VTL 1151B
Written By: Benjamin Goldman, Esq.
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,
“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 1152C, 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.