NYS Driver's License
You do not need to apply for a NYS driver’s license unless you become a NYS resident.
Your license from another country is recognized in the state of NY, and therefore you may drive as long as you have and are carrying a valid driver’s license from your country.
We recommend that you apply for the International Driving Permit. The permit verifies that you hold a valid license in your home country in several languages. An authority figure who cannot read the language on your driver’s license will be able to read the International Driving Permit. You are not required to have an International Driving Permit, but it is in your best interest to get one. You will need to contact the authorities in your home country to get the permit, because you are not a resident of the United States, you are unable to apply for the permit here.
Remember, it is not the International Driving Permit that allows you to drive in NYS; it is your valid driver’s license from your home country. You will need to carry both documents when you are driving.
If you require more information, you may go to:
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm#driversfromothernations
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/broch/MV21.pdf (New York State Driver's Manual)
OR Please read the section below containing information about owning and renting a car in the United States.
Permission to use granted by International Student and Scholar Services, Binghamton University, State University of New York, who authored the original publication:
Getting Around: Guidelines for Owning a Car
in the United States
For many students owning a car brings many advantages. There are also significant responsibilities and obligations. As an international student you need to be sure you learn about the US federal laws and the state laws that govern driving, and owning a car before you start driving on the road.
You also need to consider all the costs associated with owning a motor vehicle (car purchase, maintenance and repair, fuel costs, parking passes, auto insurance and New York State Department of Motor Vehicle fees). You will also want to find a good auto shop to service your motor vehicle, and plan for what you will do if you car breaks down when you are away from home.
These are some of the things to consider as you plan a car purchase. We hope you find the information in this booklet useful.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Topics You Need to Learn About:
NYS Laws Governing Owing a Car
Buying A New or Used Car - Which choice is best for you?
Renting or Leasing a Car
List of Major Car Rental Companies
Leasing a Car
After I Buy (or Lease) a Car- What Do I Need to Do Next
Arranging for Auto Insurance: A Legal Requirement When You Own A Car
Documents you need to Purchase Auto Insurance
Information About Insurance Companies
What Type of Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Have to Buy?
Helpful Tips for NYC Motorists
Register Your Car with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Identity Papers to Use for any NYS DMV Application
Dealing With Car Repairs
What You Need to Do If You Have an Accident
Avoid Trouble with the Police - NYS Traffic Laws You Must Obey!
Web Pages You May Find Helpful
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NYS Laws Governing Owning a Car?
New York State has an excellent website that explains the driving laws governing persons living in New York State. Here is the web link for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicle (NYS DMV): http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm
There are laws that protect persons in New York State when they buy a new or used car. You can learn all about these laws on the web site for the NYS Attorney General. Here is the web link for the NYS Attorney General: http://www.ag.ny.gov/resource_center/resource_center.html
<<Top
Buying A New or Used Car? Which choice is best for you?
Although a new car will most likely give you fewer problems than a used one, it will also prove to be far more expensive. If you buy a new car and sell it 12 months later, you can expect to face a rather substantial financial loss. It is generally not recommended that you buy a new car if you will be in the United States a relatively short time. Also, there will be a major loss in a car's financial value as soon as you drive the car off the dealer's lot.
Buying a Used Car - Research is the first step
While there is always some risk in buying a used car, its value decreases far less than that of a new car over the same period. However, if you are fortunate to find a good one, you will have dependable transportation.
Review the latest auto issues of Consumer Reports (usually published in April). You will find the magazine in the periodical section of the public library. In this issue you will find a section on "Good Bets in Used Cars" which not only includes a list of better used car buys (listed by price range and size), but also a list of models to avoid. You can also access some of the information online at: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm?EXTKEY=SP67CR0&source=DG
First you need to consider your personal budget. Do you have enough money to pay for the car, maintain the car, purchase the required auto insurance? Begin to look for a car in the price range you can afford. You have two options: first, to buy directly from an individual owner (ads can be found daily in the local newspaper); you can also find car ads for your zip code at online E-Auto retailers, such as http://www.cars.com or, buy from an established automobile dealer.
Although you may save money buying directly from the owner, we would suggest that you consider purchasing your car from a reputable dealer who will give you a full guarantee on the car. Thus, if anything goes wrong, the dealer may repair it potentially at a minimal cost to you.
Several Additional Suggestions
•When buying from an individual, pay no cash until you have obtained a title.
