as failure to pay child support or accruing excessive debt to the state of New York. If you suspect your license might be suspended or revoked, you can check your status and receive a driver responsibility assessment at the portal on the NYS DMV web site. You will also be able to check which online insurance reduction programs are state-approved.

• For More Information On Speeding Ticket, Click : How much is a Speeding Ticket in Virginia?
• Everything you need to know about California driver’s licenses – Visit California Driver’s License!
• For information About Florida Drivers License Check, click: Florida Drivers License Check
• Unlock the Details! Learn everything about Texas Driving Records

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It is always possible things might go wrong especially early in a teen’s driving career. Even the most responsible and level-headed teens can make mistakes. In New York, the penalties for moving violations for drivers under 18 are severe, particularly those involving excessive speeding or cell phone use while driving. If this has already happened, a state-approved defensive driving course can significantly mitigate the impact of teen driving mistakes and mishaps.

New York Learner Permit                                       

The ultimate goal for teens who want to earn the right to drive unsupervised is a drivers’ license, and the first step toward that goal is to acquire a New York State Learner Permit. Learner permits allow new drivers to operate a vehicle under the supervision of another driver who is over the age of 21 and licensed for the type of vehicle being operated. This means a new motorcycle driver must be supervised by a licensed motorcycle driver. New drivers cannot drive even if properly supervised in the following locations:

• Within a park in New York City
• On any bridge or tunnel under the jurisdiction of the Tri-borough Bridge and Tunnel Authority
• On the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County
• In a DMV road test area

More information on the New York Learner Permit can be found on the NY DMV website.

Acquiring a Junior Drivers License or Senior Drivers License

Once a teen acquires a Learners Permit, the process to gain a full drivers’ license in New York depends primarily on the age of the driver. Under no circumstances can a driver under the age of 16 get a license. Drivers 16-17 years old can apply for a Junior Drivers’ License (Class DJ), which is like a Learners Permit but may allow the young driver to operate a vehicle unsupervised in some parts of New York under the Graduated License Law (described below).

The process for acquiring a Junior Drivers License is similar to that of acquiring a Senior License.  New drivers must take a pre-licensing class and pass both a written test and a road test at a New York DMV office. It’s not strictly necessary but highly recommended that a new driver make an appointment for both tests and make use of the appropriate area of the NY DMV Website for specifics on classes certified by the NY DMV in preparation for the tests. However, it’s universally acknowledged that the best preparation for both the test and safe unaccompanied driving by a teen is significant amounts of practice under the supervision of a mature, capable, responsible driver.

A driver who is 17 years old and has a Junior License for 6 months or more is eligible for a Senior License. Once a new driver turns 18, they are automatically eligible for a Senior License as long as all other requirements are met.

The Graduated License Law imposes additional restrictions on young drivers in New York. This law divides the State into three zones (New York City, Upstate New York, and Long Island), each with their own restrictions for Learners Permit and Junior License holders. These restrictions vary by time of day; for example, in Upstate New York, a Junior License holder can drive unsupervised from 5AM to 9PM, and from 9PM to 5AM as long as the driver is traveling straight from home to a job or school class. In New York City, a driver with the same license is prohibited from driving regardless of the circumstances. It’s very important for Learners Permit and Junior License holders to understand the exact laws in effect based on their situation. Consult the Graduated License Law web page.

• Guidelines and steps for applying for a new California Driver’s License for teens – Read more at Applying for a New California Driver’s License (For Teens).
• Curious about free driving lessons for low-income families in New York Does New York offer free driving lessons for low income families?

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While the Graduated License Law places restrictions on a driver with a junior license, it also incentivizes young drivers. They can take an additional defensive driving course NY to get a reduced auto-insurance rate.

But what is the difference between driving with a junior license and a senior license?

Distinct Driving Aims

A young driver with a NY junior license has studied the New York manual and driven mostly unsupervised with some restrictions to gain experience – or training – behind the wheel. With a senior license, a teen driver has proven their experience.

Because a junior license is a ticket to train, young drivers must stay within the state of New York when behind the wheel (or in a state with applicable permit regulations). But with a senior license, NY drivers can drive in any state of the country.

