Speeding, failure to signal, and drunk driving are among the most common violations drivers commit. But quite a few other lesser-known violations can also significantly hamper your driving efforts through fines and suspensions.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lessen the impact these violations have on your life and driving record.
1. Failure to Reduce Speed — Special Hazards
Failure to reduce speed, or VTL §1180e, tickets are not very common in New York. However, officers do give them out on occasion when a traffic condition reasonably calls for a driver to slow down temporarily to avoid an accident or other dangerous situation.
For example, if a vehicle is approaching the crest of a hill or an intersection with pedestrians, it might be reasonable for the vehicle to slow as it approaches. It is also typically reasonable for cars to reduce their speed when emergency vehicles are passing or approaching or when road construction is taking place.
If you are given a VTL §1180e ticket, it is best to make no statements to the officer about guilt or innocence; instead, you can meet with a traffic ticket attorney. Depending on your circumstances, you may have a variety of defenses, including that you did actually slow down and that the officer ticketed you erroneously.
2. Driving Too Slowly
Driving too slowly is a violation that typically covers two situations. The first is driving so slowly that you impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic. The operative words here are normal and reasonable.
If the flow of traffic is far above the speed limit, you will likely not receive a ticket for driving more slowly than the flow. However, if everyone is going about 45 mph in a 45 mph zone and you are going 30 mph, you might be ticketed.
The statute also addresses instances when there is a posted minimum speed, and a driver is operating their vehicle below that minimum. Unless there is a situation that makes it unreasonable to drive at the speed minimum, such as a traffic jam or icy roads, you can receive a ticket for not driving fast enough.
If you are pulled over for driving too slowly, you can attempt to explain to the officer why you were traveling below the minimum speed limit or why you were driving more slowly than the flow of traffic. If that does not work, schedule an appointment with a traffic ticket firm to learn about possible defenses or other ways to challenge the ticket.
3. Excessive Noise
New York State and many of its municipalities are taking swift action against loud vehicles. Fines throughout the state have been elevated in recent years, and New York City in particular has installed new sound detection equipment.
The increased enforcement targets any driver whose vehicle is excessively loud. However, it specifically focuses on the drivers and auto shops that illegally modify vehicles, resulting in increased noise pollution.
If you have received an excessive noise violation ticket, reach out to a traffic ticket firm to fight the charge. You may have some powerful defenses against the violation. Remember, though, to never admit guilt to the officer giving you the ticket.
4. Failure to Stop at a Broken Stoplight
Do you have to stop at a broken traffic light? The answer is yes. If you come across a broken traffic light, you should treat it like a stop sign, coming to a complete stop and only proceeding when the intersection is clear.
If you do get a ticket for this violation, you can turn to New York state traffic ticket lawyers. They may be able to provide you with various defenses.
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New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers are ready to help you handle your ticket. Call today for legal assistance with traffic ticket violations in Central New York and throughout the state.