•Try to find a car that has had a special rubberized undercoating treatment available in this part of the United States. During the winter, salt is put on the roads to melt the snow, and cars that are not treated tend to have problems with the body of the car rusting
•Take any car you are considering buying to a trusted mechanic or auto diagnostic service before you make a final decision. If the car does have some problems, ask the mechanic the approximate cost of repairing any defects. Minor problems, which can easily be repaired, can be used to negotiate a lower price but a car with major problems should be avoided.
•Check the guarantee, make sure you know what is and what is not covered and compare dealers' guarantees.
•Discuss the price with the seller. Do not assume the listed price is the price you are required to pay.
•Once you have found one or more cars that interest you, call the Better Business Bureau and ask them for information about the dependability of the automobile dealerships with which you are dealing. The Better Business Bureau keeps a record of consumer complaints and this information can be helpful. You can reach the Better Business Bureau at 1-800-828-5000. Be very cautious about buying a motor vehicle from a dealer with a significant record of complaints.
•There is a very popular web site, http://www.carfax.com , which provides vehicle history information using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) found on vehicle dashboards and title documents. The information may include Title information, including salvaged or junked titles, Flood damage history, Total loss accident history, Odometer readings, State emissions inspection results, Number of owners, Service records, and Lien activity. This is a membership-required web site which demands a membership fee of $20-30.
•Be very careful and avoid buying a flood-damaged car.
<<Top
Renting or Leasing a Car
Renting a Car
Another choice to consider is renting a car for the specific period you plan to travel. While this will not allow you to have a car available at all times, it will provide you with transportation when you need it and may cost far less in the long run. Cars may be rented by the day, week, or month from companies that are listed in the yellow telephone pages under "Automobile Rental and Leasing."
In order to rent a car as a foreign visitor you will:
•Need an international driver's license or a driver's license from your home country and an International Driving Permit
•Be asked to pay in advance a portion, if not all, of the anticipated costs
•Be required to pay with cash, with a check from a United States bank, or with a major credit card. Most companies will require a major credit card. Your check will have to be approved by the office from which you are renting the car. Costs of car rental vary from city to city and from company to company and will be based on the size of the car you rent and the time you will keep it. A modest additional charge will cover your insurance
•Need to be 25 years or older (21 for some dealers)
•On a day-to-day rental, a car will cost (without insurance) $14 and up for a used car and $40 and up for a new car. A month's rental of a car will average around $575 (not including insurance or a security deposit). For a smaller car, prices will range between $300 and $600 per month (not including insurance or a security deposit).
Prices vary considerably depending on the dealer, the size of the car, and whether the car is new or used. Remember the cost of gas (after the first tank of gas is used up) is your responsibility. Also, there is usually an additional charge for mileage you drive.
If you have a US driver's license, it is very convenient to arrange a rental car by phone or online by going to the company's website. You will have to choose a pick-up location.
Most companies have offices in the main cities of a region and at large airports as well.
Rates for airport pick-up of a rental car tend to be lower. Some companies will offer a free service to pick you up from your location (Enterprise, for example), but, generally, the free pick up service is not available from car rental offices located at an airport.
Most companies also participate in "one-way" rentals in which a vehicle can be rented in one city and returned to the company's office in a different city. Some one-way rentals are assessed a one-time drop charge or mileage charge in addition to the rental rate.
<<Top
Listing of Major Car Rental Companies
| Company |
Requirements |
Phone Number |
| AVIS |
•Home Country Driver's License and International Driving Permit or US state driver's license
•US credit card
•Driver's age 18-25 will be charged an underage surcharge fee
•Additional driver must be 25 yrs
•Additional driver pay a 2nd driver's fee of $3
•No rental to driver with Learner's Permit only |
516-944-8194
Old Shore Road
Port Washington, NY
|
| BUDGET |
•Home Country Driver's License and International Driving Permit or US state driver's license
•US credit card only
•Driver's age 18-25 will be charged an underage surcharge fee
•Additional driver must be 25 yrs
•Additional driver pay a 2 nd driver's fee
•No rental to driver with Learner's Permit only |
718-639-6400
LaGuardia Airport
|
| ENTERPRISE |
•Free pick-up at your home, or repair shop
•Home Country Driver's License and International Driving Permit or US state driver's license
•US credit card , international credit card allowed, If debit card call the branch (718-931-6200)
•Driver's age 18-25 will be charged an underage surcharge fee
•Additional driver must be 25 yrs If between 21-24yrs will be charged $23.50 per day
•Additional driver pay a 2nd driver's fee of $3
•No rental to driver with Learner's Permit only |
718-931-6200
Eastchester Road
Bronx, NY
|
| HERTZ |
•"Connect by Hertz" program available at Binghamton University. See program description:
•Reserve online or call our Member Care Center. $3.50 fee for reservations made by call.
