VTL 1117, Failure to Stop at a Malfunctioning Traffic Control Signal

If a motorist comes to an intersection at which the traffic light is malfunctioning the motorist cannot treat the traffic light as if it does not exist. VTL 1117 requires motorists to treat a broken traffic light as if it were a stop sign, i.e. make a full stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, before proceeding. The failure to comply with VTL 1117 can lead to a three-point traffic ticket. In New York City the fine is $138. Outside of New York City, the fine is up to the judge, with the maximum being $238. As this violation puts three points on a driving record, if you plead guilty to this violation you can expect to see increases in your insurance premiums.

Text of the Statute

§ 1117. Traffic-control signals; malfunction. Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, every operator of a motor vehicle approaching an intersection governed by a traffic-control signal which is out of service or otherwise malfunctioning shall stop in the manner required for stop signs set forth in section eleven hundred seventy-two of this title, and proceed according to the rules of right of way for vehicles set forth in article twenty-six of this title.

Disputing a 1117 ticket

Whether the allegations are true or false, you can still dispute the charges. It is not unethical or illegal to say Not Guilty even if the allegations are true. Stating Not Guilty does not mean you are saying the allegations are not true. Rather, it means you are availing yourself of the Constitutional rights that require the “People” to prove their case.

In many instances, instead of going through the burden of proving their case, the prosecutor will give you a plea bargain offer. The plea bargain would allow you to get the points reduced or removed. A traffic ticket attorney can help. Firstly, an experienced lawyer is in the best position to get the optimal result. Secondly, they can file the Not Guilty plea in court and make any court appearances in your place.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York State traffic ticket defense firm. The firm first opened in 2011 in Sullivan County. Since then, we have seen much success and expanded state-wide. Now, we can take cases anywhere in the state. Our firm has helped many motorists throughout New York, from Southampton, on the eastern edge of Long Island, to Brooklyn, in New York City, to Plattsburgh at the Canadian border, and Amherst, outside of Buffalo.

The team at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office has significant experience in traffic law and our lawyers fight hard for each case. The efforts of our firm have paid off. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office has received hundreds of five-star verified testimonials. Our team will be glad to review your ticket and discuss your options. We can be reached via phone call, email or text. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office provides all motorists with a complimentary consultation.

Fight a VTL § 1117 Ticket