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
Amazing!!!

They took care of my ticket quickly and were very professional, i would highly recommend using them.

Dacid posted to Avvo
Google Review

I live just shy of NYC and got a traffic ticket in this law firms jurisdiction while upstate for a wedding. Traveling several hours north to attend traffic court wasn't something that was possible for me with my hectic work schedule in healthcare. Azria & Bruffett handled my case without me ever having to be physically present and were able to drop my ticket to a small fine with zero points on my liscence. Money well spent.

Google Review

Seth Azria is the man. He helped me of a traffic court case. I should have points on my license. I had to pay a small fine. Now the case is closed. Thanks Seth for your help...

Google+ Review

Mr. Azria is a thorough professional that explained me the complete process up to the dismissal of my case. Shannon in the office is a true gem. The entire process was handled with complete and clear explanation in each email. Highly recommend them for your traffic issues.