Vehicle Code in New York

Access the Vehicle Code

All the rules of the road you abide by are based on New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law, often referred to as the vehicle code. This legislation sets forth the regulations related to automobile equipment and registration, safe driving, licensing, financial responsibility, minors, auto dealers, and more.

You can refer to the vehicle code to look up an infraction listed on a traffic ticket you received, or simply to refresh your memory of the laws or find out more details about the rules―it's smart to be informed.

You can check out the entire text of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, along with the text of other New York laws. Select "Vehicle & Traffic" from the list to access all the titles and articles of the complete code.

Samples of Information in the Vehicle Code

Here is a sampling of the information you'll find in New York's vehicle code, with direct links to partial sections published on the Department of Motor Vehicles' website:

Article 24: Traffic Control Devices

• Obedience to traffic signals

• Traffic-control signal indications

Article 25: Changing Lanes Safely

• Passing a vehicle on the left or the right

• No-passing zones

• Following too closely

• Driving on shoulders

Article 26: Right of Way

• Vehicle approaching or entering intersection

• Vehicle turning left

• Vehicle approaching traffic circle or island

Article 27: Pedestrian Safety

• Pedestrians' right of way in crosswalks and crossing at places other than crosswalks

• Blind or visually impaired persons

• Pedestrians on roadways

Article 31: Alcohol, Drugs, and DWI

• Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence

• Arrest, testing, and evidence

• Drinking and driving if you're under 21

• Ignition interlock device program

Article 33: Seat Belts, Air Bags, and Child Safety Seats

• Operation of vehicles with safety seats and safety belts

Article 34-A: Motorcycles, Mopeds, and ATVs

• Traffic laws that apply to motorcycles

• Riding on motorcycles

• Clinging to other vehicles

Equipment for Passenger Vehicles (compiled from several sections)

Check Your Driver's License Status

Whenever you need or want to check the status of your driver’s license, you can order a driving record report. This record will spell out if your driver’s license is currently valid. Should your license have been revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what’s on record at the DMV. This report will also show points against your license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have had.

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