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How can I remove DMV points from NY driving record?
If you have points on your New York driving record, you may have been referred to taking a Point and Insurance Reduction Program. The Point & Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) is approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. It is available through private companies or corporations. Often the New York DMV will refer to these private companies as course sponsors. Defensive driving courses to reduce insurance premiums and points are accessible in both online and classroom.
What is the difference between points on license & violations?
Sometimes, people who complete this program are still confused about what happens to their NY DMV driving record. One of the main misunderstandings that people have is that they confuse points with actual violations. Below is a useful chart to show the differences.| Points | Violations |
| You must be convicted of the traffic violation before points are added to your driving record | Completing a Point and Insurance Reduction (PIRP) course does not remove a violation |
| Your point total is calculated based on the date of the violation, not the date of the conviction | Most violations, convictions and points will continue to show on your driving record for up to 4 years |
| The points for violations that all occurred within the last 18 months are added to calculate your point total | Violations and convictions involving drugs or alcohol will remain on your driving record for ten years. |
| You can only use a Point & Insurance Reduction Program course to reduce up to 4 points once in an 18-month period |
How many points on license is each traffic violation?
| VIOLATION | POINTS |
| Speeding (MPH over posted limit) | |
| 1 to 10 | 3 |
| 11 to 20 | 4 |
| 21 to 30 | 6 |
| 31 to 40 | 8 |
| Over 40 | 11 |
| Reckless Driving | 5 |
| Failed to stop for school bus | 5 |
| Followed too closely (tailgating) | 4 |
| Inadequate brakes (private car) | 4 |
| Inadequate brakes (employer's vehicle) | 2 |
| Failed to yield right-of-way | 3 |
| Disobeying traffic control signal, STOP sign or YIELD sign | 3 |
| Railroad crossing violation | 5 |
| Improper passing, changing lane unsafely | 3 |
| Driving left of center, in wrong direction | 3 |
| Leaving scene of property damage incident | 3 |
| Child safety restraint violation | 3 |
| Improper cell phone use | 5 |
| Use of portable electronic device ("texting") | 5 |
| Any other moving violation | 2 |
- Uncover your Texas driving history - All you need to know about driving records in Texas at Texas Driving Records!
How to Dismiss NY Traffic Ticket
I'm sorry, but I can't assist with rephrasing the text without having the content available. Please provide the text you want rephrased. If there’s one thing we know, it’s how to dismiss a New York Traffic Ticket. There’s not one thing we have more experience doing than receiving traffic ticket violations. We know every trick in the book to dismiss those pesky pieces of paper. We get it. The “court” is demanding that you “pay” these “traffic tickets.” We’ll see who “pays!” Since we’ve spent enough fines to finance a second Brooklyn Bridge, we know every step to dismiss your traffic ticket. All secrecy aside, you have the ability to dismiss a traffic ticket when you believe you are innocent. Here’s how to do it: [framed_box]The Repercussions of a Traffic Ticket
Does the government think we’re all big bags of money? Look at these outrageous prices you must pay when you’re ticketed! You can face anywhere from $90 to nearly $1,000. The expenses don’t end there. When you commit a traffic violation, you receive points on your driving record. We know that sounds like a good thing, but, trust us, it’s not! We learned that the hard way. Like a good game of golf, having the lowest score on your driving record means you win. The points are allocated to drivers who are deemed unsafe and reckless. When you accumulate a lot of points, you’re a bad driver. A high amount of points on your driving record will result in a higher annual insurance rate. You won’t just pay the fine attached to your ticket, but your annual insurance rate premium will increase. That’s why dismissing your traffic ticket can save you big money. [/framed_box] [framed_box]Dismissing the Traffic Ticket
Buckle up, bucko! It’s time to fight back against that traffic ticket. You just found out you’re getting points for being a bad driver and you have to pay $90 to $1,000? There’s so at stake for going 30+ MPH over the speed limit. It’s easy to put a spin on reckless driving, but you must prove to the court how you do not deserve your traffic ticket. If you would like to dismiss your ticket, the first thing you have to do is plead “not guilty” with the court. This will issue a court summons and give you a chance to state your case. Before the court, consider hiring a traffic ticket attorney or lawyer. Choosing to represent yourself could be a tricky situation since you will be expected to follow procedures of a NY traffic court. When contesting, you could face negative and positive results. If you lose your case, you can face the consequences of when you received your ticket. Which includes: ● Jail sentence ● Suspended license ● Points added to your driving record ● Community service ● Fines Successfully proving your innocence in court, by showing you are undeserving of the traffic ticket, will result in the following: ● Dismissed traffic ticket ● No fines ● No points ● Insurance rates stay low [/framed_box] [framed_box]Dismiss the Ticket by Defensive Driving Course
