Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1175 “Obstructed Traffic at Intersection.”

New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 1175 prohibits motorists from entering an intersection when the traffic from the next block is backed up into the intersection. The law requires motorists to ensure they will be able to exit the intersection before entering the intersection. Such tickets are often issued in Manhattan and other areas with heavy street traffic. However, in New York City, police officers usually charge "Obstructing Traffic" under New York City Traffic Rules & Regulations § 4-07(b)(1) instead of VTL 1175. Pleading guilty or being found guilty of VTL 1175 will put two points on your New York driving record. The fine is determined by the judge with the maximum being $150 + $88 surcharge in city courts and $93 surcharge in town or village courts.

Statute

The wording of VTL § 1175 provides:

§ 1175. Obstructing traffic at intersection. When vehicular traffic is stopped on the opposite side of an intersection, no person shall drive a vehicle into such intersection, except when making a turn unless there is adequate space on the opposite side of the intersection to accommodate the vehicle he is driving notwithstanding the indication of a traffic control signal which would permit him to proceed.

VTL 1175 as a Plea Offer

VTL 1175 is often offered as a “plea bargain” to motorists charged with higher level violations, such as speeding. If you were given a 1175 plea offer, then it probably makes sense to take the offer if the underlying charges carry substantially more points. But if the underlying charge is VTL 1175 or another violation with a similar points value, then it is probably best not to plead guilty.

Fighting an 1175 Ticket

Before pleading guilty to VTL 1175, it probably makes sense to consult with a traffic ticket attorney. If you want to avoid the points from going on your record, then you need to plead Not Guilty. An attorney can go to court in your place and fight the charges. You may then be able to avoid points entirely.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York State law firm that exclusively practices Traffic Law. We have handled many VTL 1175 tickets. Our firm helps clients in all areas of New York State including North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Western New York, Southern Tier, Catskills, Upstate New York, Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island. We are confident that we can help with your 1175 ticket. Please feel free to contact us at your convenience and we can discuss your case. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office provides all motorists with free consultations. Our firm can be reached by website submission, text message, email, or phone call. We look forward to working on defending you against the 1175 ticket.

Fight a VTL § 1175 Ticket