VTL 1151-(b), “Pedestrian Proceeded Into Path of Vehicle”

Proper yielding depends on both parties' participation. A responsible driver yields to pedestrians in certain circumstances. This cannot be done if the pedestrian acts inappropriately. Simply put by the statute,

“No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impractical for the driver to yield.” VTL 1151(b).

If a pedestrian’s actions, like the above example of running from the curb onto the street, hinders a driver’s ability to properly yield, the pedestrian will receive a ticket. This is one of the few traffic tickets that you can get without being behind the wheel of a car. It is a citation that is issued very rarely. This violation does not have points. The maximum fine is $150 and there is no surcharge. If you received this ticket, it probably makes sense to just pay it instead of fighting it.

There is a similar statute VTL 1152(c), known as “jaywalking.” The factual elements of the violation are similar. A ticket for Jaywalking under 1152-c is more common. It can be issued outright or be part of a negotiated plea bargain.

For any traffic related charges in New York, you can contact the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. We are a New York State traffic ticket defense firm. Our firm opened in 2011 in Sullivan County and since then we have expanded state-wide. As of 2024 we take on cases anywhere in the state. Our attorneys have handled cases in Brooklyn, in Plattsburgh at the Canadian border, and in Amherst, outside of Buffalo.