Finding out there’s no real excuse for driving 30+ MPH over the speed limit can be hard. Remember you can still save money. Most NY courts will dismiss your if you take an approved NY defensive driving course. You will still have to pay a hefty fine, but at least you will not get any points added to your record. By taking a NYS defensive driving course, you can keep your driving record from accumulating points and y won’t have to suffer from increased annual insurance rates! A NYS defensive driving course is the cheapest solution to showing your insurance company that you can be a safe driver. When it comes to traffic tickets, we’ve been there and done that. We know just about everything when saving money and violating traffic laws.- For information About How much is a Red Light Ticket in New York?, click: How much is a Red Light Ticket in New York?
Do You Need a Car in New York?
The question of whether one needs a car in New York plaques many newcomers planning to move in here. To answer the question head on, you don’t need to own a car in NY! Therefore, if someone tells you that it is necessary, it’s because they have programmed their maneuverability within and without the city for years, and this might not work for you. Below is why you should think twice before deciding you need a car in New York.
It’s a Problem to Gas Up Your Vehicle
With the ever-growing human population in NY, which demands the use of every available inch of land to cater for housing needs, very little space has been left for gas stations. The net effect of this situation is that gas stations in NY are growing fewer and farther apart. This means that living in the city is no different to living in a “gas desert.” Therefore, if you don’t happen to live near a station, you’ll have to drive a distance to gas up and this increases your overall cost of living here.High Cost of Garage Parking
Compared to other areas, one of the biggest hurdles to be a car owner in NY is the exorbitantly excessive cost of parking. Irrespective of whether you’re planning to buy an apartment or rent one here, you’ll definitely not avoid the high parking cost. If the apartment you want to buy comes with a parking spot, be guaranteed that the closing price will be inflated by at least $60,000 for it. On the other hand, if you rent a spot in most of the NY apartments that have garages, expect to dig deeper into your pockets for a monthly cost of between $100 to $ 1000 as determined by the neighborhood you live in. Even for private garages, you’re not safe as they will charge you around $430 monthly. What we’re trying to say here is, owning a car in NY you’ll end up spending what people in other cities pay as house rent just to keep your car safe indoors!Alternate Side Parking is Problematic
Don’t even think that running away from the highly-charged garages to alternate-side parking will save your skin. Although you’ll retain some cash, you’ll be forced to make up for it in terms of logical hassle and your precious time, as getting an unoccupied spot proves daunting – sometimes you’ll have to circle for the spot the night before. Additionally, during snowstorms, you’ll need to get up so early to move your vehicle out of the way to allow for street cleaning, which can be very hectic for you.Driving in NY Emotionally Drains
Thinking that NY roads will give you the best drive is misinformed because it feels like you’re playing a video game. You’ll have to swerve around bikers, move over for double-parked vehicles, dodge potholes, and change lanes often. Additionally, you’ve to be keen not to hit pedestrians, who are always busy talking on their cellphones, oblivious to the queue of vehicles waiting to cross. In short, it’ll be much more comfortable to use other means of transport than drive your own car on NY highways.Final Thoughts
It isn’t advisable to own a car in NY given the many inconveniences it comes with – high parking cost, problematic alternate-side parking, ice & snow, and gas scarcity to name just a few of them. From a personal point of view NY rocks for public transportation, and you can always rent a vehicle for the weekends you plan to get out of the cityWhere To Buy Used Cars in NY
You likely have considered purchasing a used car at some point in the past. Even if you never actively looked for one, you surely have an idea of the frustrations that come along with searching for a used automobile. If you are on a budget, a used car is your best bet. What kind of feelings and thoughts does it invoke in you?
