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Driver inexperience, along with related factors, contributes to most teen driving accidents in New York. According to the New York State Department of Health, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of unintentional deaths for teens aged 16 and 17. Many crashes are preventable if more teen drivers and their parents are familiar with New York statutes.
Important Teen Driving Laws in New York
While teen drivers must follow all motorist laws, some specific New York laws apply to teens.
Learner’s Permits in New York
In New York, a 16-year-old can apply for a learner’s permit with their parent’s or guardian’s permission.
Other requirements for a New York State learner’s permit:
- Applicants must show proof of residency, identification (such as a birth certificate), and a Social Security card.
- Applicants must pass a vision exam and a written test.
Learner’s Permit Restrictions in New York
Teens holding a driver’s permit may operate a vehicle with a licensed driver (at least age 21) in the car’s front seat. If the teen is driving between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., they must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or driver’s education instructor.
Learner’s permit holders may not allow more than one non-family member passenger under the age of 21 in their vehicle at a time. All occupants must wear seatbelts.
New York Junior License
After having a learner’s permit for six months (with no license suspension), a 16-year-old can apply for a junior driver’s license. A parent or guardian must sign the application form. Applicants must submit a signed driving log with at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with 15 hours of night driving.
To receive a junior license, the teen must complete a pre-licensing driver’s education course and pass a road driving test.
Junior License Restrictions in New York
A driver with a junior license may drive unlimited hours in most of the state for work or school purposes with a parent or guardian. Junior license holders cannot drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. in New York City, even with supervision.
Driver’s License
Teens who go through the process mentioned above may obtain an unrestricted license at age 17. Otherwise, a junior license is automatically graduated to a regular driver’s license when someone turns 18.
Insurance Requirements for Teen Drivers in New York
Teen drivers, like any other driver in New York, are required to meet minimum insurance requirements.
New York requires teens to carry liability insurance, personal injury protection, and uninsured coverage in the following amount:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 in property damage per accident
- $50,000 in fatality coverage per person, $100,000 fatality coverage per accident
- $50,000 in PIP for medical bills and lost pay, and $2,000 for funeral expenses
Uninsured driver insurance should match the limits of liability coverage for bodily injury and fatalities. Failure to have enough car insurance can result in fines, jail time, and license suspension.
Teen Driving Statistics in New York
Each year in New York State, teen drivers are involved in thousands of accidents that result in nearly 3,500 emergency department visits, with almost 200 hospitalizations and 16 fatalities.
The average length of hospitalization for an accident involving a teen driver is five days, costing more than $53,000 in medical bills. Many people don’t carry enough insurance to cover these costs, resulting in liability for parents or the vehicle owner.
In teen driving accidents, the most at-risk people are newly licensed teens, male teen drivers, passengers, and children riding with teen drivers.
Common Causes of Teen Driving Accidents
Several factors contribute to teen driving accidents:
- Driving inexperience
- Driving while drowsy
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Driving at an unsafe speed
- Lack of seat belt use
Comparing Teen Drivers with Older Drivers
Although everyone is at risk of being in a car accident, some distinctions exist between new and experienced drivers. Let’s look at some causes for car accidents and see who had the highest percentage of accidents between younger and older drivers.
Unsafe Speed
Unsafe speed causes 21% of accidents involving teen drivers, compared to 10% for older drivers.
Driver Inexperience
Driver inexperience causes approximately 8% of all teen driver accidents. It causes less than 1% of crashes for people older than 25.
Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way
Failure to yield the right of way is another common cause of teen accidents, amounting to 6% of crashes for 16- and 17-year-olds. Failure to yield is a factor in just 3% of accidents involving other drivers.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving only accounts for 4% of teen accidents but causes 5% of crashes for other drivers.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol is only involved in about 1% of teen driver accidents. Impaired driving is the cause of 7% of accidents for other drivers.
What to Do After a Teen Driving Accident
Even the safest teens can be involved in a crash. Follow these steps:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help.
- Document the scene—take photos of all vehicles, skid marks, damage, and the surrounding area.
- Gather witness information—names and contact details are invaluable.
- Avoid fault admissions—keep communication factual and impartial.
- Seek immediate medical care and maintain all treatment records.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in teen driving laws and car accident claims to protect your teen’s rights.
When Can My Teen Drive Alone in New York?
A teen can drive alone after earning a junior driver’s license, completing 50 hours of supervised driving (including 15 at night), and passing the road test. However, they must still follow curfew restrictions, including no driving between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. in NYC unless for work or school.
How Many Supervised Hours Are Required for a Permit?
New York requires teens to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed adult, including 15 hours of night driving, before they can schedule a road test for a junior license.
Are Phone Restrictions Different for Teen Drivers?
Yes. Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using hand-held electronic devices while driving, and even hands-free use is restricted for drivers under 21. Violations can lead to license points, fines, and increased insurance premiums.
What Penalties Follow a Teen DUI or DWI?
A teen charged with DUI or DWI in New York can face immediate license suspension, fines, required participation in drug or alcohol education programs, and a criminal record—even on a first offense.
Can Insurance Rates Spike After a Teen Accident?
Yes. Insurance premiums for teen drivers are already high, and a single at-fault accident can cause rates to double or even triple. Legal representation may help protect your financial exposure in the event of a serious claim.
Do Teen Drivers in New York Have Passenger Restrictions?
Yes. In New York State, teen drivers with a learner’s permit or junior driver’s license are subject to specific passenger restrictions. Permit holders may not carry more than one non-family passenger under age 21 and must always drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat. Junior license holders are also limited to one non-family passenger under 21 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. These restrictions remain in place until the driver obtains an unrestricted license at age 17 (with driver’s education) or age 18.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer For Help After an Accident
Whether you are a teen involved in a crash or a teen hit you, you need to work with an attorney familiar with teen driving laws in New York. We know the statistics and understand how to investigate these cases. We will determine who caused the wreck and find evidence to support your claim.
Our New York car accident lawyers can file an insurance claim and handle all negotiations and communication with the insurance company. We can file a lawsuit on your behalf and fight to get you the compensation you deserve if necessary.
Call Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, PC today at (212) 490-5700 or use our online contact form for a free consultation.