VTL § 1161-c, “U-Turn in Stretch Limousine”

One of the newest traffic laws in New York State, signed in 2020, makes it illegal to make any U-turn in a limousine. In 2015 and 2018 there were well-known deadly crashes in stretch limousines, triggering legislation to make them safer. One of the laws prohibits a limousine driver from making any U-turn on any road.

If a motorist pleads guilty or is found guilty they will get two points on their driving record. The exact fine is determined by the judge. The minimum is $250 + $93 mandatory surcharge and the maximum is $400 + $93 mandatory surcharge for a first-time offender. The fines increase for second and third time offenders and can go up to $1000. The fine for this particular violation is higher than other 2-point traffic tickets. The most significant cost is the increased insurance premiums. With traffic violations appearing on your record your insurance company will be inclined to raise your bi-annual premium rates.

Statute

The text of Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1161-c provides:

No altered motor vehicle commonly referred to as a "stretch limousine" having a seating capacity of nine or more passengers including the driver shall make a U-turn upon any public highway or private road open to public motor vehicle traffic. Every person convicted of a violation of this subdivision shall: for a first conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than four hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than fifteen days or by both such fine and imprisonment; for a conviction of a second or subsequent violation, both of which were committed within a period of eighteen months, such person shall be punished by a fine of not less than six hundred dollars nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars or by imprisonment for not more than forty-five days or by both such fine and imprisonment. A violation of this subdivision wherein the violator is operating such altered motor vehicle and such altered motor vehicle is carrying at least one passenger other than the driver shall be punishable by a fine of not less than seven hundred fifty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one hundred eighty days or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Pleading Not Guilty to an 1161-c Ticket

It is generally advised to plead Not Guilty to traffic tickets. This will allow the ticket recipient to endeavor to get the charges reduced to a non-moving violation or perhaps dismissed. It does not matter if the allegations are accurate or can be easily substantiated. An experienced traffic ticket attorney should be able to have success fighting such charges. 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 leave your home. For more detailed information, you can contact the Benajmin Goldman Law Office PC.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office PC

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York State traffic ticket law firm. Our firm has been fighting all kinds of traffic related charges since 2011. We have received hundreds of five-star testimonials over the years, most of which speak to our customer service and stellar results.

If you received an 1161-a ticket you can contact the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. Our firm assists motorists throughout the state. Attorneys from our firm assist motorists in the New York City area, on Long Island, in the Hudson Valley, Upstate New York, Catskills, Southern Tier, Central New York, Capital District, Mohawk Valley, Finger Lakes, Western New York, and North Country.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office provides all motorists with a free consultation. Our team will be glad to review your ticket in detail and advise on the available options. We can be reached by phone call, text message, or email. You can get in touch with us at your convenience.

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