No matter what you think about when it comes to pre-owned vehicles, the fact of the matter is that they are being sold all over the place. The quality can be hit or miss - you may find one that you wouldn't mind buying just to fix up and have one of your favorite automobile models. Carefully consider your options, as you did when picking a NY defensive driving course, when you are looking for where to buy used cars in New York.
Car Dealerships
There are numerous car dealerships that cater to people who are buying and selling used vehicles. There should be a few of them within a reasonable distance from where you live. It can help to know about the reputation of this business prior to visiting, though. You can search for reviews on services such as Yelp and other business rating sites. Also, you may want to ask around if anyone you know can recommend a dealership that will give you a wide selection in your price range.Online Buying
When you just want to browse through pages of options online, there are websites that allow you to do so. One of the top sites for this in NY is Auto Trader. You will be pleased to see that there are both new and pre-owned automobiles that have been listed through Auto Trader. The front page of the listings offers you many details, then you can find much more by clicking on the one in which you are interested. With such an ideal way to show you where to find and buy used cars in NY, you are sure to experience remarkable success. You can conduct a search by different qualifiers, including price starting at lowest and highest, mileage by lowest and highest, alphabetical by make and model, distance from the zip code that you input, and year by oldest and newest. Also, you can choose the specifications that interest you to narrow down your options. It really is a convenient way in which to shop for a vehicle that will be less expensive than you might find otherwise.Classifieds
Though they tend to get a bad rap, broad format classifieds like Craigslist and similar websites will help you to connect with people who have a car for sale quickly. You may be nervous about the idea of meeting up with someone who you meet in such a way, but you always can call them and screen your options. Once you are ready to go and have a look at a vehicle, ensure that you can meet the individual in a public place. This will take the stress out of the situation for both parties. If you happen to decide that you would like to buy the car, you should come up with a basic sale contract. This will protect you in the instance that you learn of some issue that was not disclosed when you paid for the vehicle. As you can see, there is a great deal to keep in mind with used cars. Once you know where the best physical or online location is for finding used cars in NY, you can use the resources to your advantage. Use caution and take your time to find just the right automobile for your needs.How to save on car insurance: A guide for first time NYC drivers
Is this your first time owning a car? If so, then you are probably excited. With a personal vehicle comes the freedom of movement everyone desires. No more waiting on buses and subways. You can now come and go whenever you want, uninhibited by transit schedules.
But, you must always remember that car ownership entails great responsibility. Motorists hold their own safety and that of others in their hands. This is why you must have auto insurance in case you are involved in an accident. NYC wants you to be able to pay for any damage caused.
So, now you are probably wondering how much will this car insurance cost, right? Good question.
Read on to find out some of the factors that can raise and lower policy rates for a first-time NYC driver.
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How does age impact my auto insurance rates?
As is true of most first-time drivers, you are probably young of age. If so, be prepared to pay more than the national average for your auto insurance. In general, insurance companies charge more for young first-time drivers for two reasons. First, the driver is at an impressionable age. They are more likely than older adults to drive fast when hanging out with friends. Also, drinking and driving is a known problem among teens and young adult motorists. Second, you are a first-time driver. Even if you are advanced in age, insurers will probably charge you a bit more. Your inexperience works against you here. [/framed_box] [framed_box]Does my neighborhood impact my auto insurance rates?
Certain neighborhoods and boroughs in NYC are ridden with crime. Many of the criminals are car thieves. As a result, if you reside in one of these areas, expect to pay more than normal to be insured. The risk is just higher than if you lived in a safer community. [/framed_box] [framed_box]Does a defensive driving course lower my auto insurance rates?
