• 23
  • January
    2012

In our previous blog post, we discussed how data analyzed by the National Safety Council (NSC) suggests that a nationwide graduated drivers licensing program would help prevent teen car accidents and save another 2,000 lives and over $13 billion each year. While not every state currently has a graduated drivers licensing program, New York does.

In New York, licensing starts with a junior license. A number of restrictions are placed on junior license holders, including:

  • Limited number of passengers
  • Strict seat belt requirements
  • Limited nighttime driving

Depending on what region of the state a teen driver lives in, the exact restrictions vary slightly. Teen drivers in highly-populated areas such as Staten Island and the five boroughs have more restrictions than do young drivers in upstate New York. For example, teen drivers with a junior license in upstate New York may not drive without a supervising driver in the car between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. - except when going directly between home and a job or school. Those in more highly populated areas are not able to drive at night for any reason.

These restrictions are lifted as drivers move through the levels of a system to become fully licensed, receiving a "senior license" after meeting certain requirements and reaching the age of 18.

With the success seen from graduated licensing measures across the nation, it is likely that more states will adopt similar policies or further expand their programs. For many young drivers, such rules may be viewed as an inconvenience, but the reduction in accidents and roadway deaths is a step forward in making our streets as safe as possible for everyone.

Source: New York DMV, "Resources for the Younger Driver: Graduated License."