Card image

Complimentary Traffic Ticket Case Evaluations. Call Now. (315) 396-8006

Traffic Ticket Articles

The Speeding Charge That Does Not Depend on MPH

by Seth Azria on 5/06/2019

Receiving a speeding ticket that does not reference a particular speed, while confusing to many, is possible in New York. The basis for this ticket is New York vehicle and traffic law section 1180(a).

VTL §1180(a) states in relevant part:

“No person may drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing”

There is no requirement that the officer allege a particular speed only that the speed was not “reasonable or prudent under the conditions...then existing.”  One possible scenario is while driving in bad weather, a vehicle slips off the road. The police arrive at the scene and issue the driver a speeding ticket, even though the driver may have been traveling below the posted speed limit. See People v. Miller, 57 AD3d 568 (2nd Dept. 2008). 

Another scenario could be a road crowded by people and narrowed by parked cars is another set of circumstances where a speed lower than the posted limit may be charged as speeding not reasonable and prudent. See St. Andrews v. O’Brien, 45 AD3d 1024 (3rd Dept 2008).

Like all other traffic tickets, we strongly recommend against mailing in a guilty plea to the court. The impact of this and other tickets on your finances and ability to drive can often be reduced by pleading not guilty and negotiating with the prosecutor.  We have negotiated thousands of tickets and welcome your call for a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

See  Fines and Points for §1180(a)

Need help with your ticket?

One speeding conviction may cause premiums to increase over $2,000 in three years. The Zebra. 

Don't plead guilty. .

Our experienced traffic defense lawyer is available to talk to you about your case.

Accepting Cases in Onondaga County Only.

Free Consultations. Call Now.
(315) 364-1155




 

Can't talk now?

Schedule a time for a lawyer to call you when it's convenient.

 Schedule a Call for Later

Azria & Bruffett PLLC BBB Business Review

Top Rated Award Winning Law Firm in Syracuse


Top Rated Award Winning Law Firm in Syracuse


Top Rated Law Firm, Syracuse NY

 
Hire your traffic lawyer online. Start Now
Yelp Review

As a a 60 year old physician I am semi-retired and my wife and I travel the country to do work in my specialty at places that are shorthanded. Since I only work about 1/3 of the year we have time to drive to these places. Recently I was stopped on a highway in NY. I haven't had a speeding ticket since I was in my twenties. The officer said I was doing 81 in a 65 MPH zone (my reading 76 while trying to pass a slow moving vehicle with a line of cars behind me trying to get by me as well). I read the reviews and chose Attorney Azria.

The office staff was pleasant and efficient, and put me right through to Attorney Azria. He explained the process with perfect clarity and went to work. Although he explained the process could take 4-6 weeks he resolved the issue in 10 days, reducing the violation to a non-moving violation with a small fee and no points. His price was more than fair.

I've been lucky enough as a physician to have never been sued but doctors by nature do not have an affinity for lawyers. However, if you find yourself in need of one, it is hard to imagine someone better at their job than Attorney Azria. Thank you sir. If I could give you 6 stars out of 5 I would.

Norman D. Miller, MD posted to Yelp

Norm M.
Google+ Review

The office handled my speeding case effectively and obtained an outcome that did not put any points on my license. I would recommend this firm to anyone with a similar case.
Steve B

Professional & Trustworthy

I contacted the office after receiving a speeding ticket. I was informed of my options and the likelihood of various outcomes and retained the services of the Azria office. The entire process was seamless and I was informed of the progress of the proceedings every step of the way. In the end, the case was reduced to a non moving violation. I would highly recommend the firm.

Michael posted to Avvo
THE lawyer you need when dealing with NY State & upstate Cops

TWICE I reached out to Seth when I got speeding tickets in upstate NY about a year apart. The first ticket was reduced significantly so it gave me great confidence to call Seth from the highway when I got the second ticket! 

With each ticket Seth explained what my options and risks were. He delivered exactly what he promised in each event. He really knows the DA's in each county that he had to deal with and was able to get the second ticket which was a monster 6 pointer to ZERO points!  The fact that I did not have to waste time and wages to appear in court was priceless.

I emphatically recommend Seth for anyone with a New York State or an upstate speeding ticket.

anonymous posted to Avvo