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
Seth is a good lawyer

Seth and his team helped me out with a speeding ticket I got in Cortland. He was professional and courteous. I spoke with him with-in a hour of leaving a message with his office. All future correspondence was via email, but he was available by phone. I worked with one of his staff members as well. My 31 mph over limit (6 pts) was reduced to non-speeding 2 pts fine. I highly recommend Seth and the Azria Law Firm.

Mary posted to Avvo
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 contacted Azria & Bruffett to handle my traffic ticket after an accident in upstate New York. I found them via a random Google search and appreciated the clarity of the information presented on their website and in initial communications. Throughout the entire process they were extremely clear and helpful. My case got a little complicated for random reasons, and they went beyond their initial scope to pursue the case on my behalf. I really appreciate their work.

Google Review

Very good experience working with attorney Seth. He is prompt and quick to respond to questions and kept me updated throughout the entire process(He successfully obtained dismissal of my speeding ticket )