•18 years of age, valid driver’s license, clean driving record and proof of your address.
•Connect card acts as your personal key to the car
•Accepts debit cards or check cards issued under a VISA or Mastercard logo
•Fuel is free. Use fuel card in the car
•pay a $250 deductible if the car is damaged
•Drivers 18-20 - age differential charge of $7 per hour if not affiliated to college or corporate account |
877-654-4400 |
<<Top
Leasing a Car
One final option is to lease a car for one or two years. You will need to have an international driver's license or a NYS driver's license. Check with the car dealer to learn what they require.
The cost of leasing will vary depending on:
•The dealer
•The model of the car
•Your credit rating
•If the car is a new or a used car
•Level of auto insurance coverage required by the company leasing you the car
Most leases will run for a minimum period of two years.
Leasing a car is not necessarily the best choice. When you compare the costs of purchasing a car to leasing a car it may appear that leasing will cost you less money. However, those costs may not be realized if the company leasing you the car insists on greater auto insurance coverage than you wish to purchase if you were buying the car.
When you lease a new car, you generally receive a new car guarantee covering major parts and labor. Accident (liability) insurance is not usually included in this fee. You will need to check with the car dealer, about the level of auto insurance coverage.
Please note: since you are not a permanent resident of the United States, you may be asked to pay all or part of the leasing fee in advance.
<<Top
After you Buy a Car - What You Need to Do Next:
The following directions apply when you purchase a Used Car for Cash (Not with a Loan):
Obtain a Car Title Certificate
When you purchase a vehicle, make sure to obtain proof of ownership, the Title of Ownership. The person from whom you purchased the car should be able to give you the Title at the time you finalize the purchase.
If you purchase a used car from an automobile dealer, they have to provide you with the Title, the proof of ownership. Most NYS automobile dealers send the application for your state vehicle registration and title certificate to the DMV (they may charge a fee for this service).
If you purchase a used car from an individual, the proof of ownership is the Title Certificate that the previous owner has to sign in order to transfer the ownership to you.
•Obtain the signed copy of the Title Certificate from the owner
•Make sure the owner does not have a lien on the car (A lien means the present owner owes money on a car loan they used to purchase the car). The front of the title will specify if there is a lien. If the owner does not have the Title Certificate, ownership of the car is probably held by a lending institution.
•Pay no money to the seller before the Title Certificate is signed over to you
•Obtain a written receipt for the purchase of the car from the seller
<<Top
Arranging for Auto Insurance : A Legal Requirement When You Own a Car
The owner of a motor vehicle registered in New York State (NYS) must purchase auto insurance coverage for the motor vehicle before you can drive the vehicle. You must also register the vehicle with NYS DMV before you can drive the vehicle.
This law applies to both US citizens, and citizens of other countries. When you purchase a motor vehicle, the previous owner of the vehicle cannot transfer their auto insurance policy to you. You need to purchase auto insurance for the vehicle yourself.
The level of auto insurance coverage you purchase must include at least liability insurance. All motor vehicles regardless of type (motorcycle, car, truck, van) must be insured. Liability insurance is used for accident-related payments to someone other than yourself. Auto insurance can be costly. All drivers of the motor vehicle must be listed on the auto insurance policy, even if the driver is not a frequent driver of that vehicle.
Certain categories of drivers are required to have auto insurance that costs more than auto insurance for other drivers:
•If you are a male and under 25 years of age, your insurance will cost more than the fee for other drivers of an older age/sex categories
•If you are a "new" driver (holding your license for less than 3 years), you must pay a 20% surcharge on your base insurance rate.
Be sure you are dealing with a reputable insurance company. To check on an insurance company's reputation check the information on the insurance company in the latest Annual Report of the NYS Consumer Protection Board related to auto insurance. Here is the website where you can download the reports: http://www.ins.state.ny.us/puborder.htm
Questions to ask the insurance agent before you buy auto insurance:
•Is your company authorized to do business in New York State
•If a friend (brother, roommate, anyone but you) borrows my car, does their name need to be listed on my auto insurance policy
•Do I need to have a US driver's license to purchase auto insurance?
