Failure to Signal Tickets

If you have received a ticket for failure to signal any where in New York, you are at the right place to find help.In most cases, you do not even have to show up in court.

When operating a vehicle, it is important to signal when changing lanes on a roadway or while turning.  Contrary to what you may believe after driving on New York roadways, the turn signal is not optional.  Though you might not know it if you’ve ever driven in New York City. The purpose of the turn signal is to let other drivers know you are about to turn.  In the busy and congested streets of New York using a turn signal helps not only other drivers but also pedestrians and bicyclists know what a driver intends to do.  Using your signal after you have already stepped on your brakes is too late.  Without this indication, sudden turns or lane changes become dangerous as other vehicles have to stop suddenly or swerve to accommodate a driver who failed to use a proper turn signal.  Failure to comply with this law (VTL 1163(a)) may result in a moving violation so it’s important to know the law and use your turn signal every time.

There are a few important things to keep in mind while driving to avoid traffic accidents. Always keep a safe distance between the vehicle in front of you in case of a sudden stop or turn.  Lane change signals should be used at least 100 feet before the actual turn is made.  Always check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes on a highway.

If you plead guilty to a Failure to Signal Ticket, chances are your insurance premium will increase. Insurance companies use their own criteria to determine your premiums; meaning you maysee a rate hike that lasts as long as three years. Additionally, if you have a poor driving record they may raise your premiums even further.You may find yourself having to spend time shopping for a new auto insurance company. Your rates are still likely to go up considerably, but you may save money by switching insurers. Your valuable time may be better spent fighting the ticket and avoiding increased insurance costs altogether.

A first offense for a failure to signal ticketwill lead to 2 (Two) points on your driving record in addition to a $243 fine.  If you receive a second ticket within 18 months the fine jumps to $393 in addition to 2 (Two) more points.  A third offense within 18 months will result in a $543 fine as well as 2 (Two) additional points.  Keep in mind the negative impact a conviction can have on your driving record and future insurance premiums.

Under NY VTL §1163(a),No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in section eleven hundred sixty, or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety. No person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided.

Many drivers will try to contest their Failure to Signal Ticket without a lawyer. The rules and procedures that apply to traffic court are tricky; consequently, developing an appropriate strategy to pursue the best possible outcome for you is our goal. The consequences can quickly spiral beyond what you first imagined, getting legal representation to figure out a workable solution is important.