New York Driver's Handbook, Section 8: Defensive Driving
Looking ahead, distractions, aggressive driving and road rage, speed, space, seat belts, work zones, roundabouts, fatigue, phones and vehicle condition.
Summary written by MyPermitExam from the official handbook, MV-21 (9/25). Not a copy of the handbook. Checked Oct 2026. Not affiliated with the DMV. New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21)
Key rules
- With no posted limit the maximum is 55 mph; in NYC it is 25 mph. p. 47
- Use the two-second rule, and three or four seconds in bad weather or behind trucks. p. 47
- Under 4: child seat; 4 to 7: booster; everyone else buckled; police can stop you for seat belts alone. p. 48
- Hand-held phone use or texting: up to $200 and five points for a first offense. p. 52
- Prevent fatigue: rest every 100 miles or two hours; if drowsy, pull off and nap 15 to 45 minutes. p. 52