Seth Azria Logo

NY Traffic Ticket Defense Articles

Legal insights, guides, and tips for handling traffic tickets in New York.

NY Traffic Laws 3 min read

Stop Signs in New York: What, Where, and Who

By Seth M. Azria, Esq.

What: Penalties for Running a Stop Sign

Failing to stop for a stop sign violates New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1172(a). If convicted or if you plead guilty, a driver faces:

  • Base Fine: Maximum statutory fine of $150 for a first offense.
  • Mandatory Surcharge: Mandatory state surcharge of $93 ($88 in city courts).
  • DMV Points: 3 points assessed to your New York driving record.

Where: Where Must You Stop?

Under NY VTL 1172, a driver approaching a stop sign must come to a complete stop:

  1. At the Stop Line: At a clearly marked stop line painted on the roadway.
  2. At the Crosswalk: If no stop line is present, before entering the marked crosswalk.
  3. At the Intersection: If there is no crosswalk, at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic, without entering the intersection.

Who: Legal Requirements & Rare Exemptions

All drivers are legally required to stop at stop signs. A rare exception applies to drivers who act involuntarily due to sudden medical emergencies, such as unforeseen seizures or blackouts, rendering them unconscious at the time the vehicle crossed the stop sign.

Legal Precedent: People v. Soe, 9 Misc. 3d 1069 (J. Ct. 2005)
Received a Stop Sign Ticket in New York?

Don't let a 3-point stop sign ticket impact your insurance premiums or driving record. Contact Azria Law Office today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation
Google+ Review


They are just great. My case was taken care professionally from the beginning to the end.

Google+ Review

Thank you Seth Azria for getting my traffic ticket dismissed. It was an out of state ticket and I was worried about the consequences. Attorney Azria was very courteous and he allayed all my concerns. He promised me to try his best to reduce the number of points. However, he was able to get the ticket dismissed. Its a classic case of under promise and over deliver.

Debasish Mahapatra posted to Google+
Google Review

I was stopped and was ticketed by a policeman that is affiliated with the Elbridge Town Court on Highway 90, while I was on my way from Syracuse to NYC. The violation that I was cited for had to do with not moving to another lane when I saw a police car stopped on the side lane. I contacted Mr. Seth Azria Esq, a Taffic Ticket attorney, who agreed to take my case before the court in efforts to prevent me from obtaining 2 point and high fine. I am glad to share that he and his staff were amazing in keeping me updated and even more in eliminating any points and reducing my penalty to a very resemble one. Thank you to the Azria Team !!!

Google Review

I love everything about this business very fast and very very nice people I would refer this to anyone a word advice to the world they won't let u down.....stay safe everyone