New York City traffic can be chaotic and getting a Rolling Stop Ticket is likely to happen. Anyone who drives in the city routinely knows that it takes a certain amount of confidence to make it from point A to point B. Simply getting where you’re going in a reasonable amount of time, safely, can be an adventure. But an adventure can quickly turn sour if you find yourself on the receiving end of some flashing blue and red lights.
One of the most common tickets issued in the city is for disobeying a stop sign. While running a stop sign might seem like a clear violation, the same law is also used for creeping or rolling past one—something the best drivers might have done on occasion, especially when they don’t know when there’s going to be another break in traffic.
Consequences of Disobeying a Stop Sign
Disobeying a stop sign comes with some hefty punishments. First, there are fines, which increase in value if you have other similar violations on your record. Second, and perhaps more seriously, you’ll also accrue points on your license—3—if you are found guilty of rolling a stop sign. Finally, and most disturbingly, multiple incidents involving disobeying a stop sign can actually lead to your arrest and up jail time.
Obviously, you want to avoid all of this if at all possible. Points on your license add up to additional issues. First, if you have a certain number of them, you can look forward to having your license suspended, and they take some time to expire. Second, they can influence your insurance premiums. As if you’re not already paying enough, living or working in NYC! Of course, hundreds of dollars in fines aren’t ideal either, and jail time should be avoided at all costs. This can have long lasting effects on your ability to maintain your household or hold down a job.
What Rolling a Stop Ticket Means
Essentially, disobeying a stop sign means that you didn’t come to a full and complete stop. However, there are circumstances that can mitigate the penalties you might receive, even if you are found guilty of disobeying a stop. For example, if you were attempting to avoid another accident, the charge could be dropped. If the stop sign is obscured by construction, vehicles, or foliage, you may also be able to avoid charges. A good lawyer may also be able to make a case that the ticketing officer did not have a clear view of your vehicle at the moment it was stopped.
Why You Need a Lawyer if You Receive a Rolling Stop Ticket
Not all tickets issued for disobeying a stop sign need to lead to personal tragedy! On the contrary, many can be effectively argued in court if you have the right representation. The above defense tactics have proven effective for our very experienced attorneys in the past.
In addition to having the ticket thrown out entirely, there is also the chance to negotiate for lower penalties. For example, lower fines, or not accruing points on your license. However, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to manage these negotiations on your own. You need experienced legal representation to have a chance to fight back against a serious violation.
That’s why we recommend calling us for a free consultation before you take any action on your own. Our lawyers know NYC and NYS traffic law inside and out. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources to make sure that your case is treated fairly. We aggressively defend our clients—it’s how we’ve built our incredible reputation!