Motor vehicles in Central New York are subject to both state and federal driving regulations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) implements laws from Congress by issuing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
On the other side of the coin, Central New York has its own traffic codes and rules of the road that drivers must also follow. When it comes to traffic laws in Central New York, law enforcement officers tend to come down heavy on alleged violators. The police might pull you over for any number of perceived mistakes, resulting in a fine or worse.
If a police officer has pulled you over for a traffic violation in Central New York, it’s important to seek legal aid as soon as possible. The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers can explain whether you have a good chance of beating the ticket.
Common Reasons for Traffic Tickets in Central New York
There are many reasons for traffic stops in Central New York, but some are more common than others. Here are a few of the most likely reasons you might be pulled over and given a traffic ticket in Central New York.
Speeding
While federal, state, and municipal governments all impose speed limits for safety, it can be difficult to tell when breaking the speed limit will result in getting pulled over. Colloquial terms like the “fast lane” and common misconceptions about driving above the speed limit on the highway influence many drivers to speed and break the law.
Improper Lane Changes
Improper lane changes are any lane changes that a reasonable driver in full control of their faculties wouldn’t make. An intoxicated, tired, or distracted driver might change lanes too closely to another car, move too quickly or too slowly, or make other erratic decisions. Improper lane changes are violations of New York traffic laws and might result in a cop pulling you over.
Equipment Violations
Your car must function properly to keep you safe on the road. Not only that, but it’s illegal to drive if certain car parts are missing or not functioning. Here are a few equipment violations that you might be pulled over for:
- Broken windshield
- Loud exhaust
- Broken or missing driver-side mirror
- Missing front license plate
- Busted rear license plate
- Tinted cover on license plate
- Trailer hitch obscuring license plate
If you’re traveling outside of Central New York, it’s important to remember that each state has different traffic laws when it comes to missing or nonfunctional equipment.
Cell Phone Use
Cell phone use can be exceptionally dangerous when it comes to driving. Unless you’re using hands-free, drive-safe technology, texting while driving is illegal and can land you a fine or worse.
Tailgating
“Tailgating” is a term for driving too closely behind another vehicle. New York law doesn’t give a specific distance that you must travel behind another car but states that drivers shouldn’t follow other vehicles more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.”
Contact the New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers Today
If you’ve been stopped by a police officer in Central New York and received a traffic ticket, you may think that your only option is to bite the bullet and pay it. This isn’t always the truth.
Even less serious traffic tickets — like parking tickets or minor speeding tickets — are annoying. In the worst cases, they can be unreasonable and exorbitantly expensive. The court might expect you to pay a fine or even serve jail time, and your driving record could be damaged.
A dedicated and experienced attorney from New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers will assist you throughout your legal journey. Contact our office today.
