VTL § 1166(a), “Improper Right Turn (From Roadway to Alley/ Driveway, etc.)

Not to be confused with VTL § 1160(a).

A ticket infrequently issued in New York is for violating § 1166-a. This statute is similar to VTL 1160-a, which concerns making a right turn from a street to a street. 1166-a concerns making a turn from a street to a driveway.

If a motorist pleads guilty or is found guilty of this violation they get 2 points on their driving record. The fine is determined by the judge that is assigned to the case. The minimum is $150 + $93 mandatory surcharge. The fines increase for second- and third-time offenders. The most significant cost is the insurance premiums. With such a violation appearing on your driving record your insurance company will be inclined to raise your bi-annual rates.

Statute

The text of the statute provides:

Required position for turning at alley, driveway, private road or onto property off the roadway. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn from a roadway into an alley, driveway, private road or onto property off the roadway, shall approach the turn as follows:

(a) Right turns. The approach for a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

Fighting a 1166a Traffic Ticket

Whether the factual allegations are true, partially true, or untrue, the ticket can be disputed. It is not unethical or illegal to plead Not Guilty to traffic charges even if the facts are correct. This is because pleading Not Guilty does not mean you are disputing the facts. Pleading Not Guilty just means you are utilizing your Constitutional rights to require the “People” to prove their case.

Instead of going through the burden of proving the elements of the violation, often the prosecutor will present you with a plea bargain. The plea offer generally allows for a guilty plea to a lesser violation instead of the original violation. A traffic ticket attorney can be of great help in such circumstances. Firstly, an experienced lawyer is in the best position to obtain the most optimal plea deal. Secondly, your attorney can 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 1166(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 and in New York City. We also help many clients in the rest of the state, such as in North Country, Western New York, Capital District, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central New York, Hudson Valley, Upstate New York, Mohawk Valley, and the Catskill Mountains. The team at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office provides all motorists with a free consultation. We can be reached by phone call, email, text message, or website submission.

Fight a VTL § 1166-a Ticket