Vehicle & Traffic Law § 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. Nor will it go on your driving record or impact your insurance rates. The maximum fine is $150 and there is no state 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 Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Southern Tier, Catskills, Capital District, North County, Mohawk Valley, Hudson Valley, New York City, Long Island, and Upstate New York. We welcome all types of traffic related charges, from serious criminal charges to regular speeding violations. Contact us at your convenience and utilize our free consultation.

Fight a VTL § 1151(b) Ticket