Seth Azria Logo

NY Traffic Ticket Defense Articles

Legal insights, guides, and tips for handling traffic tickets in New York.

Stop Signs: What, Where and Who

by Seth Azria on 12/31/2023
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
Google+ Review

loved their service! one of the lawyers called back the same day after I left a voicemail, and told me about some drivers training online which would help me with my ticket! as far as i recall, none of the other lawyers i had called mentioned that. they solved my ticket to my satisfaction!!

Google+ Review

The friendly and courteous team at Azria & Bruffett made dealing with my ticket a breeze. I was quickly able to resolve the issue with a defensive driving course (the refresher helped) and I was able to put it behind me to become more mindful on the road.
Thanks again for all of your assistance.

Google Review

Excellent experience with this law firm from Syracuse. Mr. Seth Azria Esq. handled my speeding ticket in Watertown, NY with no problem for a reasonable $ 250 fee and saved me a plethora of points and high insurance rates. It was difficult to be a tourist with an out of state license plate on a rental car and not being familiar with local speed traps of 30 mph.... I would use the Azria & Bruffett Law Firm again in a minute if I ever get another ticket in NY. It is especially handy that they will take credit cards over the phone or online. Some firms I checked with required cash and I had already left the state.

Google Review

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness

I was stopped by a NY state trooper for speeding on my way back to Canada right before the border crossing on I-81 in Mar. 2020. (Please be mindful about the signs of reducing speed. I didn't slow down quick enough). It was the first time I was stopped by a cop and I had no idea what I should do about this ticket. I searched on Google and decided to contact Mr. Azria. He was very nice to talk to and clarified all the questions I had regarding the ticket. In the end I did the online traffic safety training by Jefferson County. Mr. Azria helped me organize my correspondence with the DA and the court all the way through. I was quite fortunate to find him to fight the ticket for me. He and his assistant was very professional and knowledgeable. My charge was reduced to "failed to signal" and 2 points deduction. I appreciate the advice and help from Mr. Azria.