VTL 1163(b), “Insufficient Turn Signal”
Written By: Benjamin Goldman, Esq.
Not to be confused with 1163(a), “Improper Turn” or 1163(d), ”No Signal”
A ticket for Insufficient Turn Signal is not a ticket that is issued often. The ticket is applicable where the motorist signaled, but did not signal in time. The exact wording of the statute is:
“A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.”
If your car is in motion and you know which direction to turn in, failure to signal before 100 feet of the turn itself would net you a violation of the above section. “100 feet” can be a difficult thing to approximate. If you are driving, 100 feet can happen very fast. A good rule of thumb is to look at your speed. If you are driving 60 mph, then your car will cover 100 feet in a second. If you are driving half of that, at 30 mph, your car will cover that distance in double the amount, at two seconds.
If you plead guilty to this ticket or are found guilty, you will get two points on your driving record. The maximum fine is $150 along with a mandatory surcharge of $88 in New York City and $93 outside of New York City. With previous violations on your record, the fine can be higher and with previous violations on your record you may be hit with a driver responsibility assessment fee. In most situations, your car insurance will go up and you will have to pay higher premiums for the subsequent 3-4 years.
The good news is that these violations can be fought. An attorney can go to court instead of you and try to get the ticket dismissed or reduced to a parking ticket. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office has handled many such tickets and will be glad to take on your case. You can contact us and utilize our offer for a free consultation.