Violation of New York Moving Law May Result in License Suspension

Last year, New York troops issued 16,000 citations for violating VTL 1144-a. More fines can be expected this year with the recently amended New York Moving Law extending the obligation to amber lights such as construction vehicles and tow trucks now in place.

An obvious result of the application of VTL 1144-a is the rapid accumulation of points on the driver’s record; and this can unknowingly lead to a suspension of driving privileges.

On January 1, 2011, New York began enforcing its original Move Over Law. The law requires drivers to take care to avoid an accident when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle or stopped on the shoulder of a highway with its hazard lights on. On a multi-lane highway, a driver must slow down and move to create a safe distance for the emergency vehicle. On a single lane highway, VTL 1144-a requires motorists to slow down and use caution.

The new expanded New York Move Over Law, effective January 1, 2012, applies the same precautionary requirements to tow trucks, HELP trucks, and any vehicle used in highway construction or maintenance.

Crane operators and highway construction workers have almost unanimously expressed their support for New York’s new Moving Law. Tow truck drivers express concern about having to watch their back while working and that it can often be quite scary on the road.

Motorists who violate the New York Amended Moving Law face a fine of up to $275 for a shorter surcharge and a possible jail sentence of up to 15 days. Violators can also have three points added to their driving record.

Three points on a driving record is not significant…unless the driver has already received a couple of speeding tickets. Eleven points for moving violations in 18 months can result in the New York Department of Motor Vehicles suspending your driver’s license, usually for 31 days.

Let’s take an example:

Last year, he received a speeding ticket for driving 72 mph in a 55 mph zone. That’s 4 points on his driving record. A few months later, he was issued a ticket for running a stop sign: 2 points. While driving on the New York Thruway, he was ticketed for talking on a cell phone while driving — another 3 points. At this point, he has accumulated 9 points on his driving record in 18 months.

If you are convicted of violating VTL 1144-a, then you can lose your driving privileges for a month, as well as a hefty fine.