You can lower your rate by taking driver education classes. Young people often mitigate some of the extra charges heaped upon them because of age by taking driving classes in high school. Every driver can benefit by enrolling in a New York defensive driving course. The schools offer classes both online and in-person. Best of all, after course competition, you receive a 10 percent auto insurance discount for the next three years. [/framed_box] [framed_box]What impact does my vehicle type have on my car insurance rate?
Insurance companies also look at the type of vehicle when assessing rates. Some models get stolen more than others. Owners will have to pay more because of this risk. In other cases, you may own a sports car known for having horsepower more than what the average motorist can handle. And, your insurer may well raise your policy rate because of this fact. [/framed_box] [framed_box]How much does my credit score influence my auto insurance rate?
Since you are a first-time driver with no driving history, the insurance company will take other factors into consideration. One is your credit rating. If you have good credit, the company may lower your insurance rate a bit. A positive credit score proves you are a responsible person in general. [/framed_box] [framed_box]Does my education background impact my car insurance rate?
Likewise, college students can get lower than normal rates for first time drivers. Their desire to seek a higher education is positive. They are high achievers. They are presumed to perhaps better understand the effects of risky driving on society. [/framed_box] [framed_box]Time to get insured and save money with our tips!
Now that you know how the insurance companies decide how much to charge first time drivers, you are ready to get insured. Try to work on things you can change. For example, attend a New York defensive driving school, pay off outstanding credit cards and enroll in college classes. These types of decisions will make you appear more responsible and can result in a lower insurance rate. [/framed_box]What are Riders in NY Insurance?
Like every other motorist, you must have NY insurance. There is no way around it. If caught driving without auto insurance, well, you do not even want to know that will happen. It is bad!
So, you have your insurance. But, does the policy really suit you. Did you ask for the agent to personalize things?
Many people do not know that almost every single insurance policy can be modified. You can add terms that will make the policy more beneficial. And, why not? You are the one who is paying. You are who will need the insurance payouts when things go wrong.
Always remember that when the company writes its standard policies, they are thinking about their own risk. The contract is in their best interests. You need to be smart and add riders, which are special terms, to the policy.
Sit down with your insurance company representative and discuss your specific needs. Then add these special conditions.
Following are some of the more popular auto insurance riders in NY.
Rental Car
What if your car breaks down or is destroyed in an accident? You will have to rent a car while things get fixed. One or two days is not all that bad. But, what about a few weeks? Those payments can prove financially draining. Adding a rental car rider to your insurance can be a smart move. Most likely, the insurance company will want to set a predefined time period, for example, three weeks, in which they will pay for a rental car. Hopefully, you have your car back within the agreed upon timeframe.Safe Driver
You can also add a safe driver rider. If you go without any major traffic infractions or accidents for a lengthy period, your insurance rate would be lowered. Fortunately, you already have a de facto safe driver rider. If you complete a defensive driving NY course, you get an automatic 10 percent auto insurance rate discount for the next three years. Classes are held both online and in-person for your convenience.One Accident
Everyone makes mistakes. You might do so while driving and cause an accident. If you are at fault to any extent, even partly, in general, your insurance rate increases. You can prevent this from happening by adding a one-accident rider. It is a freebie for the first time “offender,” so to speak.Roadside Assistance
This rider allows you to call for emergency assistance at any time without having to pay. These riders are great deals because you never know just when your car will leave you stranded. When it happens, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you have the extra cash to pay for a tow truck or mechanic.Vehicle Depreciation
This rider gets you a promise that the insurance company will not take any depreciation of car value into consideration for a certain agreed upon period.Car Theft
Good for those who reside in high crime areas. For example, you can get a promise not to consider your high-crime location if you park your car in a secured location, such as a private garage. Also, you can get this rider if you can prove that your neighborhood is changing. Perhaps the insurance provider will not raise your policy so long as the crime rate continues to decline in the area.Time to Get the Policy You Deserve
No need to accept a boilerplate insurance contract. Ask for reasonable riders, those insurance terms that are of specific benefit to you.What County is Clifton Park NY in?
Are you planning to relocate and looking for a nice community? Perhaps you are raising a family? Or, maybe, you are a hi-tech worker with their own lucrative startup company. If so, you probably want to look at Clifton Park, NY. This residential suburb in upstate New York has a lot to offer.
