Vehicle & Traffic Law 1111(a)1 “Failed to yield right of way/green light”

If you received this ticket for this violation, it means you likely did not yield to oncoming traffic when making a turn at an intersection. This ticket is in fact rarely issued, mainly because police officers utilize other statutes when charging motorists under such circumstances, including VTL 1140-a, “Failed to Yield Right of Way at Intersection”. If you plead guilty or are found guilty of VTL 1111(a)1 you will get three points on your New York driving record. The fine is up to the judge with the maximum being $150 +$93 surcharge for first time offenders. You can also expect your insurance rates to increase for approximately three years subsequent to the violation appearing on your record.

Text of statute

(a) Green indications:
1. Traffic, except pedestrians, facing a steady circular green signal may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at such place prohibits either such turn. Such traffic, including when turning right or left, shall yield the right of way to other traffic lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time such signal is exhibited.

Like any other traffic related charges, this violation can be disputed. It does not matter if the factual allegations are true or false. In fact, most tickets are not won or lost depending on how well the defendant convinces the judge of their version of the events. In order to be successful in presenting a counter-narrative the defendant would have to have solid proof such as dash-cam footage. Absent such video footage, the best way to fight a traffic ticket is by requiring the officer/prosecutor to properly prove their case. A prima facie case would require that all charging instruments be completed and filed properly. There are many discovery rights per CPL 245. This is where an experienced traffic ticket attorney comes in. Your attorney should be able to utilize many different procedural and technical tactics to fight the ticket. A good Traffic Law attorney should be able to get the charges reduced to a parking ticket or dismissed entirely.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office can help. We are a traffic ticket law firm that was established in 2011. Our original office was in Sullivan County, and since then we have expanded state-wide. Our firm has successfully handled cases from the Queens borough of New York City to the town of Amherst, outside of Buffalo. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office takes on all kinds of traffic-related charges and will be glad to take on your case. Contact us at your convenience. Consultations are free.