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
Google+ Review

Azria and Bruffett were great! They helped us resolve a traffic ticket and were always available, responsive and courteous. I would highly recommend them!!

Leah Z. Huberman posted to Google+
Extremely satisfied

I have hired the Azria law firm twice to represent my daughter, once for speeding and the other was an accident. Both times I was extremely pleased with the outcome, in both cases they were dropped to no pointers. Everything was handled through e-mail, which was very convenient and in both cases were taken care of from start to finish within a month. I would recomend them to anyone. Thank you again for all of your help.

anonymous posted to Avvo
Google Review

Can't say enough good things about Seth Azaria and his firm. I called around to several different law offices for a consult on my ticket and Seth was the best price hands down. Not only was it a good value but the legal service was top notch. Seth was able to get my 4pt ticket down to 0 points and the fine down to 25% of what it originally was. Great communication from the office all the way through the process. Would go back to Seth 10/10 times

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.