Seth Azria Logo

NY Traffic Ticket Defense Articles

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

Commercial Vehicles

New York Highway Use Tax (HUT) Violations

By Seth M. Azria, Esq.

Carriers operating a commercial vehicle on New York public highways are subject to the New York Highway Use Tax Law.

This law requires that vehicles have a Highway Use Tax (HUT) decal indicating compliance with the law. Failing to have this decal creates a presumption that the vehicle is not in compliance.

Penalties for Violating Section 1815

Section 1815 is punishable as follows:
  • First conviction: Fine between $100 and $250.
  • Second and subsequent convictions: Fine between $250 and $500, or jail for up to 10 days.

Other Ways a Driver May Violate Section 1815

A driver may also be deemed to violate Section 1815 if they:

  • Operate a vehicle with a decal that has been suspended or revoked, or if the decal was issued for a vehicle other than the one to which it is affixed.
  • Operate a vehicle with an actual gross weight or unloaded weight above that listed on the HUT certificate.
  • Fail to deliver or surrender the certificate of registration or decal.
  • Fail to keep required records of operation.

For more information, read the official NYS Tax Department HUT Enforcement Provisions.

Received a Highway Use Tax Violation in New York?

Commercial vehicle violations carry steep fines and can impact your livelihood. Contact Azria Law Office today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation with an experienced traffic defense lawyer.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation
Outstanding Attorney. Nice Guy as well.

Seth and Monica are amazing together working to help me with my ticket in upstate NY. They are very attentive, understanding, and willing to give detailed explanations of the process from start to finish. Great results. Seth puts his clients first, which is an amazing thing in today's world. I will use Seth for any issue in NY.

Michael posted to Avvo
Google+ Review

I was issued a speeding ticket in an area that I was unfamiliar with. We researched the law firms to help with reducing the charge of my ticket, since I had never received a speeding ticket before. The professionals at Azria and Bruffett were efficient, organized, and provided me with a comprehensive plan as to how they would handle my case. I was thrilled with the outcome - they were able to plea my case to a much more reasonable fine.

I can't thank them enough!

Google Review

Best Lawyer in upstate. i got pulled over by state troopers on the way to Ithaca for speeding over 30+ speed limit. I contacted Seth Azria, and that was the best thing i did. They were able to put me in a program and bang, case dismissed with no point or fee penalties. Thank you so much. I will recommend it to anyone!!

Google+ Review

I was entirely satisfied with the representation I received from Azria and Bruffett. In May 2018, I received two tickets for failing to stop adequately at a stop sign (the officer said it was a "rolling stop") and failure to signal more than 100 ft. before a turn. I had never had a moving violation in 20+ years of driving, and I was now suddenly facing 5 points and the possibility of a hefty fine! Azria and Bruffett were able to get the charges reduced to a non-moving violation with no points and a minimal fine. Based on my experience, I would recommend them to someone who is concerned about avoiding points and black marks on their driving record.

Christopher Noble posted to Google+