Although it is not technically illegal to pass a snow plow in New York, it is often unsafe to do so. For this reason, many drivers who give in to the temptation to pass these slow-moving vehicles often find themselves receiving a traffic ticket. Standing up for your rights and fighting the ticket will require having a law firm that understands the state’s traffic laws.

Turn to The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers. We are experienced with all manner of traffic tickets, including those related to unsafe passing and snow plows. We can advise you on your legal rights and options today.

Is It Legal to Pass a Snow Plow?

It is not illegal, on its own, to simply drive past a snow plow. But New York traffic and safety officials strongly discourage drivers from doing so. There are several reasons a driver should resist the urge to pass snow plows:

The road ahead of snow plows is usually unsafe, which is why these vehicles are clearing off the roads to begin with
Snow plows have a limited field of vision, often preventing drivers from accurately seeing ahead and safely passing
Snow plows create massive clouds of snow around the vehicles that limit visibility
Snow plows are large, heavy vehicles that cannot slow down or stop easily to avoid an accident
Snow plows are not subject to the same traffic laws that apply to other vehicles, which makes it more difficult to predict their driving maneuvers
The plow extends several feet ahead of the truck and can be difficult to spot during poor weather

Safely Driving Around Snow Plows in New York

The above risks make it generally unsafe, albeit not illegal, to pass snow plows on highways and roads. Officials caution drivers to exercise reasonable safety when in the proximity of these large vehicles. For instance:

If you are behind a snow plow, remain behind it (at least 15 car lengths) until it’s safe to pass or until the snow plow leaves the road
If you pass a snow plow, do not return too quickly to the lane ahead of the vehicle since the plow extends for several feet in the front
Snow plows travel slowly (usually no more than 35 miles per hour), so plan your winter driving with delays in mind

All New York drivers should remember that snow plow operators are simply trying to do their job to keep the state’s roads safe. By exercising caution and respect for the rights of others, everyone can drive safely – and avoid unnecessary traffic tickets.

When Might Passing a Snow Plow Lead to a Ticket?

The issue with passing a snow plow isn’t passing itself, but driving behaviors which are often associated with doing so. These are some common situations which can result in a ticket for passing a snow plow in New York:

Unsafe passing: Cutting off drivers, switching lanes without proper signaling, and not leaving enough space between yourself and another vehicle violate the law.
Driving too fast for the conditions: It is illegal to drive faster than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, with due regard for inclement weather hazards.
Speeding: Drivers often exceed the speed limit to try to overtake snow plows, and speeding is a sure way to get a ticket.
Reckless driving: Police may view the above and other driving activities as reckless driving, especially given the prevailing weather and street conditions.

How Our Central New York Law Firm Can Assist You

If you have received a ticket for unsafe passing or some other driving behavior associated with driving near a snow plow, reach out to us. You may have legal options such as:

Challenging the ticket: The evidence against you could be unreliable, inadmissible, illegally obtained, irrelevant, or otherwise weak.
Dismissing charges: You may be able to ask the court to dismiss certain traffic offenses against you, which could save money and avoid higher insurance premiums and possibly jail time.
Plea bargain: Depending on the facts of your ticket, you may be able to work out a plea bargain with prosecutors that can help you avoid convictions for more serious traffic offenses.

Remember, receiving a traffic ticket does not mean you are guilty of the underlying offense. Connect with The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers to explore your options for handling a ticket related to passing a snow plow. Reach out to us today to get started.