VTL § 1127(a) “Drove wrong way on one-way street”

The description of violation on the ticket may be “DRIVING/WRONG DIREC ON ONE-WAY STRT”

The basis for getting this ticket is fairly simple. There is a one-way street, and the motorist drives the wrong way. Under the circumstances there are other violations that can be cited including Disobeying a Traffic Control Device (VTL 1110-a). If convicted of 1127(a) you will get three points on your driving record and can expect to see increased vehicle insurance rates. The fine is up to the judge with the maximum being $150 plus a $93 mandatory state surcharge for a first time offense.

Text of the statute (link)

Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated.

Fighting a 1127(a) Traffic Ticket

With such violations, motorists often assume that is an “open and shut case” and of no use fighting. This is not the case. Such charges can be disputed on various procedural and technical grounds. The officer has the burden of establishing a proper case and they often fall short of meeting this burden.

New York State law allows lawyers to attend court in the place of their clients. The lawyer would be able to enter a plea of guilty to a reduced charge, argue for dismissal, or even conduct a trial without the Defendant being present in court. The Defendant would just have to sign a form that waives the right to be present and authorizes the attorney to handle the case.

This means someone else can fight your ticket without you having to take off from work or leave your home. When considering retaining an attorney for your traffic ticket there are two vital things to consider: (1) The percentage of the lawyers’ practice that is dedicated to NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law. It should be at least 75%. (2) How close the lawyer is to the courthouse. An attorney that is in the area of the court is usually better equipped, for several reasons, to get the best possible disposition for your case.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York State traffic ticket defense firm. We have experience fighting this particular type of ticket. Our team has gotten many such violations dismissed or reduced to parking tickets. We have done so in many courts including specifically in Queens, Ellery, Goshen, Brooklyn, Yonkers, Suffolk, Eastchester, Garden City, and Delhi. Feel free to reach out for more detailed information on our previous cases or how we can help with your case. Our team is available during regular business hours via phone call, email, or text message. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office provides all motorists with a complimentary consultation. We look forward to working on your case.

Other Traffic Violations We Handle


If you were struck by a driver going in the wrong direction, you can contact the Sternberg Injury Law Firm to review your available options

Disclaimer: All the content of this website has been prepared by Benjamin Goldman Law Office PC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information on this website shall not be construed as an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create, nor shall the receipt of such information constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Our hope is that you will find the information useful and informative, and we would be happy to communicate with you and answer any questions you may have about our legal services. Readers should not act upon the information on this website, or decide not to act based upon the information on this website, without first seeking appropriate professional counsel from an attorney licensed in the home state of the drivers license of the person who received the relevant traffic citation.