New York State driving guide

Each US state has its own specific driving rules and regulations, and New York is no exception. From the electric atmosphere of NYC to the spectacular Niagara Falls, this state has it all.

Find out everything you need to know about the driving rules in New York before you arrive in the Empire State.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between New York and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

• If you are turning at an intersection and a car is already in the intersection, you must yield right of way. When two or more drivers get to an unmarked intersection at the same time, the driver turning left gives way to the others.
• If you are entering or leaving a roadway to or from a driveway and a car is already there, or if a pedestrian is already crossing the road when the light turns green, you must yield right of way.
• You can turn right when the red light is on, except if there is a sign that specifies not to.
• New York State law requires drivers to have their headlights on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. You must also use your headlights in any cases where visibility is reduced to 300 meters or less, or if you have to use your windshield wipers due to snow, sleet or clear rain.
• The Distracted Driving law in New York State means that you can only use a cell phone for talking on hands-free when driving. You are not permitted to send text messages, play games, look at or send images or otherwise interact with your phone whilst driving.

Speed limits in New York State

In New York State, it is safe to assume that the speed limit is 55mph unless otherwise stated. Some Interstate Highways may have speed limits as low as 40mph, so be sure to check when you change roads. You are also bound by the “reasonable and prudent” law, which states you must reduce your speed appropriately in adverse driving conditions.

Toll roads in New York State

New York State has multiple toll roads, bridges and tunnels, many of which circle New York City, meaning accessing the city without paying is almost impossible.

New York State Thruway

The New York State Thruway is an extensive network of toll roads that run through the state. All travel on the NY State Thruway will attract some toll. The prices will vary depending on how long you stay on the route and your method of payment

From: Exit 1 – Major Deegan Expressway (I-87)

To: Exit 21B – NY Route 81

Cost for car: Tolls by mail: $7.01 / NY E-ZPass: $5.40 / Out of state E-ZPass: $6.21

Cost for truck: Tolls by mail: $20.14 / NY E-ZPass: $12.87 / Out of state E-ZPass: $17.82

How to pay for toll roads in New York: E-ZPass toll tags can be used in New York State and in 16 other nearby states. This electronic transponder is mounted on your windshield and automatically charges your account when you pass through a toll section.

Tolls by Mail customers will typically pay a $2 administration fee and a 30% higher rate for using toll roads in New York State when compared to E-ZPass users. You have 30 days after receiving your bill to make payment before you start to accumulate late fees.

Niagara Thruway – I-190

Part of the New York State Thruway system, the 21-mile long I-190 section takes you straight to Niagara Falls, where you can enjoy the truly breathtaking view of the world’s greatest waterfall.

From: Buffalo

To: Niagara Falls

Cost for car: $0.95 with NY E-ZPass / $1.09 with non-NY E-ZPass / $1.24 without

Cost for truck: $1.43 with NY E-ZPass / $1.64 with non-NY E-ZPass / $1.85 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: You can only pay with an E-ZPass or Toll by Mail.

New England Thruway – I-95

This section of the New York State Thruway connects NYC to the Connecticut Turnpike.

From: Bruckner Expressway, The Bronx

To: Connecticut Turnpike

Cost for car: $1.66 with NY E-ZPass / $1.91 with non-NY E-ZPass / $2.16 without

Cost for truck: $2.38 with NY E-ZPass / $2.73 with non-NY E-ZPass / $3.09 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: You can only pay with an EZ Pass or Toll by Mail.

Holland Tunnel

If you’re planning a trip across the NY border into New Jersey or vice versa, you can take the Holland Tunnel under the Hudson River. Tolls are only collected when entering New York City – there’s no toll when traveling through the Holland Tunnel from NYC to New Jersey.

From: New Jersey

To: New York City

Cost for car: $14.75 (peak) / $12.75 (off-peak) with E-ZPass – or $17.00 without E-ZPass

Cost for truck: $40.00 (peak) / $38.00 (off-peak) / $35.00 (weekday overnight hours) with E-ZPass – or $46.00 without E-ZPass

How to pay: You can pay automatically with an E-ZPass account, receive a tolls by mail invoice or pay cash at the toll booth when entering the Holland Tunnel from New Jersey.

Robert F Kennedy Bridge

The historic Robert F Kennedy Bridge – previously known as the Triborough Bridge – is made up of several viaducts that link the Bronx to Manhattan and Queens.

