Driving through Tech Valley can be a relaxing, fun way to explore the beauty of our region. Many of our roads are scenic and often times traffic is very light. But our roads – especially those in rural, country areas – can be quite hilly or winding so it’s best to keep your speeds slow. Especially in the higher elevations, roads may quickly become icy or slick. It is best to slow down while driving in any type of inclement weather.
Some other rules of the road and courtesy tips for driving in Tech Valley:
General
In the United States, all motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road. All road distances are measured in miles.
When making a left-hand turn, give way to traffic crossing or approaching from your right.
Right turns on red lights are allowed unless otherwise posted. You must still come to a complete stop at the red light and yield to any crossing traffic before making the turn.
Automobiles must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
License & Insurance
You must carry a valid, current U.S. or Canadian driver license, learner permit or international driving permit for the automobile, truck, motorcycle or other vehicle you are driving. A motor vehicle registered in New York State (NYS) must have liability insurance issued by a company authorized to do business in NYS and licensed by the NYS Insurance Department.
Speed Limits
The speed limits on major highways range from 55–65 mph (88–105 km/h). On secondary and back roads, speeds are typically between 25–45 mph (40–72 km/h). Speed limits are lower in areas where there is active road construction. State and local police take speeding and aggressive driving seriously and strictly enforce the laws.
Mobile Phone Use
NYS law bans the use of hand-held mobile telephones while you drive except to make emergency calls to 911 or medical, fire or police personnel. Using a hands-free device while driving is acceptable.
Drinking & Driving
Drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced. Conviction of a driving while intoxicated offense may result in loss of license, fines and jail time.
Child & Infant Safety
NYS law requires all drivers and front seat passengers to wear seat belts. Children under the age of 16 must wear seat belts whether they are in the front or back seat. State law also requires all children under the age of four to ride in safety seats and children ages four, five and six to ride in child restraint systems.
Infants that weigh less than 22 pounds or are less than 25 inches in length or are less than one-year old must ride in an infant seat in the back seat facing the back of the vehicle. Never put an infant in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger-side air bag.
Infants and toddlers who are more than a year old and weigh 40 pounds or less may face the front of the vehicle from the back seat using a convertible child safety seat.
Booster seats are for children who are four to eight years old, weigh 40 to 80 pounds and are less than four feet, nine inches in height. You can use a booster seat until an adult seat belt correctly fits the child without use of the booster seat.
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions when deciding which type of safety seat is appropriate for your child. Contact your local police station for help in installing a safety seat or to inspect your seat.