• New York's traffic laws promote safe travel on the state's roads.cars lights image by Lukasz Mazurkiewicz from Fotolia.com
  
  New York State's traffic laws exist to help protect drivers, passengers and others who share the road. These laws address a variety of topics in an attempt to regulate vehicular travel thoroughly. Failure to adhere to any of the state's laws could result in penalties, including fines and incarceration.
  
  

Right of Way

• When two vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, New York law requires the driver on the left to yield to the driver on the right. The law also requires drivers making left turns to yield the right of way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. Additionally, drivers entering a road from any place outside of the road (such as a parking lot or driveway) must yield to any vehicle approaching on the road.
  
  

Electronic Portable Devices

• New York law prohibits the use of portable electronic devices while driving unless they're used with a hands-free device. Prohibited devices include cell phones, PDAs, laptops, two-way messaging devices and electronic games. The law presumes that any driver holding a phone near his ear or holding a device in a conspicuous manner is using the item.
  
  A driver can use his device to communicate with emergency responders such as police or a hospital. Police officers, fire and other emergency personnel can also use cell phones while doing their work.
  
  A driver who uses his cell phone is subject to a fine of up to $100. A driver who uses some other portable electronic device may be fined up to $150.
  
  

Drugs and Alcohol

• New York law prohibits driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. The law presumes intoxication if the person has a blood alcohol content of at least .08 percent. People under 21 may not operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol. A driver is presumed to have consumed alcohol if her blood alcohol content measures at least .02 percent.
  
  New York law also prohibits driving with an open alcoholic beverage container in the car. This prohibition applies to both drivers and passengers. However, drivers may ride with resealed wine in the trunk.