VTL § 1121 “Failed to Yield one Half of Roadway”

Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1121 is not a violation that is cited frequently. A citation for this violation can be issued when the ticketing officer has probable cause to believe that a motorist was driving in the opposite lane of traffic. Our firm has seen this ticket issued at accident scenes and in conjunction with DWI charges. Under the alleged circumstances, the motorist can also be cited with Disobeying a Traffic Control Device (VTL 1110-a), Driving Across Hazard Markings (VTL 1128-d), among other statutes. Being found guilty or pleading guilty to this charge will put three points on your New York State driving record. The violation will remain on your record for 3-4 years after the conviction. Such a violation on your record will undoubtedly cause increased insurance rates, which would be much greater than the fine for the violation. The exact fine is up to the judge with the maximum being $150 + $93 mandatory surcharge for a first-time offense.

Text of the statute (link)

Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions. Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite direction shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main-traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible.

Fighting a 1121 Ticket

It is not illegal or unethical to plead Not Guilty to this violation even if you were in fact in the opposite lane of traffic. Contrary to popular belief, a Not Guilty plea does not mean you are claiming that the ticketing officer was mistaken or lying. Pleading Not Guilty means that you are utilizing your civil liberties and are requiring that the ticketing officer prove the charges. Any motorist that receives a traffic ticket can fight the charges regardless of whether they are true, false, partially true, or partially false.

In New York State, motorists can retain a law firm to handle their traffic ticket from A to Z. This means your attorney can file the Not Guilty plea for you and make any necessary court appearances in your place. You can get the charges reduced or dismissed without leaving your work or your home. For more detailed information, you can contact the team at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. Consultations are free.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a law firm that practices Traffic Law. Our firm should be able to help with any traffic-related charges issued in any New York jurisdiction. We have experience fighting this particular violation. Our team helps clients in the following regions: Capital District, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, Hudson Valley, Western New York, and the Finger Lakes. We also help many clients in New York City and on Long Island. For more information, our team is available during regular business. We can be reached by phone call, text message, website submission, or email.

Fight a VTL § 1121 Ticket