New York City junior license restriction

If you have a Class DJ or MJ junior license, you cannot drive within the five boroughs of New York City under any circumstances

Junior permit holders who plan to drive a lot in New York City should delay their road test until their 18th birthday to allow for more practice driving with approved supervising drivers in vehicles with dual controls (dual brakes).

This prohibition does not apply to 17 year old drivers who have completed a State Education Department approved Driver and Traffic Safety Education Course (and submitted to DMV their Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285)) and received their Class D, adult license. With a Class D license, a 17 year old may drive unrestricted anywhere in New York State.

 

What are the penalties for traffic violations 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, the first conviction of a cell phone use or texting violation will result in a suspension of your driver license or permit for 60 days. (For texting/cell phone violations committed between July 1, 2013 and October 31, 2014)

 A second conviction within six months will result in

  • a revocation of at least 6 months of a probationary license, or
  • a revocation of at least 60 days for a Class DJ or MJ driver license or learner permit

Effective November 1, 2014, the first conviction of a cell phone use or texting violation will result in a suspension of the driver license or permit for 120 days.

A second conviction within six months of the restoration of the license or permit (after the 120 day suspension is terminated) will result in

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

  • a revocation of at least one year for a Class DJ or MJ driver license or learner permit