Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1165, “Improper Hand Signals”

New York law allows motorists to use their hand to signal lane change, slow down, and turn instead of using their vehicle blinker. However, there are specific motions that must be utilized as outlined in the statute. The failure to comply with the specific motions can result in a traffic ticket. Pleading guilty or being found guilty of this violation will result in two points issued against your driver’s license. The exact fine is determined by the judge, with the maximum being $243. The most significant cost of this ticket is the increased insurance premiums. With traffic convictions appearing on your driving record your insurance company will be inclined to raise your bi-annual premium rates. Needless to say, this ticket is rarely issued in New York. The failure to signal is generally charged under VTL 1163 (a), (b), (c), or (d).

Statute

The text of VTL § 1165 provides:

§ 1165. Method of giving hand-and-arm signals. All signals herein required given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner and such signals shall indicate as follows:

1. Left turn. Hand and arm extended horizontally.

2. Right turn. Hand and arm extended upward.

3. Stop or decrease speed. Hand and arm extended downward.

Litigating a 1165 Ticket

For any violation with DMV points, it is prudent to plead Not Guilty. This will allow you to try to eliminate the points and avoid increased insurance rates. Getting rid of the points can be effectuated with various methods depending on the jurisdiction of the ticket. An experienced traffic ticket lawyer is expected to be successful in fighting such charges. New York law provides that if you retain an attorney, they can also make any necessary court appearances in your place. This means you should be able to avoid getting points on your driving record without having to take off from work or even leave your home. For more detailed information, you can contact the team at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office PC

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a law firm that primarily handles traffic tickets. We have been fighting all types of traffic related charges in New York State since 2011. Our firm has received hundreds of five-star reviews over the years. Most of the testimonials speak to the customer service we provide our clients and the results we obtain for their case.

If you are the recipient of a 1165 ticket you can contact the team at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. Our firm assists motorists throughout the state. Lawyers from our firm assist motorists in North County, Western New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, Capital District, Central New York, Southern Tier, Catskill Mountains, Upstate New York, and Hudson Valley. Our firm also takes on cases in New York City and on Long Island.

Fight a VTL § 1165 Ticket