Now, do not make the mistake of many wannabe transplants. They somehow have the idea that the town is within the Greater New York City metro area. Sorry, that is just wrong. If you are wondering what county Clifton Park, NY is in, the wait is over. The town sits in the southern portion of Saratoga County, about 12-miles north of the capital, Albany.
Population
About 40,000, residents call Clifton Park home. These households enjoy a relatively high income when compared to the rest of the national. At $83,000, the average income makes the suburb one of the more so-after locales in the state. Less than three percent of the population lives below the poverty line.Demographics
In general, Clifton Park is not as diverse as many would like. Almost everyone has well-paying jobs. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that the friendly neighbors go out of their way to make all feel at home.Traffic Conditions
Though having only 40,000, people, Clifton Park is a very busy place. Workers are up early each morning rushing to their jobs. Students are off to attend the award-winning local schools. As a result, the area witnesses its fair share road accidents. After all, this is New York. Officers issue a fair number of traffic citations. Fortunately, anyone who wants to become a safe driver can take a NY defensive driving course. These days, the classes can even be done online. This option proves even more convenient because students can access the course material over the various platforms, including mobile devices. Best of all, after course completion, drivers can have any outstanding traffic tickets erased and the state awards a mandatory 10 percent auto insurance discount for three years.Economics
It may not be Silicon Valley, but Clifton Park sits in the heart of the New York Tech Valley. Some of the most educated and talented technology professionals call the area home. To further facilitate growth, the town government has been buying up property. As of now, over 1000-acres has been purchased for development. The goal is to make Clifton Park the place where top hi-tech firms want to relocate.Things to Do
Residents love spending time in the local parks watching kids play sports. There are football, hockey, soccer and lacrosse leagues, to name just a few. Not to be left out, baseball is very popular here. In fact, the Boys Babe Ruth World Series is often played right in town.Getting There
Motorists can reach Clifton Park from New York City via Interstate-87. The three-hour drive is picturesque as the area is dotted by green spaces and Erie Canal hamlets. The train from Manhattan takes about four and a half hours, the same as the bus.So, where is Clifton Park?
As shown here, Clifton Park is located in a prime spot in upstate New York. Residents and visitors can easily get to Albany or Manhattan for day trips or to conduct business. A quiet suburban community, Clifton Park is ideal for those who want to enjoy the simple life, while not forging modern amenities. Give the town a chance. You may never want to live anywhere else.How To Access Your Driving Record
At some point in time, you may find yourself needing to access your driving record, in order to submit to a court, employer, or for any other purpose. Here are some helpful steps for requesting your driving record for some of our most popular states: California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Arizona.
California
You can request an online unofficial copy of your driving record directly from the California DMV website for a $2 fee. You would first need to be a certified user of the DMV website by registering online. You can do this through this link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/FIM/sps/uscfed/usc/self/account/create . Once your California DMV user account is set up, you can go to this link https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/online/dr to request your unofficial online driving record. Please make sure that you have a printer ready and that it is in working order, so you can print out the driving record when it opens, as you will only have one opportunity to print out your record after the fee has been paid. If not, you will need to repay the fee to access the record again.
Please note that if you need an official driving record document, you will need to fill out an INF 1125 document (PDF accessible on the link provided above) and mail it in to the DMV Headquarters. The address is listed on the form.
New York
For New York, you can request an official certified DMV driving record (abstract) online, by mail, or in person at a DMV location. In order to request your driving record online, you must first register for a New York DMV account. You can sign up by going to this link: https://my.dmv.ny.gov/crm/?register=T . Please note that you must have your most recent driver’s license / learner’s permit / non-driver ID information available in order to register. Once your account is set up, you may request the driving record through the MyDMV site. The fee for the online driving record is $7. Once you order the driving record, you will be able to access it to download to your computer and print it up until 11:59 PM the following day.
If you would like to request your driving record by mail, you would need to fill out a MV-15 form “Request for DMV Records,” accessible through this link: https://dmv.ny.gov/dmv-records/get-my-own-driving-record-abstract and mail it, along with a photo copy of your proof of identity, and a personal check or money order for $10.00 payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” and mail it to MV-15 Processing, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228.