•Will the auto insurance company charge a higher fee (premium) if I use an international driving permit and my home country driver's license
<<Top
Documents You Need to Purchase Auto Insurance:
In order to purchase an auto insurance policy, insurance companies require that you present the following:
•Driver's license . The company will request driver's license numbers for everyone listed on your car insurance policy as a driver of the motor vehicle. In general, car insurance companies require you to present a valid US driver's license.
◦Some auto insurance companies charge a higher fee (premium) if you use an international driving permit and your home country driver's license. It is better to obtain a US driver's license for the purpose of saving on your auto insurance rates (known as "premiums").
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A car's vehicle identification number is the identifying 17-digit code for your SPECIFIC automobile. You can find the VIN on your vehicle registration card and on current car insurance documents. Sometimes you can find the VIN on the driver's side windshield or dashboard inside the car.
•Title of Ownership
•Payment for Auto Insurance
•Social Security Card: Requirements for Social Security Number vary from company to company.
◦A Social Security number is required by some credit-based companies in order to verify the information you provide on your auto insurance policy application
◦If you do not qualify for a Social Security Card, receive a "letter of ineligibility" from the Social Security Administration, and send it to the insurance company if it asks for it.
<<Top
Information About Insurance Companies
The chart below gives examples of the documents and other information required by different auto insurance companies. You will find the same insurance coverage will cost different amounts of money at different companies. Do your research - be sure to check on the company's reputation for service after an auto accident. Inclusion in this chart is not a recommendation from the ISSS of any of these companies. The purpose of this chart is simply to give you information. It is your choice to make. You will also find the contact information of several independent insurance agents listed in the Yellow Pages of the local phone book.
|
Company
|
Requirements
|
Phone Number
|
21st Century Insurance |
•VIN # from the motor vehicle
•SSN may be required |
1-877-310-5687 |
| ALLSTATE |
•US driver's license
•Either SSN OR New York state ID are required |
Check the Yellow Pages of the Local Phone Book |
| AMICA |
•International driver's license may be accepted (proof of driving record required)
•SSN is preferred, but this requirement may be waived |
1-800-242-6422 |
| GEICO |
•VIN# or car registration
•US Driver's license
•No SSN is needed
•Geico does not insure vehicles in the states of Massachusetts, and New Jersey |
1-800-861-8380 |
| PROGRESSIVE |
•US Driver's license
•No SSN is needed |
1-800-776-4737 |
| STATE FARM |
•US Driver's license
•Vehicle title or registration
•SSN is required |
Check the Yellow Pages of the Local Phone Book |
<<Top
What Type of Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Have To Buy?
REQUIRED Auto Insurance Coverage - NYS DMV Regulations (Law)
This is the auto insurance coverage you must purchase :
•Bodily Injury Liability: NYS law requires minimum coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 for bodily injury to all persons
•Property Liability: NYS law requires minimum coverage of: $10,000 per accident
•Personal Injury Protection (called No-Fault): refers to medical insurance for yourself and passengers in your own car. Coverage also includes coverage for loss of wages and services. The minimum protection is $50,000 per person
OPTIONAL Insurance Coverage: You can choose to have this level of coverage for your protection but NYS law does not require this level of coverage:
•Collision - any accident that occurs involving your auto
•Comprehensive - any loss other than collision (fire, theft, vandalism, etc
NYS DMV will suspend (cancel) your registration if you have a lapse of insurance. NYS DMV may also suspend (cancel) your driver's license. Be very careful when you change insurance coverage.
For more information on insurance-related regulations, visit this weblink: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/dmvfaqs.htm#INSURANCE
When you are driving your vehicle, you are required to have information with you on your current auto insurance policy. It is highly recommended that you keep the auto insurance information cards provided by your current auto insurance company in the glove compartment of your motor vehicle.
<<Top
Helpful Tips for NYS Motorists
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) monitors the way liability insurance coverage is verified in order to reduce or prevent uninsured operation of a motor vehicle.
Anytime a vehicle is added, changed, or removed from a policy, or when issuing or canceling a policy, insurance companies are required to electronically transmit those changes to DMV.
•If you receive a suspension letter from the NYS DMV, immediately contact your agent or insurance company.
•If you cancel your auto policy because you have selected a new company or agent, make sure that the effective date of your new policy matches the cancellation date of your previous policy.
•Do not remove liability insurance from any type of motor vehicle you own or lease until you have surrendered your license plates to the NYS DMV. A lapse in coverage is subject to fine or penalty from NYS of $8.00/day or suspension of your registration and driver's license.
