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.

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
excellent results

Atty Azria explained my real situation and my real choices to me with regard to a moving violation charge in central new york. He then worked to reduce the charges to a no-point non-moving violation. I am extremely happy with these results and would very strongly recommend his firm to everyone.

Google Review

I received a speeding violation back in December 2020 and is now dismissed. Seth Azria and firm has done an excellent job in getting the ticket dismissed successfully. The entire staff has been very professional, quick and responsive. I really appreciate their service and give them a 5 star. I would be happy to refer them to my friends.

Thanks

Justice for Traffic Violations

I was wrongly issued a ticket by a police officer who made a snap decision that was incorrect. I contacted Seth for help. He wanted to know the nature of the violation and my side of the story. He then told me to sit back as he would take on the matter for me. He updated me regularly as he communicated with the court, and eventually resolved the matter for me. His fee was reasonable and the results were excellent. I highly recommend him.

Traffic Client posted to Avvo
Taconic Parkway Speeding Ticket

Seth was able to reduce my 6 point speeding ticket to 0 points with a small fine. His office was responsive and kept me up to date. I did not have to appear in court, they pretty much took care of everything.

Jeffrey posted to Avvo