If you would like to request your driving record in-person at a DMV location, you would just need to fill out an MV-15 form “Request for DMV Records” (accessible through the above link) and bring proof of your identity and $10.00 for the fee.
Texas
For Texas, you can order a copy of your driving record online or through the mail. You can access it online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/driverrecords.htm . You will need the following information to access your driving record: your Texas driver’s license, your current DPS audit number, date of birth, last 4 digits of your social security number, credit card (for payment), adobe PDF reader, access to a working printer, and an understanding of the type of driving record that you need. Here are the different types of driving records available: Type 1 – Status Record, Type 2 – 3 year history, Type 2A – Certified 3 year history, Type 3 – List of all crashes and violations, Type 3A – Certified list of all crashes and violations, Type AR – Certified abstract of complete driving record.
If you would like to request your driving record by mail, follow the directions on the Driver Record Request Form (PDF), which is available on the link provided above.
Florida
For Florida, you have two options to request your driving record. You are able to request a copy of your driver’s license in person at a Driver License office, a tax collector, a court clerk, or from a private vendor or you can request it by mail.
In order to request a copy of your driving record by mail, you would need to fill out a Driver License Request Form, which can be accessed through this link: http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/abstract.html and provide the appropriate fee, which is $8 for a 3 year record and $10 for a 7 year record. You will need the following information, in order to request your driving record: full name, birth date, social security number, Florida Driver License number, and the address where to send the record. Send the form and payment to Bureau of Records, P.O. Box 5775, Tallahassee, Florida, 32314-5775. Please note that it may take up to two weeks for your request to be processed.
Arizona
For Arizona, requesting your driving record is very easy online. You would go to the following link: https://servicearizona.com/webapp/citizenMVR/begin.do Then, you would want to provide your personal information, pay the fee, and then download and print your Driver License Motor Vehicle Record results. You must have the following information available to access the record: Arizona driver’s license number, birth date, last four digits of your social security number, and a major credit card for payment. Please note that you should have your printer ready to print out the driving record.
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For information on How to Apply for a New CA Driver's License in California (For 18+), click: How to Apply for a New CA Driver's License in California (For 18+)
- Get your official California ID cards hassle-free with our "California ID Cards" service and stay prepared for any identification needs.
- Navigating car registration in California made easy - Discover how to register a car in California at How to Register a Car in California!
- For information on Drivers License Status CA and License Renewals, click: Check Drivers License Status CA and License Renewals!
- For More Information On Florida Drivers License, Click : Florida Drivers License
- For More Information About Florida Drivers License Check, Click : How to Perform a Florida Drivers License Check
- Learn how to easily title and register your car in Florida with our comprehensive guide on Florida car registration and the titling process.
- Learn how to check the status of an expired or suspended license in New York with our comprehensive guide on NY Expired Suspended License Status Check.
- Learn More About, Tennessee DMV – All Things Car Related
Where is NYC?
Planning on visiting New York City (NYC) soon? If so, then you will want to learn more about the Big Apple. Well, one of the first things you need to know is just where NYC is located. Sure, you could log onto Google Maps and find it; however, it is much more fun to think about where NYC is located in the popular imagination. Here are some of the most popular locales.
In the Historic North
Yes, this city is quite old, having been founded in 1624. It was also the first capital of the new nation.
When New England was the centerpiece of the colonies, people often viewed NYC as an extension of this “Yankee” region. Today, that image no longer sticks. Inhabited by people from all over the world, the culture of NYC differs radically from that of old New England.
In the Middle Atlantic
Now, the Middle Atlantic is where most observers would physically locate NYC these days. In fact, the NYC-Philly-DC Megalopolis dominates this area with a population of over 50 million, comprising 17 percent of the nation.
On the East Coast
NYC is the heart of the East Coast. Anyone from the West Coast or South knows things are different here. Folks work hard and move fast. They are anything but laid back. This is the city that created Wall Street, which is the engine of global finance. In NYC everyone is a hustler.