New Drivers Have A Probationary Period

Young drivers earning a junior license have a 6-month probationary period. That means, within that timeframe, conviction of any of the following traffic violations results in an automatic 60-day suspension of their license, which is followed by a secondary 6-month probationary period:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Racing on public roads
• Driving recklessly
• Distracted driving (any distraction — including conversing with passengers, eating, and adjusting radio)
• Driving while using any portable electronic device, including cellphone, GPS navigation, and tablet
• Any 2 traffic violations

When the suspension ends, a second 6-month probation period begins. Traffic violation committed within this timeframe results a revocation of the junior license of at least 6 months. The end of that period begins yet another 6-month probationary period.

Drivers earning a senior license have no initial probationary period.

Age Rules

If a young driver decides to hold off until they’re a little older to get behind the wheel, their age determines which license they begin with. If they’re 18 or older and pass both the written and driving exams, then senior license it is. But ages 16 up to their 18^th birthday must start with the junior license

Training and understanding the key fundamental principles, as well as the rules, of a discipline are the keys to learning and mastering it. Today’s teenagers are well versed in that concept, thanks to their activities and interests, which can range from playing la cross to performing on the stage. Driving is no different. That’s why, thanks to the Graduated License Law that includes a defensive driving course NY, auto collisions involving teenaged drivers have dropped to almost half of 51,000 that were reported in 2009.

• Master the journey to your California Driver’s License – Explore more at California Driver’s License!
• For More Information About Free NY Permit Practice Test, Click : Free NY Permit Practice Test
• Get the complete guide on Applying for a New California Driver’s License For Teens in our comprehensive article.

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How to Be Extra Careful

Slippery, snowy, and other conditions unique to the winter months greatly increase the chances of finding yourself in a fender bender or worse. A defensive driving course will decrease your insurance premium in New York even if you’re never in an accident and will pay dividends if you are unlucky enough to trade paint with another car.

As for the Big Apple, there’s one tip that applies to both long-time New Yorkers and tourists alike regarding driving in the city: don’t do it. Seemingly every block in the city presents a virtual defensive driving course’s worth of challenges: speeding bikes, annoying scooters, skateboarders for some reason, pedestrians in crosswalks, pedestrians everywhere else, and endless streams of cars and trucks of every type from semis to the ubiquitous yellow cabs that are still holding the line in the age of Uber; all of them are everywhere at the same time. So, if possible, leave your car outside the city and take a train or ferry into the thick of it; you can take a subway, cab, or Uber anywhere you might want to go.

For Those Who Can’t Give Up Driving

If you insist on driving in the city, there are several tips to remember, some of which are unique to NYC.

1. Right Turns. First, unlike almost everywhere else in the United States, you can’t turn right on red in the city unless there’s an arrow or sign indicating otherwise. It’s also very common for left turns to be prohibited at many intersections for much of the day as indicated by clear signage. If you’re not familiar with the city, don’t let the fact that the city’s a giant, easy to follow grid fool you; know your route before you start driving because you won’t have time to check you phone on the way.

2. Parking. As you can imagine, parking can be a problem. If you find a coveted street spot within a half mile of your destination, jump on it unless you see an entire block with no cars parked on it. That doesn’t just happen; if there are no cars parked on a whole block, there is a reason like street cleaning that will get your car towed quickly.

3. Crosswalks. Your car needs to be completely outside all crosswalks and at least 15 feet from every fire hydrant. Parking tickets are a major source of revenue for the city and parking enforcement is out in force 24/7; expect to pick up a ticket at 2AM the same as you would for parking illegally in the middle of the day. If your car gets towed, it’s entirely possible it will end up in a different borough at a garage that is open for pickups 4 hours a day and charges $100 a day for ‘storage.’

4. GARAGE. Given all of that, it’s probably wise to head straight for a paid lot or garage. Don’t be fooled by lots with suspiciously low rates. It’s not uncommon for a parking lot or garage to have a sign that says “$5 all day” in large letters with “…for every half hour” in tiny letters underneath.

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If you have points on your New York driving record, you may have been referred to taking a Point and Insurance Reduction Program. The Point & Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) is approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. It is available through private companies or corporations. Often the New York DMV will refer to these private companies as course sponsors. Defensive driving courses to reduce insurance premiums and points are accessible in both online and classroom.

What is the difference between points on license & violations?

Sometimes, people who complete this program are still confused about what happens to their NY DMV driving record. One of the main misunderstandings that people have is that they confuse points with actual violations. Below is a useful chart to show the differences.

