Chapter 71 of the Consolidated Laws of New York handles Vehicle & Traffic (VAT) laws. There are 12 Titles in Chapter 71, each filled with numerous articles that have their own sub-sections. These statutes cover the many Vehicle and Traffic Laws in New York State.

Understanding some of the most common VAT Laws in New York State, and how much a ticket may cost, can help you drive wisely, save money, and avoid legal hassles. The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers explains what you need to know.

Common Traffic Tickets in New York

What follows are the most commonly issued traffic tickets in New York and the fines associated with them. You should note that the fines and elements of each ticket may change over time. Always consult an experienced traffic ticket lawyer for the most updated information.

Also note that there are other legal penalties besides fines (see below for more information).

Speeding

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 30, Section 1180

The actual fine and jail time will depend on how much the driver exceeds the speed limit. Current ranges are:

Up to 10 mph over: $45 to $150 fine.
More than 10 mph over but less than 30 mph over: $90 to $300 fine.
More than 30 mph over: $180 to $600 fine.
Inappropriate speed (too fast or slow for conditions: $45 to $150 fine.

Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 29, Section 1110(a)

This means disobeying traffic lights and signals, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer or a valid emergency applies. A conviction results in a fine of up to $150 for a first offense and higher fines for subsequent offenses.

Traffic-Control Signal Violations (Red Light)

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 29, Section 1111(d)(1)

This law prohibits drivers from entering an intersection when facing a steady red signal, unless they are turning right (or left, onto a one-way street) after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. Drivers must obey the red light at all times.

A conviction means a fine of between $150 and $225 for a first offense and between $150 and $450 for a second offense.

Traffic-Control Signal Violations (Yellow Light)

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 29, Section 1111(b)(2)

This section states that drivers facing a steady yellow signal are warned that the related green movement is being terminated, and they must stop at a marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.

However, if the driver is too close to the intersection to stop safely, they may proceed cautiously through the intersection. Running a yellow light is not a violation in New York (so no fine), but if a driver enters the intersection after the light turns red, they may be cited for running a red light.

Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 29, Section 1172(a)

Commonly known as running a stop sign, a violation occurs when the driver fails to stop at a marked stop line, before entering the crosswalk, or (if there is no stop sign or crosswalk) at the point nearest the intersecting roadway.

The fine is usually up to $150 (the judge decides the actual amount) or about $138 in New York City for a first offense. Additional fines will apply to subsequent offenses.

Driving Without a Valid License (Unlicensed Operation)

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 5, Article 19, Section 509

Driving without a valid driver’s license, with limited exceptions for things like performing a road test to obtain a license, will result in a fine of between $75 and $300 for a first offense and higher fines for subsequent offenses.

Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 3, Article 6, Section 319

Section 319 states that no person shall operate, or allow someone else to operate, a motor vehicle without proper insurance coverage. In New York, motor vehicle owners are required to maintain liability insurance issued by an insurer authorized to do business in the state.

The law takes this offense seriously, and a conviction can result in a fine of between $150 and $1,500 for each violation.

Unregistered Vehicle

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 4, Article 14, Section 401

The standard fine is between $75 and $300. However, the minimum fine may be $40 if the ticket is for failing to renew a registration that was valid within the last 60 days.

Equipment Violations

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 7, Article 9, Sections 375 and 376

These violations concern a number of malfunctioning pieces of equipment on a vehicle such as brakes, steering wheel, lighting, signals, horn, and more. Anything that is broken on your vehicle which may affect safety could result in this ticket.

A base fine is usually between $150 and $300, but more serious fines can reach up to $450 (faulty brakes or unsafe tires) and even $1,000 (illegal exhaust modifications). Exact ranges depend on the specific piece of equipment and whether it’s a first or subsequent violation.

Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 26, Section 1144-A

This section concerns failure to yield and to take due caution to avoid colliding with an emergency vehicle. A first offense results in a fine of up to $275, second offense up to $450, and third offense up to $750.

Failure to move over or slow down when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle may result in a different ticket. Fines can be up to $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense, and $450 for a third or subsequent offense.

Seatbelt and Child Safety Seat Violations

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 7, Article 33, Section 1229-C

This section requires all front-seat passengers and drivers to wear a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion. Furthermore, passengers in the rear seats who are 16 years of age or older must also wear a seatbelt.

This section also addresses child safety restraints. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers meet these requirements:

Children under the age of 4 must be secured in a federally-approved child safety seat
Children aged 4 to 7 must be in an appropriate child restraint system, such as a booster seat
Children aged 8 to 15 must wear a seat belt

The base fine for these violations can be $50 for an adult driver and $100 for failure to properly secure a child in a safety seat or child restraint device.

Reckless Driving

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 33, Section 1212

Reckless driving is a broad term that covers any driving behavior which “unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the public highway or any parking lot, or unreasonably endangers users of the public highway or any parking lot.” It is a misdemeanor offense.

Fines range from $100 to $300 for a first offense, up to $525 for a second offense, and up to $1,125 for a third or subsequent offense.

Following Too Closely

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 25, Section 1129

Following another vehicle too closely can result in a fine of up to $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense, and $450 for a third offense. You may also catch a ticket for reckless driving depending on the exact circumstances.

Failure to Signal

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 28, Section 1163

Not using a signal to turn, change lanes, or for other required movements can mean a fine of up to $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense, and $450 for a third offense. Some courts, such as those in New York City, set the base fine at $40.