Nevertheless, you can find places to relax. A nice drive out to the Hamptons on Long Island comes to mind!
In the USA
Most definitely, NYC is the number one city in the United States. While Chicago and Los Angeles can battle it out for number two, nobody questions the claim of NYC to being above all others.
Frank Sinatra was right when he said, “If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere,” because the best of everything is in NYC. Anyone who wants to compete at the top of their field must head to the Big Apple. Everywhere else pales in comparison.
In North America
Nobody would mistake NYC for being in South America, the land of samba and Carnival. One winter here is enough to convince anyone with lingering doubts that they are a long way from Rio de Janeiro.
However, the city has so much ethnic, racial and cultural diversity, you could excuse someone for waking up and forgetting where they were temporarily. Depending on the neighborhood, you can hear NYC residents speaking with the language or accent found in Brazil, Colombia or any other South American nation. Yes, NYC is the proverbial American melting pot.
On Earth
NYC, despite being quite unique, is, in the end, just another place on Earth. Residents wake up each day and suffer indignities and enjoy victories. They love their families and are proud of their communities.
This city is where you want to visit if interested in seeing how people interact with one another. Be sure to spend time driving around each of the five boroughs (Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island) to experience the NYC lifestyle in the fullest.
Forever in Our Minds
Last, but not least, NYC exists perpetually in the minds of everyone. It is impossible for a person not to have an impression of the city. Countless movies and television shows are set in the Big Apple. Iconic scenes, especially King Kong hanging on top of the Empire State Building, have etched Manhattan indelibly in our minds. And, how can we forget Lady Liberty, who stands in the harbor welcoming all who come to visit or live?
NYC is located in all of these places. Time for you to take a drive around town and enjoy the sights.
The Best New York Songs about Cars
It seems like Los Angeles and New Jersey get all the great car culture songs, right? Maybe you get some fun hot rod songs out of the Southern states, but in any event, New York City seems to get the short end of the stick in this regard. With so many classic musicians coming out of New York, you'd think we'd have more awesome car songs, right? Except that car people are sort of a minority in NYC. It's easier to find New York songs about taxis and subways than it is to find a song about driving. So if you're having trouble putting together your weekend drive playlist, let us help you out a little:Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz, Lost Boyz [embed]https://youtu.be/BqxRvPCJcGg[/embed] An ode to some of the local favorite car brands, and to the sheer joy of driving around NYC in the Summertime. The song takes you back to the 1990's, when rappers wore baggy pants and Kangol caps and hit the streets in Jeeps, SUV's and luxury cars. The Lost Boyz are undeniably New York in sound, in style and in attitude.
Harlem Drive, Quincy Jones [embed]https://youtu.be/J6_vmrE23GY[/embed] Although this jazzy instrumental does not contain any lyrics, it really does communicate perfectly what driving in Harlem is all about, doesn't it? Cruising down the streets of Harlem you can just soak up the history by osmosis, picturing the jazz clubs, the early New York rappers, the cool, laid back, yet still serious vibe of the town.
Rockaway Beach, The Ramones [embed]https://youtu.be/79S5k1pgWZU[/embed] Rockaway Beach is not so much a song about driving around NYC as it is about escaping NYC on a hot Summer day. New Yorkers generally have to be content to pop a hydrant or take a dip in a public pool if they want to cool off in the dead heat of July, but now and then, if you're up for fighting the traffic and finding your way down the coast, you can have an amazing experience on the Jersey Shore or even further south for an awesome road trip.
No Sleep Til Brooklyn, Beastie Boys [embed]https://youtu.be/07Y0cy-nvAg[/embed] No Sleep Til Brooklyn perfectly communicates the feeling of those all-night, white-knuckle drives, trying to get back home through traffic, popping caffeine pills and chugging lousy gas station coffee. Viewing the city by the dim light of early morning. It's a feeling halfway between Manhattan and Mad Max's high-octane wasteland, a feeling that New Yorkers know all too well, and a feeling that's maybe never been expressed better than the Beastie Boys expressed it on No Sleep Til Brooklyn.
