VTL § 1163(a), “Improper Turn” or “Improper or Unsafe Turn/Without Signal”

Not to be confused with VTL § 1163(b), VTL § 1163(c), VTL § 1163(d), or VTL § 1163(e)

Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1163(a) is a common ticket issued in New York. Many tickets are issued for this violation in urban areas, especially New York City. This ticket is issued in two circumstances: (1) Motorist makes a turn from the wrong lane, i.e. making a right turn from the left lane or making a left turn from the right lane. (2) Motorist turns without signaling.

If a motorist pleads guilty or is found guilty of VTL 1163(a), they will get two points on their driving record. In New York City, the fine is $40 + $88 mandatory surcharge for a total of $138. Outside of New York City, the fine is determined by the assigned judge. The maximum is $150 + $93 mandatory surcharge. The larger cost of this violation is the increased insurance premiums. With traffic violations appearing on a driving record, the insurance company will be inclined to raise your bi-annual premium rates.

Statute

The text of Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1163(a) provides:

No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in section eleven hundred sixty, or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety. No person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided.

Pleading Not Guilty to a 1163-a Ticket

It is generally a good idea to plead Not Guilty to traffic law violations. Pleading Not Guilty allows the ticketed motorist to try to get the charges dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation (parking ticket). Whether the allegations are accurate or inaccurate does not really matter because the burden remains with the prosecutor/officer. An experienced traffic ticket lawyer vies you the best shot at beating the charges and can also make any necessary court appearances in your place. For more detailed information, you can contact the team at the Benjamin 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.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office has specific experience handling 1163-a charges. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of such tickets in the New York City Traffic Violations Bureau. In justice courts throughout the state, we have gotten such charges dismissed or reduced to parking tickets. Some of the courts where we have seen success include Atlantic Beach, North Hills, Cortlandville, Mamakating, Windsor, and Nichols.

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

Fight the VTL § 1163(a) Ticket