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

Super efficient process with outstanding results. I received regular updates via email with clear instructions and expectations. Best of all, the results exceeded expectations - great reduction in my fine for speeding with zero points.

Thanks Seth and Team - you are great!

Google Review

I have used this law firm several times and every time they have been successful in getting reductions to various traffic infractions. I highly recommend them!!

Schuyler speeding ticket

It's been quite a few months, maybe a year since Seth got my speeding ticket reduced to a non moving violation. After speaking with several attorneys I went with Seth because he was exactly as described in his reviews. He was reachable, returned my calls, answered all my questions (which there were many). After a few weeks he and his staff got back to me with a positive outcome. It cost some money in fees and fines but a few months later my insurance had dropped $800. Wow....I was happy I didn't get a speeding ticket or points taken away so that my insurance wouldn't go up. This was a super bonus! 
Thanks Seth!

KC-Toronto posted to Avvo
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!!