VTL § 1122(b) “Failed to Give Way”


Not to be confused with VTL § 1122(a) “Passed on Right”

VTL § 1122(b) concerns the proper behavior for a motorist that is being passed by another motorist. The statute requires that the motorist being passed defer to the motorist that is passing. The motorist being passed must not speed up until the passing motorist is free and clear. Under such circumstances, the motorist can also be cited with Reckless Driving among other possible statutes. Pleading guilty to this violation will put three points on your driving record. It will take approximately 3-4 years for it to clear from your standard driving record. It will remain permanently on your lifetime driving record. Such violations on your record typically cause increased insurance rates. The exact fine is determined by the assigned judge, with the maximum being $150 + $93 surcharge.

Text of the statute

Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

Disputing a 1122(b) Ticket

In New York State, motorists can retain counsel to handle their traffic ticket. The law firm will file the Not Guilty plea and make any necessary court appearances in the place of the Defendant. The ticket can be dismissed or reduced, and the Defendant will not have to leave their house. For more information, you can contact the Benjamin Goldman Law Office.

Contrary to urban legend, it is not unethical or illegal to plead Not Guilty to a traffic ticket. Pleading “not guilty” merely means that you are utilizing your rights to require that the ticketing officer prove the alleged charges. Pleading “not guilty” does not mean you are claiming that the ticketing officer was mistaken or lying. A “not guilty” plea can be filed whether the charges are true, false, or partially true.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York State traffic ticket defense firm. We have experience fighting this particular ticket. Attorneys from our firm have been able to get 1122(b) charges reduced to parking tickets or dismissed in Philipstown and Lafayette, among other courts. Our team will be glad to review your ticket and let you know how we can help. For more information, feel free to get in touch with us. We are available to answer or reply during regular business. Consultations are free.

Other Traffic Violations We Handle


If you suffered an injury by the reckless actions of a motorist that was being passed, you can reach out to the Sternberg Injury Law Firm for information on your 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.