STOP SIGN TICKETS
VTL 1172(a) requires drivers to stop at stop signs. If you are cited for failing to do so, you face a potential three points on your driver's license.
Elements Of A Stop Sign Ticket
The law requires drivers to come to a "full and complete stop" at the "designated stopping point." At most urban intersections, this means a stop line -- a line painted on the street, before the crosswalk, demonstrating where the motorist must stop. If there is no stop line, the motorist must stop at the crosswalk. If there is no stop line or crosswalk -- unusual in New York City, but common in rural areas -- the driver must stop at the building line.
A "full and complete stop" means that the vehicle's wheels were motionless for a measurable amount of time. In a stop sign case, the officer will may testify that he saw the motorist's wheels "in a constant state of motion as he proceeded through the intersection, without slowing or coming to a stop."
As With Other Violations, Your Way To Win Is Through Legal Arguments
"But I did stop," most motorists will say. Quite frankly, if that defense worked in traffic court, there would be no need for traffic attorneys. The judge has heard this defense before. She was not persuaded then, and she will not be persuaded now. Fortunately, this violation requires detailed testimony from the police officer on the above elements and more. An attorney knows that if these elements are not clearly and convincingly established, your ticket should be dismissed.
Traffic Attorneys Win Stop Sign Tickets On A Daily Basis
If you have been cited for this violation, you may wish to speak with a traffic attorney.