Resources

INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION

Registration:

Whether you are a vehicle owner or registrant, or a driver of a vehicle owned or registered by someone else, you are responsible for making sure it is properly registered, insured and inspected before the vehicle is used on a public roadway.

A registration allows a vehicle to be driven on public roads and highways. A title certificate proves who owns the vehicle. You must be at least 16 years old to register a vehicle; however there is no age restriction to own a vehicle.

To register a vehicle, you must prove you own the vehicle or that the owner authorizes you to register it, that the vehicle is insured, that the state and county sales taxes have been paid, and provide any required mileage and/or damage disclosure statement.

Proof of Insurance:

When you buy auto liability insurance, the insurance agent gives you 2 insurance identification cards. The name(s) and vehicle identification number (VIN) on these cards must match exactly the information on the registration application. You must present 1 card when registering your vehicle. Keep the second card with the vehicle.

THE DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY ASSESSMENT

What is a driver responsibility assessment?

In addition to any fines, fees, penalties, or surcharges that you pay for a traffic conviction, you must pay the driver responsibility assessment. The assessment is an amount that you must pay each year for three years. You pay the assessment to the DMV.

Who must pay a driver responsibility assessment?

You must pay the driver responsibility assessment if any of the following incidents occur:

• you are convicted of an alcohol-related traffic violation (includes boats and snowmobiles)

• you are convicted of a drug-related traffic violation (includes boats and snowmobiles)

• a DMV hearing determines that you refused a chemical test (includes boats and snowmobiles)

• you receive six or more points on your NYS driver record during a period of 18 months and the violations occurred in NYS, Quebec or Ontario.

• The assessments apply whether you have a driver license issued by NYS or any other jurisdiction, or you have no driver license at all.

What is the amount of the driver responsibility assessment?

The amount of a driver responsibility assessment depends on the type of violation and the total of your driver violation points. Consult http://dmv.ny.gov/drp.htm for more information.

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE

1. Position the vehicle on a flat firm surface at a safe distance from traffic and set the emergency brake. Set out warning triangles. Block the wheel diagonally across from the flat tire with a rock, brick or piece of wood.

2. Consult the owner’s manual for tire-changing instructions. Position the jack according to the directions in the manual. Jack up the vehicle until the flat tire is just in contact with the ground.

3. Remove the hub cap or wheel cover. Loosen but DO NOT remove the lug nuts.

4. Jack up the vehicle until the tire clears the ground. Remove the lug nuts. Do NOT put your legs or body under the vehicle; you should squat.

5. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire. Put the lug nuts on and tighten them slightly in “star” fashion.

6. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten the lug nuts securely. Replace the hub cap or wheel cover.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE IN A COLLISION

• • Stop immediately, regardless of the extent of damage. It is a traffic violation to leave the scene of an incident involving property damage. It is a criminal violation to leave the scene of an incident involving a fatality or personal injury.

  • Contact the police. Complete a police report and find out the accident report number and how to obtain copies of the report. Document the name/badge numbers of the police officer(s) who helped you.

  • Check for injured persons; render first aid if necessary; make sure an ambulance or rescue squad has been called.

  • Even if the crash involves only property damage, you must exchange information with other drivers involved. Give your name, address, the motorist identification (ID) number from your license, and vehicle registration and insurance information, including the insurance policy number and effective date, to the other drivers and police on the scene.

  • Do not discuss any aspect of the collision with anyone at the scene other than police officers.

  • If a parked vehicle or property other than a vehicle is damaged, or if a domestic animal is injured, you must try to locate the owner or notify the police.

  • If possible, move your vehicle off the road. Protect the scene with reflectors or flares, but be alert for leaking fuel. Be sure to protect yourself and others from oncoming traffic.

  • Call your insurance company as soon as possible.

  • If you are involved in a traffic crash involving a fatality or personal injury, you must report it to DMV.

  • You must also report any traffic incident or crash involving $1000 or more in damage to any one person's property.

  • Reporting a crash or incident to your insurance company does not fulfill your legal obligation. You must file a report with DMV within 10 days of the event. Your license may be suspended if you don't.

  • If the driver is injured and unable to complete the report, a passenger or the vehicle owner may do so.