Most teenagers want to get their driver’s permit as soon as possible after becoming eligible. This is normally followed by many hours of practice driving to prepare for their driver’s road test. Large parking lots with plenty of empty space can provide an opportunity for practice driving and parking.

Teenagers sometimes find the new freedom of driving fosters a desire to “see how the car will handle.” Everyone knows that doing donuts or other forms of reckless driving should not be done on public streets and roads. So, some choose to try this behavior in large parking lots. But they better think twice before doing it.

Effective November 22, 2024, Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) Section 1212 is amended to include any reckless driving in parking lots. The amendment defines “parking lot” as any area(s) of private property, including a driveway, that can accommodate parking four or more motor vehicles and has access to and egress from a public highway.

Reckless driving means driving a motor vehicle in a manner that unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the public highway or parking lot. It also applies to unreasonably endangering users of the highway or parking lot.

I have seen young drivers doing donuts in the parking lot at the Malone Rec Park arena. This would fall under a violation of the new amendment to VTL section 1212.

Reckless Driving is a serious violation, with five points against your license. For a first violation, fines are between $100 to $300 plus surcharges. It also carries up to 30 days in jail.

Reckless driving is a problem with drivers of all ages, but it definitely should not become a learned habit for new drivers.