From: The Bronx

To: Queens

Cost for car: $6.55 with E-ZPass / $10.17 without

Cost for truck: $19.40 with E-ZPass / $33.51 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Bronx Whitestone Bridge

Bronx Whitestone Bridge is one of several bridges that cross the East River in New York. Part of the I-678, the toll bridge offers easy access to the Bronx.

From: Malba

To: The Bronx

Cost for car: $6.55 with E-ZPass / $10.17 without

Cost for truck: $19.40 with E-ZPass / $33.51 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Throgs Neck Bridge

Throgs Neck Bridge runs almost parallel to the Bronx Whitestone Bridge, as part of the I-295.

From: Locust Point, The Bronx

To: Bay Terrace, Queens

Cost for car: $6.55 with E-ZPass / $10.17 without

Cost for truck: $19.40 with E-ZPass / $33.51 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Hugh L Carey Tunnel

Also known as the Battery Tunnel, this I-478 toll road connects Brooklyn and Manhattan via the East River.

From: Brooklyn

To: Manhattan

Cost for car: $6.55 with E-ZPass / $10.17 without

Cost for truck: $19.40 with E-ZPass / $33.51 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Verrazano Narrows Bridge

The Verrazzano Narrows Bridge connects Brooklyn and Staten Island via the I-278.

From: Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn

To: Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island

Cost for car: $6.55 with E-ZPass / $10.17 without

Cost for truck: $19.40 with E-ZPass / $33.51 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Queens Midtown Tunnel

This toll tunnel is part of the I-495 that runs across the East River between Long Island City and Manhattan – moments from the Empire State Building.

From: Long Island City

To: Manhattan

Cost for car: $6.55 with E-ZPass / $10.17 without

Cost for truck: $19.40 with E-ZPass / $33.51 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Atlantic Beach Bridge

You’ll find this toll bridge on the Nassau Expressway in Lawrence, New York City.

From: Seagirt Boulevard, Lawrence

To: Atlantic Boulevard / Park Street

Cost for car: $3.00 with E-ZPass / $4.00 without

Cost for truck: $8.00

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Bear Mountain Bridge – US 202

Bear Mountain Bridge runs off the Palisades Interstate Parkway (US 6) from Bear Mountain State Park and over the Hudson River towards Anthonys Nose hiking area.

From: Bear Mountain / Fort Montgomery

To: Manitou

Cost for car: $1.55 with E-ZPass / $2.00 without

Cost for truck: $8.55 with E-ZPass / $10.50 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge

If you fancy a trip to the sandy shores of Rockaway Beach, you might need to take the Cross Bay toll bridge.

From: Rockaway Beach

To: Broad Channel

Cost for car: $2.45 with E-ZPass / $5.09 without

Cost for truck: $9.70 with E-ZPass / $16.76 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Marine Parkway Bridge

Located in Queens, the Marine Parkway Bridge connects Brooklyn to Breezy Point.

From: Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn

To: Rockaway Point Boulevard, Breezy Point

Cost for car: $2.45 with E-ZPass / $5.09 without

Cost for truck: $9.70 with E-ZPass / $16.76 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Henry Hudson Bridge

This toll road is located just off the Hudson River, providing easy access between the Bronx and Manhattan.  

From: Inwood

To: Spuyten Duyvil

Cost for car: $3.00 with E-ZPass / $7.50 without

Cost for truck: $19.40 with E-ZPass / $33.51 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Rip Van Winkle Bridge

If you’re looking for a scenic drive over the Hudson River, look no further than Rip Van Winkle Bridge. This impressive toll bridge runs across Rogers Island, between Hudson and Catskill.

From: Hudson

To: Catskill

Cost for car: $1.55 with E-ZPass / $2.00 without

Cost for truck: $8.55 with E-ZPass / $10.50 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Mid Hudson Bridge

The Mid Hudson Bridge is part of the US 44, linking Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County to Ulster County on the other side of the Hudson.

From: Poughkeepsie

To: Highland

Cost for car: $1.55 with E-ZPass / $2.00 without

Cost for truck: $8.55 with E-ZPass / $10.50 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge

This NY 199 toll bridge is located just north of Kingston, connecting the city to Red Hook and Rhinebeck in Dutchess County.

