There are many laws that are on the books in New York State that involve operating a motor vehicle. The law about hanging things from your rearview mirror seems odd but you could get a ticket if you violate it.
When I learned to drive my father was too nervous to get behind the wheel with me. My always calm mother did that.
However, there are 3 important “rules of the road” my Dad did teach me, and after30 years of driving I still hear him in my head:
“drive careful”
“look out for deer”
“if you get pulled over just answer yes sir no sir”
The latter came in handy about a year ago when on two different