VTL § 1160(b), “Improper Left Turn (Two-Way Street)”

Not to be confused with VTL 1160(a), VTL 1160(c), VTL 1160(d), or VTL 1160(e).

Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1160(b) relates to the proper method of making a left-hand turn. The statute requires that the motorist turn from the left-hand side of the lane/road to the extent possible into the left-hand side of the lane/road to the extent possible. Making a left-handed turn from the extreme right lane or into the extreme right lane is prohibited by the statute. If you plead guilty to VTL 1160b you will get two points on your license. In New York City the fine is $138. Outside of New York City, the fine can go up to $243 (exact amount is up to the judge). Most importantly, such violations on your record typically cause increased insurance rates.

Note: On the traffic ticket, the description of violation box may be written as “IMPROPER LEFT TURN ON TWO-WAY RDWY” or “IMP LEFT TURN-2 WAY”

Statute

The wording of the relevant statute is as follows:

At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and by passing to the right of such center line where it enters the intersection and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.

Fighting a 1160(b) Traffic Ticket

No traffic ticket is an “open and shut” case. Traffic tickets can be won on several procedural and legal grounds, even if the allegations are technically true. The Constitution mandates that the prosecution has the burden of establishing and proving a case. They often fall short of meeting this burden.

Under New York State law, lawyers are permitted to attend court in the place of their clients. The attorneys can even conduct a trial without their client being present. This means your lawyer can fight your ticket without you leaving your house. When considering retaining a lawyer for your traffic ticket there are two items to consider: (1) The percentage of the law firm’s practice that is dedicated to Traffic Law. It should be at minimum 75%. (2) The proximity of the law office to the location of the courthouse. An attorney that is in the area of the courthouse is usually in a better position to get you the most optimal result, for various reasons.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York traffic ticket law firm. We handle traffic tickets all over the state. Most 1160-b tickets are issued in the five boroughs of New York City and our firm has handled such tickets in the TVB hearing centers of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Our attorneys have gotten such charges reduced to parking tickets or dismissed in courts outside of the city. Some specific courts include Endicott, Nassau TVA, Wilton, and Cedarhurst. Wherever you must go to fight this ticket, the attorneys at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office can be there for you. We can be reached during regular business hours via phone call, text message, email, or website submission. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office provides all motorists with free consultations. We look forward to working on your case.

Fight a VTL § 1160(b) Ticket