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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)
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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! 
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Speeding Violation Reduced

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