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27 Apr2010

Disobey Traffic Control Device in New York

state-law-yield-here-to-pedestriansMany New York traffic tickets are issued for Disobey Traffic Control Device, and many people ask us what this really means.




In many ways, this section of law is a catch-all.  There are specific violations for red lights, green arrows, stop signs, speed signs, etc, yet in theory any one of these violations could be written under the general traffic control device section. For example, a stop sign is a specific type of traffic device that has its own section of law and an officer who observes a motorist disobey a stop sign could arguably write the ticket for the generic traffic device law (1110(a)) or the more specific stop sign law.   Unfortunately, most officers will issue a ticket for a violation like a stop sign violation under the specific section of law if one exists and these more specific sections often carry more points than the general § 1110(a).  That said, the general disobeying a traffic control device ticket is one of the most commonly written tickets in New York.

What Is a Traffic Control Device?

§ 153 of the VTL defines a traffic control device as follows:



In addition, the fines associated with disobeying a traffic control device in New York total $235. This doesn’t include the increase in your insurance premiums. While this fine is much lower than what you would receive for a speeding or stop sign ticket, it is still a hefty chunk of change.

Penalties for a Disobey Traffic Control Device Violation

A traffic control device violation in New York carries two points.  It is often preferable to the more specific violations mentioned above because those generally carry three or more NY traffic ticket points. Accruing enough license points in an 18-month period can cause you to be issued an assessment fee and eventually have your license suspended. 

A ticket for disobeying a traffic control device in New York would also come with a fine that can vary depending on your driving record and which court is handling the case.  Of course beyond fines, assessments and points there are potential insurance ramifications as well and/or even job implications for drivers who hold a commercial driver license or drive regularly during the course of your job.  While the points may be slightly lower than they would be for a red light or stop sign or even speeding ticket, the penalties are still very much worth fighting and avoiding.

Fight Your Charge with the Help of a New York Traffic Ticket Lawyer

This section of the NYS VTL is one of the most often cited on traffic tickets.  If you have been issued a traffic ticket for failing to obey a traffic control device, feel free to contact our New York traffic ticket attorneys for a free consultation. We are happy to discuss how we can fight to reduce your penalties or potentially even have your ticket dismissed altogether.

If you are interested in a free case review, call (888) 842-5384 or contact us online.