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
Excellent traffic attorney

I cannot recommend Seth Azria highly enough. It was an absolute pleasure working with him. He handled my speeding and seat belt violation tickets and successfully got both charges reduced to zero, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. 

He is exceptionally knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. What impressed me most was his confidence and the reassurance he provided throughout the process. He has a remarkable ability to make you feel comfortable and confident that your case is in good hands. 

A lawyer you can genuinely trust is invaluable, and Seth is exactly that. I am extremely grateful for his help and would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a skilled, reliable, and trustworthy attorney.

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+
Google Review

Easy, fast, great communication! Would definitely use them again. Highly recommended

Google Review

I want to thank the judge and my lawyer for getting my ticket dismissed. my mentally handicapped son called me and i was worried and answered my phone as many times the police have had to respond to his home. I explained it to a policeman when i was pulled over that i thought it was an emergency and hung up immediately when it wasn't. i received a ticket from the police which i plead not guilty to because i have a clean unblemished driving record and i'm 62. thankfully it was dismissed. i strongly recommend this lawyer firm it real was a mess without them.