In New York City, the simple act of signaling one's intentions on the road is more than just courteous—it's legally mandated. Violations related to failing to signal are covered under NY violation code VTL 1163(b). This code makes it clear that drivers must use turn signals when changing lanes or making turns, ensuring safety amidst the city's bustling traffic. Those who neglect this vital step can find themselves facing fines, points, and other penalties.
When such an infraction looms, many turn to James Medows, a respected traffic ticket lawyer in NYC. With an intricate understanding of VTL 1163(b) and NYC's wider traffic laws, Medows provides invaluable guidance and assertive representation for those contending with a failure to signal ticket. His expertise ensures that drivers have a formidable advocate when confronting the challenges of the city's traffic courts.
How do you normally get a failure to signal ticket?
A "Failure to Signal" ticket is typically issued to drivers who do not adequately or timely signal their intentions to make a turn, change lanes, or merge onto a roadway. Here's how a driver might typically incur such a violation:
- Lane Changes: Not using your turn signal when moving from one lane to another.
- Turning at Intersections: Failing to signal when you intend to make a turn, whether it's a left or right turn at an intersection.
- Entering or Exiting Highways: Not signaling when merging onto or off of highways, freeways, or ramps.
- Stopping or Starting from Parked Position: In some jurisdictions, you're required to signal when pulling out of a parking space onto the roadway or pulling over to the side of the road.
- Passing: If you're overtaking a vehicle and then returning to your original lane, you must signal both the lane change to pass and again when returning to your lane.
- Short or Late Signals: Even if you do signal, it might be considered a failure if you don't signal long enough in advance. The specific time can vary by jurisdiction, but a common rule is to signal at least 100 feet before making your move.
- Broken Signal Lights: If your signal lights are not working, and you fail to signal manually (using arm signals), you could receive a ticket.
- Signal Consistency: If your signal is inconsistent with your actions, such as signaling left but turning right, it could be grounds for a ticket.
Enforcement can vary by location and officer discretion. For example, in busy urban areas with frequent lane changes, officers might prioritize more egregious violations over minor signaling infractions. However, the best practice is always to signal any change in direction or lane to inform other drivers of your intentions and ensure safety on the roads.
Is it worth it to challenge a failure to signal ticket?
Deciding whether to challenge a "Failure to Signal" ticket depends on various factors. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:
- Evidence: If you believe you did signal or had a valid reason for not signaling (e.g., an emergency situation), and you have evidence to back it up, such as a dashcam video, it might be worth challenging the ticket.
- Penalties and Consequences: Failure to signal tickets may come with fines, points on your driving record, and potential insurance rate hikes. If the penalties are steep or if accumulating points will lead to more severe consequences like a license suspension, it may be beneficial to contest the ticket.
- Driving Record: If you have a clean driving record, challenging the ticket might make more sense, especially if the violation could result in significant repercussions.
- Legal Representation: Consulting with a traffic attorney, like James Medows in NYC or another local lawyer, can offer insights into the likelihood of successfully challenging the ticket based on local traffic court practices.
- Court Costs and Time: Remember that contesting a ticket can come with court fees, potential legal representation costs, and the need to take time off work or other commitments for a court appearance. Weigh these against the ticket's penalties.
- Chance of Reduction: Sometimes, even if you don't get the ticket dismissed, the court might reduce the penalties if you show up to challenge it or if you agree to a plea deal.
- Local Traffic Court Trends: Some jurisdictions or specific judges might be more lenient or open to reducing penalties for first-time offenders or those who agree to attend a defensive driving course.
- Personal Convictions: Some people feel strongly about challenging any ticket they believe was wrongly issued, irrespective of the potential outcome or costs.
In conclusion, the decision to challenge a "Failure to Signal" ticket should weigh the potential benefits against the costs and inconveniences. Consulting with a traffic attorney can offer clarity and provide guidance on the best way forward.