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Speeding Tickets 3 min read

The Speeding Charge That Does Not Depend on MPH

By Seth M. Azria, Esq.

Receiving a speeding ticket that does not reference a particular speed, while confusing to many, is entirely possible in New York. The basis for this ticket is New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) §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.”

1. You Do Not Need to Be Over the Posted Limit

There is no requirement that the police officer allege a specific speed in miles per hour (MPH), only that your speed was not “reasonable or prudent under the conditions...then existing.” Here are two common scenarios where drivers receive this charge despite driving below the posted speed limit:

  • Weather-Related Accidents: While driving in bad weather (such as snow or heavy rain), a vehicle slips off the road. The police arrive at the scene and issue the driver a speeding ticket under §1180(a), assuming that if they slid, they were going too fast for the wet or icy conditions. (See People v. Miller, 57 AD3d 568 (2nd Dept. 2008)).
  • Hazardous Road Conditions: A road crowded by pedestrians or narrowed by parked cars creates a set of circumstances where even a speed lower than the posted limit may be charged as speeding that is not reasonable and prudent. (See St. Andrews v. O’Brien, 45 AD3d 1024 (3rd Dept. 2008)).
Penalties for §1180(a):
Want to know exactly what this charge could cost you in points and fines? Check out our detailed breakdown on Fines and Points for §1180(a).
Don't Mail in a Guilty Plea

Like all other traffic tickets, we strongly recommend against blindly mailing in a guilty plea to the court. The impact of this ticket on your finances and your 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.

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Excellent service, heading to niagara fall I got a speeding ticket, they were able to reduce the ticket, no points in my license, thanks, highly recommend this office.

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I was entirely satisfied with the representation I received from Azria and Bruffett. In May 2018, I received two tickets for failing to stop adequately at a stop sign (the officer said it was a "rolling stop") and failure to signal more than 100 ft. before a turn. I had never had a moving violation in 20+ years of driving, and I was now suddenly facing 5 points and the possibility of a hefty fine! Azria and Bruffett were able to get the charges reduced to a non-moving violation with no points and a minimal fine. Based on my experience, I would recommend them to someone who is concerned about avoiding points and black marks on their driving record.

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