Guidance Offered by the DMV and Traffic Safety Committee as Start of School Year Approaches

Both the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) are offering tips for students about to begin the new school year.

College students who will be away from home are reminded to keep their vehicle’s registration, inspection, insurance, and driver license up to date. Those who are flying away are reminded that from May 7th, 2025 and onwards, standard licenses or non-driver IDs from New York state will not be accepted at TSA checkpoints; only Enhanced IDs, REAL IDs or other federal forms of identification will be accepted for flights. You can apply for these upgraded licenses in a New York DMV office.

The DMV and GTSC is also reminding grade schoolers to always look both ways to cross the street. When departing from a bus and crossing the street, look to the rear of the bus from the bottom step, take 5 steps straight away from the door, and watch for the bus driver to signal to you before crossing. It is becoming more common for drivers to pass a stopped school bus on the right shoulder.

Driver safety is also being encouraged, and motorists are also reminded to never pass a school bus whose red lights are flashing. Keep a safe distance between yourself and the bus, as they make frequent stops at slower speeds. Always watch out for children who are going to cross the street and be distraction free.

“A new school year is a critical time to remind drivers and pedestrians alike to share the road responsibly,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “Drivers should be aware that more children will be out walking or riding bicycles to and from school. They should also be prepared to stop for school buses, and parents should make sure their children know how to safely get on and off the bus. For college-age students, they should make sure their license and registration are up to date.”

Visit dmv.ny.gov for more information on advice to follow during the upcoming school year.