• When it comes to highway safety and interstates, each state has its own laws. The state of New York has enacted a variety of laws designed to keep drivers and their passengers safe on its roads and the 30 interstate highways that exist entirely or partially in the Empire State.
  
  

Seat Belts

• Failure to wear a seat belt in the front seat can result in a $50 ticket.seatbelt sign image by Paul Marcus from Fotolia.com
  
  In the state of New York, all front-seat passengers in a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt. Children less than 16 years of age must wear seat belts whether they're in the front or back seat. The maximum first offense for not wearing a seat belt is a $50 ticket.
  
  Additionally, children under the age of 4 are required to ride in appropriate safety seats. It is not recommended to put child safety seats in the front seat of a vehicle, as it can be dangerous. Failure to provide a child with the appropriate seating can result in a maximum fine of $100 and points on the driver's license.
  
  

Speed Limits

• Following the speed limit is not only legal and safer, but also more fuel-efficient.speed image by Kevin Chesson from Fotolia.com
  
  Except for specific designated highways, the speed limit on all interstate highways in the state of New York is 55 mph. This applies to both rural and urban interstates. It is important to watch for signs that indicate a change in speed limit.
  
  Higher fines are given to individuals caught speeding in a work zone regardless of whether workers are present. Speeding in a work zone carries a $90 to $600 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
  
  

Cell Phones and Texting

• Don't make phone calls or text while you're driving.cell phone image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
  
  It is illegal for all drivers to use a hand-held cell phone or mobile device while driving except when it is used to call 911 or medical, fire or police in the case of an emergency. An individual pulled over for using his cell phone can receive a maximum fine of $100 as well as mandatory fees of $80.
  
  

Drunken Driving

• In the state of New York, a blood-alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 or above is illegal for drivers. The state also has open-container laws, making it illegal to have an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the interior of the vehicle. Repeat-offender laws result in a more serious, harsher punishment for individuals who are pulled over while under the influence of drugs or alcohol multiple times. While the punishments are variable, it is not uncommon for licenses to be suspended on the first offense. Individuals may also be arrested.
  
  New York state also conducts sobriety checkpoints. At weekly sobriety checkpoints, police officers monitor traffic for suspicious behavior and hope to protect New York Interstates from drunken drivers.
  
  

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

• There are many steps for the beginning driver in New York. At 16 years of age, a student enters the learner stage. Six months later, at 16 1/2 years old, she enters the intermediate stage, where she can drive with only one passenger under the age of 21 (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian) from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. At 17 (with a driver's education course) or 18 (without a driver's education course), the student gains full privilege, although 50 supervised driving hours (15 night hours) are required.