Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) junior learner permit restrictions

As you learn the rules of the road and practice basic driving skills, it is important that you understand and follow the driving restrictions on Long Island. You must also follow the general restrictions for learner permit holders of any age.

 

DAYTIME DRIVING (5 AM to 9 PM)

If you have a junior learner permit, you may drive in Nassau and Suffolk Counties between the hours of 5 AM and 9 PM only under the direct supervision of your

  • parent
  • guardian 1  
  • a person "in loco parentis" 2 
  • person authorized to be your supervising driver by your parent, guardian or person in a position of "in loco parentis" in writing
  • driver education teacher or a driving school instructor


It is also required that

  • the person who supervises your driving be at least age 21 and have a license valid for the vehicle you are driving
  • the only passenger in the front seat be your supervising driver
  • there be no more than one passenger under age 21 unless the passengers are members of your immediate family. You can have more than one passenger under age 21 only if your supervising driver is your licensed parent, guardian, person in a position of "in loco parentis," driver education teacher or driving school instructor
  • every passenger wear a seat belt (one seat belt per person)
  • all children under age four ride in federally-approved child safety seat
    • if the child is more than 40 pounds in weight, they must use a proper child restraint system such as a booster seat
    • until their 8th birthday, children must use a proper child restraint system
    • children more than four feet nine inches tall are allowed to use a seat belt and shoulder harness


NIGHTTIME DRIVING (9 PM to 5 AM)

  • You cannot drive in Nassau and Suffolk Counties under any circumstances between the hours of 9 PM and 5 AM.

What are the penalties for conviction of a traffic violation as a junior driver?

Your junior permit, license, or privileges will be suspended for 60 days if you are convicted of one serious traffic violation or two other violations that were committed while you held a junior permit or license.

Your junior permit, license, or privileges will be revoked for 60 days if you are convicted of one serious traffic violation or two other violations within the first six months after your permit, license or privileges are restored after a suspension or revocation.

A "serious traffic violation" is normally a violation that carries three or more driver violation points.

 

What are the penalties for conviction of cell phone use or texting as a junior driver?

If you have a Class DJ or MJ driver license or learner permit and you are convicted of a cell phone or texting violation, your license or permit will be suspended for 120 days. 

If you get a second conviction within 6 months of the restoration of the license or permit (after the 120 day suspension is over) you will either get 

  • a revocation of at least one year of your probationary license, or

  • a revocation of at least one year for a Class DJ or MJ driver license or learner permit
  1. 1. "guardian" means a person who has, on a regular and extended basis, assumed the character of your parent and is discharging parental duties as the result of the death, disability, or absence of your natural parent.
  2. 2. "in loco parentis" means a person who has, on a regular and extended basis, assumed the character of your parent and is discharging parental duties as a result of the death, disability, or absence of your natural parent.