Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1161-a, “U-turn at Grade/Curve”

A rarely issued ticket in New York is a violation of VTL § 1161-a. Making a U-turn is a relatively dangerous maneuver and there are many limitations to making this turn. This statute requires that, to start, any u-turn must be made on flat ground with no curves in the road. The reasoning is to ensure that anyone using the road is given ample time to react to the slow-moving U-turn maneuver.

If a motorist pleads guilty or is found guilty of this violation they will get two points on their driving record. The exact fine is determined by the judge assigned to your case. The maximum penalty is $150 + $93 mandatory surcharge for a first-time offense. However, the biggest cost is the likely increase in insurance premiums. With violations on your record your insurance company will be inclined to raise your rates.

Text of the Statute

No motor vehicle shall make a U turn upon any curve, or upon the approach to, or near the crest of a grade, where such motor vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other motor vehicle approaching from either direction within five hundred feet.

Disputing a 1161-a Traffic Ticket

Any motorist with a traffic ticket can dispute the charges, regardless of whether the allegations are true, partially true, or untrue. It is not unethical or immoral to plead Not Guilty to a traffic ticket even if the charges are correct. Pleading Not Guilty does not mean you are making a claim as to what happened or what did not happen. Pleading Not Guilty just means you are availing yourself of your US Constitutional rights and NY Constitutional privileges. Among those rights, is the right to require the police officer to prove their case.

Instead of going through the burden of proving all the elements of the case, the prosecutor or police officer will present you a plea bargain offer. The offer generally provides that you plead Guilty to a lesser charge instead of the original charge. An attorney can be of great help in such circumstances. Firstly, an experienced traffic lawyer is in the best position to get the best possible deal. Secondly, they 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. We have been fighting all kinds of traffic related charges since 2011. Our firm has received hundreds of five-star reviews over the years, most of which attest to our service and results.

If you received a 1161-a ticket you can contact the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. Our firm assists motorists throughout the state. Attorneys from our firm assist motorists on Long Island, in New York City, in upstate New York, in the Hudson Valley, in the Catskills, in the Southern Tier region, in the Central New York region, in the Finger Lakes region, in the Mohawk Valley region, in the North Country region, and in the Western New York region. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office provides all motorists and their family members with a free consultation. Contact us at your convenience.

Fight a VTL § 1161-a Ticket