VTL § 1161-b, “Improper U-Turn in a School Zone”

A ticket not frequently issued in New York is for violating § 1161-b. There are many limitations to making a U-turn, a relatively dangerous driving maneuver. This statute prohibits any U-turns in any area described as a school zone.

If a motorist is found guilty or plead guilty to this violation they will get two points on their driving record. The exact fine is determined by the judge that is assigned to the case. The maximum is $150 + $93 mandatory surcharge for a first-time offender. The most significant cost is the insurance premiums that will probably go up. With such a violation on your record your insurance company will be inclined to raise your bi-annual rates.

Text of the Statute

No motor vehicle shall make a U turn within a school zone. For the purposes of this subdivision, the term "school zone" shall mean the distance along a highway passing a school building, entrance or exit of a school abutting on the highway for which a school sign (S1-1) has been posted pursuant to this chapter and in compliance with the manual on uniform traffic control devices maintained pursuant to section sixteen hundred eighty of this chapter.

Fighting a 1161-b Traffic Ticket

Whether the allegations are true, partially true, or untrue, the ticket can be disputed. It is not immoral or illegal to plead Not Guilty to traffic charges even if the allegations are true. This is because pleading Not Guilty does not mean you are making a claim as to what did not happen or what did happen. Pleading Not Guilty merely means you are utilizing your Constitutional rights. Among those rights, is the right to require the “people” to prove their case.

Often, instead of going through the burden of proving the elements of the violation, the prosecutor will present you with a plea bargain offer. The plea offer generally provides for a guilty plea to a lesser charge instead of the original charge. A traffic lawyer can be of great help in such circumstances. Firstly, an experienced attorney is in the best position to get the best possible deal. Secondly, your lawyer makes any court appearances in your place.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a traffic ticket defense firm. Our firm has been fighting all kinds of traffic related charges since 2011. Our firm has received hundreds of five-star testimonials over the years, most of which attest to our service and results. We have successfully handled this particular violation.

If you received a 1161-b ticket you can contact the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. Our firm assists motorists throughout the state. Attorneys from our firm assist motorists on Long Island, in New York City, in the Hudson Valley, in the Catskills, in upstate New York, in the Central New York region, in the Southern Tier region, in the Finger Lakes region, in the Capital District, in the Mohawk Valley region, in the Western New York region, and in the North Country region. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office provides all motorists with a free consultation. We can be reached by phone call, email, or text message. Feel free to get in touch with us at your convenience.

Fight a VTL § 1161-b Ticket