Illegal U-turn

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 28, Section 1161

Making a U-turn is against the law in certain situations, like on a curve when an approaching vehicle cannot safely see you or in a school zone. Expect a fine of up to $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense, and $450 for a third offense.

Unsafe Lane Change

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 25, Section 1128

This section includes detailed rules requiring drivers to stay in their lane and only change lanes when it is safe and otherwise legal to do so. Fines are up to $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense, and $450 for a third offense.

Passing a School Bus

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 29, Section 1174

Passing a school bus is illegal when the bus is stopped, flashing its red lights, and either loading or unloading students. A first conviction means a ticket of $250 to $400. The range increases to $600 to $750 for a second ticket and $750 to $1,500 for a third or subsequent ticket.

This is one of the more serious offenses and will result in other penalties like the ones mentioned below.

Use of a Cell Phone

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 33, Section 1225-C

This section prohibits drivers from using a cell phone while operating the vehicle. This includes holding the phone to the ear as well as dialing or answering the phone. Drivers can use hands-free devices, but they must not be holding the phone itself.

Violating this law can result in a fine of $50 to $200 for a first offense, $50 to $250 for a second offense, and $50 to $450 for a third or subsequent offense.

Use of Portable Electronic Devices (Texting While Driving)

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 33, Section 1225-D

This section prohibits drivers from using portable electronic devices to compose, send, read, access, browse, transmit, save, or retrieve electronic data such as email, text messages, or webpages while operating a motor vehicle. It includes holding the device and viewing or transmitting images or playing games.

Violating this law can result in a fine of $50 to $200 for a first offense, $50 to $250 for a second offense, and $50 to $450 for a third or subsequent offense.

Stopping at Railroad Crossings

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 26, Section 1170

This section states that drivers approaching a railroad crossing must stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail if a train is approaching, a signal is activated, a flagger is signaling the approach of a train, or if the crossing is not visible and the driver is not sure whether a train is approaching.

Fines are up to $150 for a first offense, up to $500 for a second offense, and up to $750 for a third or subsequent offense.

Stopping Requirements for Certain Vehicles

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 26, Section 1171

This section requires certain vehicles to always stop at railroad crossings, regardless of the presence of a train or an activated signal. These vehicles include:

School buses
Vehicles carrying passengers for hire
Vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring a placard
Commercial motor vehicles transporting passengers

Drivers of these vehicles must stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and listen and look for an approaching train. Fines are up to $150 for a first offense, up to $500 for a second offense, and up to $750 for a third or subsequent offense.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 31, Section 1192

Section 1192(2) defines DWI as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or while in an intoxicated condition. Section 1192(3) covers driving while intoxicated by drugs or a combination of alcohol and drugs.

A fine for a first offense is between $500 and $1,000, a second offense is $600 to $1,000, and a third offense is $1,500 to $5,000.

Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 31, Section 1192(1)

DWAI is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, with a BAC between 0.05% and 0.07%, or by drugs or a combination of alcohol and drugs. For a first offense, the penalty is between $300 and $500.

Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs (DWAI-Drug)

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 31, Section 1192(4)

DWAI-Drug is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by any drug other than alcohol. If convicted, expect a fine of $500 to $1,000. For a second offense the fine will be $1,000 to $5,000, and for a third offense it’s $2,000 to $10,000.

Zero Tolerance Law

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 6, Article 31, Section 1192-A

This law applies to drivers under 21 years of age with a BAC of 0.02% to 0.07%. Unlike the criminal charge of DWI, this is a civil offense.

Penalties for a first offense include a minimum 6-month license suspension and a $125 civil penalty. A second offense may result in a 1-year license suspension or until the driver turns 21, whichever is longer, and a $125 civil penalty. A $100 suspension termination fee also applies.

Operation of a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid Inspection Certificate

Cited under: VAT Chapter 71, Title 3, Article 5, Section 306

Under this law, no person shall operate a motor vehicle unless it has been inspected as required by law and has a valid inspection certificate displayed. This applies to both in-state and out-of-state vehicles, though out-of-state vehicles must comply with their home state’s inspection requirements.

If the vehicle never had an inspection certificate, or it has been expired for more than 60 days, the fine is usually $50 to $100. If the certificate expired within the last 60 days, it’s a $25 to $50 fine. Subsequent offenses can lead to a fine of up to $200.

Additional Penalties

Having to pay a fine is just one consequence of receiving a traffic ticket in New York. Depending on the nature of your ticket, you may also face these penalties:

Surcharge of up to $88 to $93: This applies to most moving violations, parking violations, and alcohol/drug violations. The actual amount depends on whether the driver was in a city, town, or village when ticketed.
Jail or prison: Even some of the more minor offenses like not having an inspection sticker can result in jail time. With more serious and repeat offenses, the sentence can increase significantly.
Driving record points: New York also imposes certain points for various offenses. Accumulating too many of these can lead to additional fines and license suspension.
Driver’s license revocation or suspension: More serious offenses, especially those related to alcohol and drugs, can ultimately lead to suspension and revocation of your driver’s license. Getting it back will require more money and time.
Vehicle impoundment and forfeiture: Tickets related to insurance and registration may cause your vehicle to be impounded. In some cases it can be forfeited and seized.
Insurance problems: Moving violations in particular will cause a hike in your insurance premiums. If your insurance company believes you are too risky to insure, it may cancel or refuse to renew your policy.

Did You Receive a Ticket? We Can Help

Getting a ticket can lead to numerous legal and financial problems. For this reason, you can’t afford to defend your rights and interests without an experienced law firm by your side. If you received a traffic ticket, reach out to The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers today.