New York Driving & Vehicles Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for driving & vehicles in the state of New York. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 8 different categories.
Driving Barefoot
LEGALNew York State law does not prohibit driving barefoot. There is no statute in the Vehicle and Traffic Law that restricts or forbids driving without footwear. Advisory materials from the DMV recommend wearing shoes but do not impose legal restrictions.
State Law
None
Practical Considerations
None
Penalties
N/A
Lane Splitting (Motorcycles)
ILLEGALNew York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1123 prohibits motorcycles from passing between lanes of traffic. Lane splitting is not permitted and is treated as an unsafe driving practice.
Lane Splitting Rules
No specific rules related to lane splitting.
Lane Filtering Rules
No specific rules related to lane splitting.
Penalties
Violations can result in fines and points on the motorcycle operator's license.
License Requirements
None
License Plate Covers
ILLEGALNew York law prohibits any license plate cover that obstructs or obscures a plate. A 2024 law banned the sale of plate covers and increased penalties for obscuring plates, including registration suspension for repeat offenders.
Usage Rules
Illegal to possess and use any license plate cover
Purchase & Sale
Illegal to sell license plate covers
Penalties
Fines and potential 90-day vehicle registration suspension for repeat offenders
Age Restriction
N/A
Radar Detectors
LEGALRadar Detectors are legal in New York. There is no state law banning radar detectors, though commercial vehicles are subject to federal restrictions.
Passenger Vehicle Use
Legal for private passenger vehicles; commercial vehicles prohibited under federal law.
Commercial Vehicle Rules
Legal to sell and purchase.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Radar Jammers
ILLEGALRadar jammers are federally illegal in all states including New York under FCC regulations. A bill (A7184) was introduced in 2025 to prohibit the sale of wireless signal jammer devices.
State Law
Radar jammers: federally illegal. Laser jammers: legal
Federal Law
Laser jammers may be sold; radar jammers illegal
Penalties
Federal penalties for radar jammers. Laser jammers are unregulated.
Age Restriction
N/A
Right Turn on Red
RESTRICTEDRight turn on red is legal statewide in New York after a complete stop, EXCEPT in New York City where it is prohibited at most intersections unless a sign specifically permits it.
General Rule
Legal statewide; prohibited in NYC unless signed
Exceptions & Restrictions
N/A
Penalties
Traffic violation fine if turned on red where prohibited.
Driver Requirements
N/A
Studded Snow Tires
LEGALStudded Snow Tires are legal in New York. There have been no significant recent changes to the law.
Usage Rules
Legal during winter season only
Seasonal Restrictions
Legal
Penalties
Fines for use outside the permitted season.
Age Restriction
N/A
Window Tinting
RESTRICTEDNew York Vehicle and Traffic Law §375(26) restricts window tinting to allow at least 70% visible light transmission on front side windows. Rear side and back windows may be tinted darker. Medical exemptions apply with documentation from a licensed physician.
Tint Limits (VLT %)
Possession of tinted windows below legal VLT is allowed but may lead to citations if operated on public roads.
Medical Exemptions
Sale of non-compliant tint films is restricted to ensure compliance with VLT standards.
Penalties
Fines up to $150 and possible vehicle inspection failure.
Age Restriction
None