From: Kingston

To: River Road

Cost for car: $1.55 with E-ZPass / $2.00 without

Cost for truck: $8.55 with E-ZPass / $10.50 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Newburgh Beacon Bridge

You’ll find this toll bridge on the I-84 between Beacon and Newburgh, not far from New York Stewart International Airport.  

From: Beacon

To: Newburgh

Cost for car: $1.55 with E-ZPass / $2.00 without

Cost for truck: $8.55 with E-ZPass / $10.50 without – based on three axles.

How to pay: E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail

Driving ages and license requirements in New York

• The minimum driving age in New York State is 16
• The minimum age to rent a car in New York State is 20 with Hertz

You can find more tips and information about renting a vehicle with Hertz in our guide for drivers under the age of 25.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in New York State

When driving in New York State, you must have a valid driver’s license with you at all times. This isn’t restricted to US-only licenses – please check your native country’s license validity before travelling too.

As a minimum, you are required by law to always carry:

• Valid driver’s license
• Passport, visa or national ID where applicable
• Proof of insurance – if renting a vehicle
• Warning triangles in case of roadside emergencies.

While the above are the only items you are required to carry by law in New York State, you might also wish to include, or check whether your rental car includes the following:

• Spare tire and jack
• First aid kit
• Empty fuel can
• Jump leads and battery pack
• Hi-vis vest
• Bottled water
• Ice-scraper / de-icer.

New York State speed violations, infractions and penalties

Breaking the speed limit in New York State could result in a fine and possible prison sentence, as well as points on your license.

Here is a summary of the speeding fines and penalties, based on your speed.

You should also bear in mind the following factors:

• Three convictions in 18 months or less will result in your license being revoked.
• Six or more points added to your license in 18 months or less will trigger a state surcharge. You may also have to undertake a Driver Responsibility Assessment.
• More than one speed violation in 18 months will result in increased fines.
• You must observe posted speed restrictions in work zones, even if no construction is occurring at the time – fines accrued in work zones are doubled.
• Fines for breaking the speed limit on restricted highways or in school zones may vary from the above.

Driving with children in New York State

• All children under the age of two must be in a rear-facing car seat in New York State – infant seats are generally for children who weigh less than 22 pounds.
• Child safety seats must be used for all children under the age of four – convertible child safety seats are typically used for children weighing 22 to 40 pounds.
• Child restraint systems must be used for all children in a car in New York State until at least their eighth birthday – booster seats should be used for children aged between four and eight who weigh between 40 pounds and 80 pounds.
• All child safety seats and restraints must be appropriate for the height and weight requirements of the child.
• Child seats should ideally be used in the back seat of the vehicle, not the front.
• All passengers over the age of eight must wear a seat belt when travelling in a motor vehicle in New York.

Gas prices in New York State

The average gas price in New York State is $3.66 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Chevrolet Spark, that’s about $0.12 per mile.
• For a larger family car like a Chevrolet Malibu, it should work out at around $0.13 per mile.
• And for an SUV like a Ford Expedition, it’s around $0.16 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated October 13, 2022.

Electric car charging in New York State

It’s never been easier to find an electric vehicle charging station in New York State. As of September 2022, there are over 10,000 charging stations in the state, including fast chargers and Level 2 chargers.

When using curb-side charging stations, drivers can pay by card, smartphone or via the website. At fast charging stations, payments can also be made through the EV Connect app.

Driving between New York and other states

When you rent a car in New York with Hertz, you are not restricted to staying in the same state. You also do not need to return your vehicle to the same office, or even the same state, that you collected it in.

With prior arrangement, you can rent a car in New York and return it to any one of more than 2,700 rental offices across 51 states and territories.

Just be sure to check out the relevant state driving guides before you cross the border – whether you’re traveling north into New Hampshire or Vermont, south into Pennsylvania or Georgia, or traveling cross-country to California or Oregon on the west coast.

Driving conditions in New York State

New York State has an unstable humid continental climate, meaning you may experience waves of bad weather interspersed with sunny days. There is also abundant precipitation year-round, so expect rain, snow and sleet depending on the time of year.

Average temperatures range from a high of 85°Fin July to a low of 27°F in January. Some regions may also experience extreme weather events including tornadoes, hurricanes and cyclones, so pay attention to weather warnings before driving in New York State.