University parking and transportation
Cars and Public Transportation
Getting around Rochester can be a bit different from larger cities. Public transportation options, like buses and trains, are limited. Living areas are more spread out. Many Americans own cars, but it’s also possible to live in Rochester without owning a car. It’s important to keep US and New York State traffic laws in mind throughout your time here.
Getting around campus
The University’s Parking and Transportation Services website has information about:
- The on-campus shuttle system (free with Campus ID)
- Parking on campus
- Alternative transportation: Includes ridesharing, Zipcar, and Regional Transit Services (RTS)
Driving permissions: Can I drive in the US?
If you have a driver’s license from your home country, you can drive in New York State.
You can drive legally with your current driver’s license and are not required to obtain a New York driver’s license unless you become a resident of this state. Students from other states or from other nations who attend school in New York State are normally not considered New York State residents.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your driver license. It is not required, but it can be particularly helpful if you are pulled over or in an accident. Contact the authorities in your home country to get an IDP.
Obtaining a New York State Driver’s License
If you’re staying in the US for at least one year and have at least six months remaining on your authorized stay, you may be eligible to get a New York State driver license.
For more information on transportation in Rochester, please visit the New York Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Drivers from the US or Canada who move to New York State
NYS recognizes valid driver licenses held by residents of other US states, US territories and Federal districts and Canadian provinces.
You can exchange an out-of-state driver license or Canadian driver license for a NYS driver license if the driver license has your photograph, the driver license is not suspended or revoked, and the driver license has either been valid for at least 6 months or has expired in the past 12 months.
The driver license that you exchange must show the date that your driver license was issued. The date is required to verify that the driver license was issued at least six months before you applied for a NYS driver license.
Understanding driver’s licenses and traffic laws in New York State
Review the guidance and resources below. For more information, visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
For more information about these offices, please visit the Monroe County DMV website.
- Rochester (Downtown)
- Location: 200 East Main Street, Suite 101, Rochester NY 14604
- Phone number: 1-800-698-2931
- Henrietta
- Location: 1225 Jefferson Rd, Rochester, NY 14623 Suite A 26 A.
- Phone number: 1-800-698-2931
- Greece
- Location: 152 Greece Ridge Center, Greece Ridge Mall, Rochester NY 14626
- Phone number: 1-800-698-2931
- Irondequoit
- Location: 545 Titus Avenue, Rochester NY 14617
- Phone number: 1-800-698-2931
New York State law requires all front seat passengers to wear seat belts. Children under the age of 16 must wear seat belts when they are in the front seat or the back seat. Children under the age of four must ride in safety seats. Children aged 4 to 6 must ride in child restraint systems, correctly installed. For more information about this law, visit the New York DMV’s website.
The back of your traffic ticket contains information on how to answer the ticket. You must respond to the ticket to prevent a suspension of your driver license or driving privileges. Visit our Legal Issues page for additional information about legal concerns.
You are required by the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law to stop and exchange information with the involved drivers. If the accident caused property damage only, then you can just exchange information (driver license, insurance, and registration details).
If a parked vehicle or other property is damaged, or if a domestic animal is injured, you must locate the owner or contact the police.
If a person is injured or killed, you are required by the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law to immediately notify the police. It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident that causes personal injury or death.
Visit our Legal Issues page for additional information about legal concerns.
Owning a car in the US
Owning a car can be a convenient way to get around, but it’s important to consider the costs and responsibilities before you buy one. If you own a car, you must also pay for:
- Vehicle registration
- Annual New York State inspections
- Valid car insurance
- Fuel
- Maintenance and repairs
- Parking fees
Car ownership guidance
There are two common ways to buy a car:
- At a dealership: Dealerships sell both new and used cars. A new car is less likely to have mechanical problems, and many come with an initial warranty for certain repairs. New vehicles, however, are expensive and lose a lot of resale value during the first year, which means a considerable loss on your purchase if you plan to sell it again within the first few years.
- Through a private seller: Buying a car from a private seller can be a good way to save money. However, you’ll need to do thorough research and make sure it’s in good condition first. This Better Business Bureau Guide can walk you through the process.
- Get information about the car: Research its market value from Kelley Blue Book, availability in your area from Edmunds, and vehicle history reports from CarFax.
- Get a written receipt: This is required for registering the car in your name and paying sales tax at the DMV.
- Make sure the car has a clean title: Obtain the original title, a legal document showing proof of ownership. Make sure there are no liens listed on the title, which means the owner still owes money on the car and isn’t able to sell it to you directly.
- Do not pay any money until you have obtained the title, and the seller has signed ownership over to you. If the owner does not have the title, then be suspicious that the vehicle is not legally for sale. This will help you avoid being scammed.
- Be aware of the Lemon Law: If you purchased a car based on false information or suspect that certain facts were withheld during the transaction, New York State has established laws to protect new and used car buyers.The Lemon Law provides a legal remedy for buyers or lessees who have purchased a car that turns out to have more problems than usual.
To register a car in New York State, you need to submit the appropriate documents and pay the necessary fees at a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Reference the DMV Registration Instructions website for details about the registration application, required documentation, fees, and more.
All vehicles in New York State must meet the DMV’s minimum insurance requirements, even if the car is not being driven. Also, the insurance policy must be held by the same person listed on the vehicle’s registration.
Shop around to compare insurance quotes. There are many auto insurance companies to choose from. However, if you don’t have a Social Security Number or New York State driver’s license, you may find fewer insurance options or higher premium rates, depending on the company.
Beyond the minimum requirements, you may purchase insurance for higher amounts or additional coverage that suit your needs. As a general rule, “you get what you pay for.” In other words, if your insurance premiums are low, your benefits will probably not cover much in case of an accident or injury.
Consider taking a driver training and education course. This can help you save money on your insurance premiums.