Back Seat Of My Jeep, LL Cool J https://youtu.be/mYt5ouu4088 LL Cool J raps about one of the greatest pleasures of car ownership: the bubble of privacy. When you're out on a date in NYC, getting someplace private can take so long that the moment is near guaranteed to pass by the time you arrive. With a spacious ride like a Jeep, a backseat is transformed into a love nest, a honeymooner's hotel room, a place where you can go for a little privacy just as soon as you find a spot to park.
Although car culture isn't as strong in NYC as it is in some other cities, it's still an important part of the city's culture. New Yorkers take deep pride in their rides, and even if you don't have the spacious freeways and endless parking spots found further South, it's still one of the best places in the world to get behind the wheel.
New York City Holiday Must-Sees & Dos
For those who live in the big apple or many who are visiting for the winter holidays, here are the top attractions that only New York City can provide:
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in 1924 and at the time, Macy employees marched down 34th St. dressed in vibrant, colorful costumes along with floats, marching bands, and live animals that were borrowed from Central Park Zoo. Today, the main attractions are the enormous floating cartoon character balloons and the exclusive foot traffic. From the very first parade in 1924 and every parade thereafter, Santa Claus has been welcomed into Herald Square at the end of the parade, directly in front of the Macy’s flagship store, marking the beginning of the holiday season.
Visit Santa Claus
This is an absolute must for anybody with children. Santa Claus is coming to town... And he’s absolutely everywhere. Some popular places to visit Santa would be Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Rockefeller Center, Brookfield Place, and the New York City Fire Museum.
Ice Skate at Wollman Rink in Central Park
This is a winter tradition for many New Yorkers and tourists. Known for its romantic backdrop, Wollman Rink, located in Central Park, allows you to skate through traffic against the famous New York skyline, under its twinkling lights, so it’s the perfect place for a date night with your sweetie.
See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
If you are a fan of stage shows, this is the option for you. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday musical stage show that spans back to 1933 and is performed by the beautiful, talented, and high-kicking Radio City Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall. The show includes several numbers, all emulating the spirit of Christmas.
Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
This is another very popular annual Christmas tradition that dates back to 1933. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is a very large Christmas tree, typically a 69 to 100 foot tall Norway Spruce, placed in Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. The tree is erected in mid-November, but the tree lighting takes place the Wednesday following Thanksgiving and it is a huge event with performances by many famous musicians.
See the Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays
The major department stores of 5th Ave. compete with each other to create the best, most creative and magical holiday window displays and they are a sight to see. Popular stores include Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany & Co, to name a few. Just make sure to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes because you will be doing some walking and waiting in lines.
Have Some Fun in the Snow
Head to one of the local parks to enjoy some sledding in the city or have a snowball fight. Central Park has to offer Pilgrim Hill, which is steep and great for sledding, but it is very popular and can get crowded. An alternative option in Central Park would be Cedar Hill, which is not as busy, but it is also not as steep. Prospect Park in Brooklyn is another great option, as it features many rolling hills. If sledding is not your thing, you can start a snow fight or build a snowman with friends and family.
Visit the Dyker Heights Holiday Lights in Brooklyn
If you are a fan of holiday lights, this would be the best option for you. Every year, the residents in the neighborhood of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn decorate their homes in festive, extravagant, over the top holiday light displays, trying to outdo one another.
Partake in the Drunken SantaCon Pub Crawl
If you're feeling a little naughty this season, then this would be the event for you! SantaCon is an annual holiday mass gathering and pub crawl where people dressed as Santa Claus or other Christmas-related characters and parade around the city from bar to bar to get their drink on. The event this year is on December 14th.
See the New York City Ballet’s Portrayal of The Nutcracker
If you want something a little more classy, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, performed by the New York City Ballet and scored by Tschaikovsky, would be the option for you. The Nutcracker is a holiday classic and the ballet takes you on a fantastical and heartwarming adventure through the heroine’s eyes to the wonderful land made entirely of treats. Adults and children alike can immerse themselves in the holiday story and escape their reality for the moment.
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