VTL § 1251(a), “Two on Seat for One”

Vehicle Traffic Law (VTL) 1251-a prohibits a motorcyclist from allowing a second person to sit behind them, except if the motorcycle was designed with a separate seat for a second person. A ticket for this violation is issued to the driver, not the passenger. If convicted of 1251a the driver will get two points on their driving record and should expect to see increased car insurance rates. The exact fine is up to the judge with the maximum at $150 plus a $93 mandatory state surcharge for a first-time offense. Fines are different in city courts.

Text of VTL § 1251(a) Statute

§ 1251. Riding on motorcycles.

(a) A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, and such operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.

Disputing a 1251(a) Ticket

New York State law allows attorneys to go to court in the place of their clients. The defendant/client would have to sign a form that allows their attorney to into a plea on their behalf. This means you can get your violation dismissed or reduced without taking off from your job or even leaving your home. It is not unethical to plead Not Guilty to a traffic ticket even if the allegations are true. This is because by stating Not Guilty, you are not making any factual claims. Rather, you are stating that you want the police officer to prove the case.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office practices Vehicle & Traffic Law. For any other traffic-related charges in New York State, our team should be able to help. Our firm has seen much success fighting traffic tickets in many different courts. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office takes on cases on Long Island, in New York City, Hudson Valley, Capital District, North Country, Mohawk Valley, Finger Lakes, Western New York, Southern Tier, Central New York, and the Catskill Mountains. For more information on how we can help, just get in touch with us. Our team is available via phone call, email, text message, website submission, or chat feature on our website. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office provides all motorists and their relatives that are helping them with a free consultation.

Fight a VTL § 1251(a) Ticket