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

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

Excellent working with Seth...Seth assisted us with navigating the court system in NY state. The speeding ticket had no information and the city's documentation was too complicated and obscure for us to comprehend. Our case was concluded very much to our satisfaction. I highly recommend Seth to anyone who receives a speeding ticket in NY.

Google Review


Very quick and very professional. I felt very reassured. Thanks Azria and Bruffett!

Google Review

I am very pleased with Azria & Bruffet's services. Thanks to them I will not have to suffer from skyrocketing insurance rates due to a speeding ticket being put on my record. They kept me updated thoroughly every step of the way and made the entire process of getting my ticket reduced to a lesser charge very easy. They were also quick to respond to any questions I had throughout the process with a great deal of professionalism. I would not hesitate to deal with them in the future. Thank you Azria & Bruffet!!

Google Review

Mr. Azria got my speeding ticket dismissed easily. He handled the job very well. I would recommend him to anyone who needs help with traffic tickets and more!!