•The vehicle must be registered in the same name as the named insured(s) listed on the declarations page of your policy.
•If your vehicle or license plates are stolen, you need to make a police report and submit a copy of the police report to your local NYS DMV office. The NYS DMV will issue you an FS-6T form for lost or stolen plates. The effective date on the FS-6T will match the date on the police report.
•If you add, replace, or delete a vehicle from your auto insurance coverage be sure you receive a change the endorsement from the insurance company acknowledging the change to your policy.
•Check your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN on your vehicle, registration, ID card, and policy must be the same.
•Be sure you or your car dealer registers your new car immediately. A car dealer has 5 days to submit the registration paperwork to NYS DMV. A vehicle purchased through a private sale needs to be registered as soon as possible. The NYS DMV will not accept an insurance ID card as proof of insurance if the effective date is not current. Be sure you are not driving a car that is not registered to the NYS DMV office.
•When moving out of New York State, you need to obtain insurance in your new state as soon as possible. Only then should you surrender your New York State plates and cancel your New York State auto insurance coverage.
<<Top
Register Your Car with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
In order to register your car with NYS, you need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) where a representative will examine your application and documents.
The address of the NYS DMV office is: 696 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458 (Separate location for license and non-driver ID services). You can check on office hours for either office by calling: 212-645-5550. Also check this web site: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/athrud.htm
Documents You Need to bring to the NYS DMV office:
•A Letter of Certification from the ISSS office attesting to your full time course registration and valid visa status
•Proof of ownership (Title Certificate)
•Proof of your identity and date of birth . NYS DMV office will accept both a driver's license issued by NYS and/or a foreign passport with a US visa and a valid form I-94 attached. See the list of documents required on page 4.
•Form MV-82 (Vehicle Registration / Title Application). This form can also be obtained at the NYS DMV office.
•Verification of insurance (Form FS-20, NYS Insurance Identification Card). You must obtain this card from the insurance agent.
•Purchase receipt
•Payment method
The Department of Motor Vehicles will:
•Charge you 8% sales tax on your purchase. If you have purchased a car from a dealer, he will have already collected the state tax from you. The dealer will give you Form MV-50, this form will serve as proof to the NYS DMV that the tax has already been collected by the dealer.
•Issue you a car registration certificate
•The registration fee charged by the NYS DMV varies by the weight of the car, for more information on this fee go to this web link: http://www.nysdmv.com/regfee.htm
<<Top
Identity Papers to Use for any NYS DMV Application
** Original Documents Only - Photocopies Are Not Acceptable **
Important: Any document submitted for proof of identification must be a current and valid document. The document cannot be an expired document. The NYS DMV has the authority to verify that your documents are authentic. For most applications you will need to show 6 "points" of identity.
Social Security Number: If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, you can obtain an official letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This "Letter of Ineligibility" is specific to NYS DMV applications and must be submitted to the NYS DMV within 30 days of issuance by the SSA. The SSA location can be found here.
Acceptable documents for
Proof of Identity.
(Expired documents are not
accepted unless indicated) |
Point value
of document |
Is this document accepted as Proof of Date of Birth? |
Other
Requirements? |
| A foreign passport with your visa and form I-94 with status code F1 or F2 and form I-20. To be accepted, the school must be located in NYS. If you received an extension, you must show your original entry document, form I-20, your extension I-20 and, if appropriate, a "notice of approval issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. |
3
|
Yes
|
The I-20 must have been issued for a period of at least one year and must be valid for at least six more months when presented to the DMV. |
| A US college photo ID card and an academic transcript. |
2
|
No
|
None
|
|
A supermarket check-cashing card issued in the US with your name pre-printed and your signature.
|
1
|
No
|
None |
| A health insurance card or a medical prescription card issued in the US. |
1 |
No |
None |
| A utility bill issued in the US. |
1 |
No |
None |
You can provide only one of these items issued by a financial institution issued in the US:
a bank statement
a cancelled check (which displays your pre-printed name)
an ATM card or a debit card (which displays your pre-printed name and your signature)
a valid major US credit card |
1 |
No |
None |
You can also provide the following documents as proof of your identity:
|
Other Acceptable documents for
Proof of Identity.
|
Point value
of document
|
Is this document accepted as Proof of
Date of Birth?
|
Other Requirements?
