There are certain laws under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) that drivers (intentionally or unintentionally) tend to ignore.
The first such law is VTL 1225(c) (operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile phone) and its companion VTL 1225(d) (operating a motor vehicle- using a portable electronic device). Even with all the public service announcements regarding the dangers of texting/talking while driving without a hands-free device, this violation is commonly ignored by motorists on a routine basis. Such a violation carries five (5) DMV points and can have serious ramifications on your driving record.
The next commonly ignored section of the VTL is Section 1163(d) (improper signal). It is not uncommon for motorists to change lanes without giving the proper signal, or not doing so with sufficient warning time. This violation can cause a motor vehicle accident if not properly followed and results in two (2) DMV points if convicted.
Another commonly ignored traffic law is VTL 1110(a)(H), known as disobeying traffic control device in the HOV lane. This two (2) point violation can occur if the motorist does not follow the HOV lane restrictions on the Long Island Expressway, and drives without two (2) or more passengers during HOV restrictions times during the day. Along the same vain, VTL 1128(d) is a violation known as crossing hazardous markings (three points) that occurs when a driver does not properly change lanes and drives over hazard markings that are not meant for traffic. A typical example occurs with HOV lanes. Quite often, a motorist will not use the proper entrance/egress clearly marked on the HOV lanes. Instead, they will cross through unauthorized hazard markings into the regular lanes on the LIE, which can cause confusion for other motorists and should be avoided.
The final commonly ignored section of the traffic law is VTL 1172(a) (failed to stop at stop sign). While this three (3) point violation is not ignored in its entirety, the sprit of this law is not followed properly. That is because the motorist needs to come to a complete stop, otherwise, they will be in violation of the law. The commonly used “rolling stop” will not suffice.
If you need an experienced traffic attorney, please contact us at the Law Offices of Michael W. Alpert at (516) 280-7288 or e-mail: malpert@alpertlegal.com