As you can see, points may be reduced via taking the PIRP course while the actual violation stays on your record.

Another misunderstanding is that insurance companies have their own point system. The New York DMV point system and your insurance company’s “point” systems are separate and not related. Point reduction on your New York driving record does not affect points assigned by your insurance company for violations and accidents.

People may also want to take the PIRP course to reduce exactly 4 points. If you get 11 points in an 18-month period, your driver license suspended. Per the New York DMV, point reduction means the number of points on your driving record used to calculate the number of total points received within 18 months will be reduced by 4 points, at most, and may help you avoid a suspension. This means that completing the course may help avoid a suspension but does not guarantee that your license will not be suspended. This is due to the point system is not being the only way to lose your license.

How many points on license is each traffic violation?

To find out how many points are on your record and if you are at risk of license suspension, it is best to review your Abstract. Retrieving your Abstract, better known as your New York Driving Record, is simple despite what people think. You can request a copy from the New York DMV website, via mail, and of course your local DMV office. Click Here to view a sample Abstract.

Some frustrations that people may encounter after completing the PIRP course is that points are not reduced or the course completion does not reflect on the Abstract. Every course sponsor has up to 10 weeks from your course completion date to report your certificate to the New York DMV. In simple math, that is 2 and a half months. After the PIRP school has reported your completion, the New York DMV system will handle reducing eligible points from your driving record. The course completion will display under Activity section of your Abstract along with the period that the completion is valid for.

• Uncover your Texas driving history – All you need to know about driving records in Texas at Texas Driving Records!

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More specifically, reckless driving.

Driving in the Empire State, you’ll notice your fair share of traffic violators who have poor road communication skills or are obliviousness to road signs. Violating the traffic laws around New York may be common, but one should be commonsensical if they do not want to see an increase in their auto insurance. Here are the most common laws violated to be aware of:

Speeding

Speeding is the most common violation New Yorkers make while behind the wheel. Whether in the city or the greater countryside, speeding is a temptation that has gotten the best of many of us. Police officers find themselves issuing tickets for drivers who are traveling over the speed limit more often than any other violation. Depending on where the driver is caught speeding, he or she can face fines upwards to $500 or more. How else do you think they coined the term “New York minute?”

Cell Phone Usage and Portable Devices

Despite the new laws, people have been using their cell phones or a similar portable device while zooming 65 MPH down NY roads. Texting while driving, reading the latest New York Times, or watching Seinfeld on their tablet are all things New Yorkers are getting caught doing. Distracted driving is dangerous, accidents occur when you least expect it.

Disobeying Traffic Lights or Signs

Just because traffic lights and signs are not verbally telling a New Yorker what they can or can’t do doesn’t mean you should shrug them off. If there’s one thing New York drivers are guilty of, it’s the ignoring the signs. They are known to blow through a red light or do a rolling stop at a stop sign. Taking the extra moment to obey traffic lights and signs can save the driver a hefty lump sum of money and avoid having to listen to the sound of a ticket being handed to them.

Reckless Driving

Road rage seems to be routine in the busier cities. A pedestrian can strut out in front of your car or a cyclist can zip between lanes. No matter the case, you would swear they’re doing it just to set you off. To help alleviate the frustrations of driving in busy cities, people might wail on their horns. When that doesn’t cut it, they resort to reckless driving. Controlling their anger isn’t something New Yorkers want to do.

Driving with a Revoked or Suspended License

Speaking of reckless driving, depending on the circumstance, you can get your license revoked or suspended. However, that doesn’t stop some people from saddling back up behind the wheel. In New York, one of the most common violations people get busted for is driving with a revoked or suspended license. When people are caught with a suspended or revoked license, the punishment becomes a worse than just a ticket payment. When you don’t have a license, don’t drive.

Failure to Turn

New York is a big state. They’re tons of people on the roads at any given point. That’s why signaling when you’re making a turn is detrimental to healthy road communication. What’s worse, is when a driver gets busted for failing to use their turn signal, they can face fines upwards to $80. That’s a lot of money for not taking 1-second to let everyone around you know you’re making a right turn.

• For information About How much is a Red Light Ticket in New York?, click:
  How much is a Red Light Ticket in New York?

