Driving is a daily task that consumes hours of time each week, especially for professionals with long commutes and parents with school-age children. People often become frustrated with delays in traffic. They may then make choices that compromise their safety. They might exceed the speed limit or engage in multitasking despite knowing the risks of distracted driving.
In some cases, they may choose not to come to a full stop at a red light or a stop sign. Instead of pausing to observe their surroundings, they may perform a rolling stop. They slow down and look both ways before proceeding through the intersection.
Especially when there is little or no approaching traffic, rolling stops may seem like a common-sense strategy to speed up a daily commute. However, drivers who perform rolling stops might put themselves at risk of a traffic stop or a ticket.
A complete stop is legally necessary
New York traffic laws have specific rules for both traffic lights and stop signs. Generally speaking, motorists must follow the traffic directions provided by signage and lights. At a stop sign or red light, that means completely stopping. There are exceptions for those receiving guidance from police officers directing traffic.
Even in the absence of other nearby vehicles, a rolling stop is a significant traffic violation. The penalties for violating the statute about stop signs can include the addition of three points to a driver’s record. They may have to pay a ticket, as well as a mandatory surcharge. A first ticket can cost $150, but subsequent citations within 18 months can carry a $300 fine.
Additionally, the citation could increase the motorist’s future insurance costs. If they drive for work, the ticket might put their commercial driver’s license (CDL) at risk. Sometimes, there is a reasonable explanation for why drivers didn’t come to a full stop. Other times, witnesses may have misunderstood the situation. They may have stopped briefly before proceeding.
Reviewing the situation leading to a stop sign or traffic light citation could help drivers prepare an appropriate defense strategy. In some cases, going to traffic court to fight a ticket is the best option available.
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