Complementing the Long Island Rail Road and MTA Bus, Long Island Expressway (Interstate 495) combines with the Northern State Parkway and Southern State Parkway to facilitate east-west travel on Long Island. An entire network of expressways and parkways ensure access to key points throughout the island and Queens Borough as well as other destinations in New York City. For more information about major arteries including bridges and tunnels, the following resources may be helpful:
New York State Department of Transportation
General Information
518-457-6195
https://www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/index
New residents must register their automobiles within 30 days of establishing residency. At the same time, they must obtain a New York drivers license. Proof of identity includes a current photo license from another state, a passport, citizenship papers, or military ID. Other documentation needed to register a vehicle and obtain a drivers license include an insurance identification card, verification of a New York address, proof of date of birth, and proof of signature. New residents of New York who hold a valid license from another state usually only have to take the vision test but they must relinquish their out-of-state license. Automobile insurance is mandatory in New York. For more information or answers to specific questions, contact:
New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
800-DIAL-DMV
www.nysdmv.com
Road Test Scheduling
518-402-2100
www.nysdmv.com
DMV Offices Directory
www.nysdmv.com/offices.htm
Boat Registration
The same offices that register vehicles also handle the registration of power-driven vessels in New York. Bring a completed boat registration/title application available from any department of motor vehicle office along with appropriate fees, proof of ownership, proof of payment of sales tax, and proof of sale to any DMV district office or participating county clerk motor vehicle office:
New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
800-DIAL-DMV
www.nysdmv.com
DMV Offices Directory
www.nysdmv.com/offices.htm
Safety & Emissions Testing
All vehicles registered in New York State must have a safety inspection and an emissions inspection every 12 months. After you register the vehicle in New York State, you are allowed 10 days to complete the vehicle inspections. DMV-registered inspection stations display a yellow and black sign that reads, "Official Inspection Station." For more information, contact:
Vehicle Testing Information
877-486-6438
www.nysdmv.com
Vehicle Safety Regulations
Under New York State law, safety restraint use is required for all front seat occupants regardless of age. This also applies to all rear seat passengers under 16 years of age. Children under age four must be restrained in a federally approved child safety seat. New York's zero-tolerance policy for seat belt violations means that violators will receive a ticket if stopped for not using a safety restraint.