|
| A US Social Security card that shows your signature. |
2 |
No |
None |
| A driver license, a learner permit, or a non-driver photo ID card issued by NYS. The photo document must be valid or expired for less than two years. |
6 |
No |
None |
| DMV form MV-45 (Statement of Identity), if the applicant is under the age of 21. The form must be signed by a parent or a legal guardian, in front of a DMV representative. Proof of date of birth of applicant and Social Security Card are also required. See form MV-45 for instructions. |
4 |
No |
None |
| A US passport |
4 |
Yes |
None |
| A Certificate of Citizenship (N-560, N-561, or N-645). |
3 |
Yes |
None |
| A Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570 or N-578). |
3 |
Yes |
None |
| A foreign passport with a valid I-551 stamp or a statement on the visa. The passport must be in English or translated by an embassy. |
3 |
Yes |
None |
| A Permanent Resident Card (form I-551) |
3 |
Yes |
None |
A US Employment Authorization Card (EAD for OPT)
(USCIS-I 797) |
3 |
Yes |
The I-797 EAD card must have been issued by DHS for a period of at least one year and must be valid for at least six more months when presented to the DMV. |
| A NYS interim driver license or a computer-generated learner permit, without a photo. |
2 |
No |
None |
| A photo driver license issued by another state, jurisdiction or possession of the US, or issued by a province or territory of Canada. The driver license must be valid or expired less than one year. |
2 |
No |
None |
A US high school ID card and a report card. |
2 |
No |
None |
| A computer-printed pay stub or employee ID card issued in the US that shows your name. |
1 |
No |
None |
| A high school diploma or GED (General Education Diploma) issued in the US. |
1 |
No |
None |
| A W-2 Form that shows your Social Security Number. |
1 |
No |
None |
<<Top
Dealing with Car Repairs
All cars break down at some point, or a tire goes flat, the battery fails. Many US citizens arrange for roadside assistance either through the car dealer when they buy a car or with a private company like American Automobile Association (AAA). This is a very good idea, since University staff are not available to rescue students whose cars have broken down.
You can find out about roadside assistance service from your car dealer or from AAA. The website for AAA is http://www.aaa.com
You may also want to program the phone number for a car towing service in your cell phone. You can find the phone numbers for Auto Repair businesses or a car towing service in the yellow pages of the local phone book.
<<Top
What You Need to Do IF You Have an Accident
Unfortunately, driving a motor vehicle means you may some day have an accident. You will want to review the information at this web link: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/dmvfaqs.htm#accident so you know what you are legally required to do if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. The laws apply to accidents in parking lots, Maritime campus, on roads or any highway.
You will be asked to provide proof of identity and proof of auto insurance coverage in the event of a motor vehicle accident.
<<Top
Avoid Trouble With the Police - NYS Traffic Laws You Must Obey!
Alcohol Consumption:
•Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a very serious crime in New York State.
•A blood alcohol level of .08 is considered to be DWI. You can be arrested and lose your driving privileges. This web link will give you additional information: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/dmvfaqs.htm#dwi
Cell phone use:
•In New York State, you must have a "hands-free device" to use your cell phone in the car while you are driving. This law is in effect on Maritime campus and on all roads or highways http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/dmvfaqs.htm#cell
Seat Belt Use:
•The driver and all passengers in a motor vehicle must always wear their seat belt.
•Infants and children must be in appropriately sized infant or child car seats.
•This web link will give you additional information: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/dmvfaqs.htm#carseat
If Stopped By the Police:
•Know what to do if you get pulled over by the police. Visit this weblink for more information:http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/enforce/WhatHappensEnglish.pdf
<<Top
Web Pages You May Find Helpful
NYS DMV Internet Office:
Driver Licenses, Learner Permits, and Non-Driver Photo ID Cards
Registration Fees and Vehicle Use Taxes for Passenger Vehicles
NYS Attorney General:
Consumer Tips on Auto Issues
NYS Insurance Department
Consumer Reports:
Car Reviews, Car Buying Guides
American Automobile Association
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Driving While Intoxicated
Cell Phone Law in NYS
Seat Belt Use
If Stopped by the Police
(Information included in this booklet is derived from a variety of sources: NYS DMV, NYS Attorney General, NYS Insurance Board, New York Central Mutual Insurance Company, Syracuse University Lillian and Emanuel Slutzker Center for International Services, SUNY Buffalo International Student Services, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.)
<<Top
Permission to use granted by International Student and Scholar Services, Binghamton University, State University of New York, who authored the original publication.