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When you think of New York City, one of the first things that come to mind is their big yellow taxi cabs. In recent years, ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have been taking their place and have slowly become a norm in the city that never sleeps. These services are typically cheaper than taking a regular yellow taxi cab and they are convenient, as all you need to do is press a few buttons to request a ride.

These ridesharing services aren’t just great for passengers, though. There are many benefits to becoming a driver. You can use your own vehicle, you can make your own schedule, there are surge/prime time bonuses, and drivers get paid weekly. If you have ever considered driving for one of these ridesharing companies, you should know that New York City has taken measures to ensure that drivers are qualified and that passengers will be safe during their transport. With that being said, all ridesharing drivers are required to obtain a Taxi and Limousine Commission, TLC license in NYC New York City.

Start Your Online TLC Course Now

For those that are not familiar with the process of obtaining your TLC driver’s license, here is what you will need to do to get your license. Please note that all steps must be completed within 90 days of starting the application process.

*Firstly, you must be at least 19 years old to receive your NYC TLC driver’s license. If you are younger than 19, your application will be immediately declined.

*Step 1: Upgrade your License. You must upgrade your existing NYC license to a Class E license. This is necessary for driving taxis (even your own personal car for taxi purposes) in New York. This may cost around $21 to $28, depending on how old your driver’s license is and your age. While at the DMV, if your driver’s license is going to expire soon, you should go through the process of license renewal.

*Step 2: Take a Defensive Driving Course. You must have taken a Defensive Driving Course within the last 18 months to keep your license in good standing. New York’s Defensive Driving Course is 6 hours long, includes information about traffic laws and safe driving, and is available at in-person classrooms or online for your convenience by wonderful companies, such as Improv Traffic School. The course price may vary but is usually around $30 to $40. Once you complete the course, your completion will be reported to the DMV and you will receive an official certificate of completion in the mail within 5-7 business days, which you will need to submit with your TLC application.

*Step 3: Get a Medical Exam. TLC requires that all drivers are “fit to operate a vehicle safely.” You will need to visit your primary healthcare provider and have them perform a physical exam. They will need to fill out and stamp the TLC Medical Exam report, which is available to download and print from the TLC website.

Now once previous steps have been completed:

*Step 4: Submit Initial TLC Application. Go to nyc.gov/taxi, scroll down to “LARS” and click “Apply for license.” Then you should select the license that you would like to receive, the TLC Driver’s License. While there, make sure to watch the 10 minute video on sex trafficking, as this is a required part of your application. Please note that there is a $252 application fee and it is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

*Step 5: Take a Wheelchair Class and 24-Hour Taxi School Course. All TLC license applicants are required to complete a 24-hour Taxi School course and pass the exam. Some taxi schools that you can use include: Master Cabbie, Hanac NYC Taxi Academy, LaGuardia Taxi Institute, Abba Training School, and Knowledge Seekers, Inc. The price of the course is $175 and the exam fee is $75. In addition, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), TLC drivers are required to pass a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle training class. It is about 3 hours long and upon completion, you will receive a wallet-sized certificate of completion. The price of the class is $75. It is best to complete these classes as soon as possible to prevent any delay in receiving your TLC license.

*Step 6: Submit your Documents/Paperwork to TLC. TLC does not accept appointments to hand in documents, but you can submit all required documents to the email address newdrivermr@tlc.nyc.gov.

*Step 7: Take a Drug Test. Call 1-800-923-2624 to make an appointment for your drug test. You can take your drug test at any LabCorp office, but it is recommended that you take your test at the location that is in the same building as the TLC office. All you have to do is show up, provide your license, pay the $26 fee, and pee in the cup. If you do not hear from TLC after the test, then you passed and you do not have anything to worry about. If you test positive for any drugs, TLC will mail you a letter letting you know that your application has been denied.

*Step 8: Get your Fingerprint Taken. Go to https://ny.ibtfingerprint.com/ to schedule your fingerprint appointment and have your photo and fingerprint taken. The price for the fingerprinting fee is $75.

*Step 9: Wait for License in the Mail. As long as the prior steps were all completed, you have no outstanding fines to the government, and your application was not denied at any point along the way, your TLC driver’s license will be issued and you will receive it in the mail within a few weeks of passing your Taxi School Course final exam. You can look up the status of your application online at any time by going to nyc.gov/newdriverapplookup

*Step 10: Get out there and drive!!!

• Stay informed and drive with confidence. Learn more: Check your NY license status now.

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