VTL 381a - Motorcycle Equipment Violations
Written By: Benjamin Goldman, Esq.
There are various schools of thought as to whether motorcycles are the same as four-wheel vehicles. Whatever the arguments, motorcyclists should be aware that the Vehicle and Traffic Law applies to them, and even has special provisions tailored to motorcycles. This is VTL 381. See this link for full statute. VTL is analogous to VTL 375, which lists the equipment violations for cars and trucks. Like VTL 375, most of the violations allow for dismissal of the charges if the equipment deficiencies are subsequently rectified. Like VTL 375, the fines range from $0 to $100 with a mandatory surcharge of $58 (In NYC it is $63). The one important exception is where the motorcycle brakes are inadequate. A conviction of this charge will result in four points on your license.
It is critical that a strong defense be presented in response to such a ticket. Experienced traffic attorneys deal with motorcycle tickets constantly and know how to present the proper arguments to reduce this charge.