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Driving in central New York, particularly around Syracuse, can be challenging due to its busy streets and frequent traffic congestion, exacerbated by ongoing infrastructure projects. Understanding and following traffic laws is essential to ensure safety on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers unknowingly or intentionally disregard these rules, leading to accidents and risking lives.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles reports that over 300,000 motor vehicle accidents occur annually. By highlighting commonly overlooked traffic laws, we hope to help drivers adjust their behavior and improve road safety for everyone.
1. Using Cell Phones While Driving
Using a cell phone while driving is one of the most frequently violated traffic laws. New York prohibits handheld electronic devices for calling, texting, or using other apps while driving. Despite this, many drivers continue to use their phones, leading to distracted driving and increasing the risk of accidents.
Violating this law can result in fines ranging from $50 to $450, and drivers can receive five points on their license. In cases where cell phone use leads to an accident, the consequences can be even more severe, including potential criminal charges.
2. Not Signaling Turns or Lane Changes
Failing to signal when turning or changing lanes is a common oversight. Signals are crucial for communicating your intentions to other drivers and preventing collisions.
In New York, you must signal at least 100 feet before a turn or lane change. This is important when merging or navigating blind spots, where unexpected movements can easily lead to accidents.
Failing to use signals can result in fines and two points on your license. More importantly, not signaling increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly in heavy traffic or intersections, where clear communication is vital.
Speed limits are set to ensure safety for all road users. In New York, speeding fines vary depending on how much over the limit you are driving, ranging from $45 to $600. Additionally, speeding can add up to 11 points to your license, potentially leading to a suspension. Excessive speeding can also result in reckless driving charges, increasing the severity of the penalties.
4. Ignoring Traffic Signs and Signals
Ignoring traffic signs and signals is a serious offense that can lead to accidents and endanger lives. Common examples in New York include:
- Running red lights
- Failing to stop at stop signs
- Ignoring yield signs
- Disobeying one-way street signs
- Not adhering to pedestrian crossing signals
- Ignoring no-turn-on-red signs
- Disregarding school zone signs
Violations can result in fines between $45 and $1,500, possible jail time, and points on your license, depending on the infraction. For instance, running a red light is 3 points, and failing to stop for a school bus is 5 points. In addition, ignoring traffic signs and signals can result in serious injury and civil liability in a crash, even if you don’t get a ticket.
5. Driving Without a Valid License
Many overlook the violation of driving without a valid license, which is illegal regardless of whether the license is expired, suspended, or never obtained.
In New York, this can result in fines between $75 and $300 or jail time up to 15 days. If you are involved in an accident while driving without a valid license, the legal consequences can be severe, including increased liability and potential criminal charges.
What Happens if You Violate These Laws?
Violating traffic laws in New York can have serious repercussions beyond fines and points on your license. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension or revocation, increased insurance premiums, and, in some cases, criminal charges.
The legal and financial consequences can be even more severe if violations result in an accident. Victims of accidents caused by traffic violations may pursue legal action against the at-fault driver, leading to substantial compensation claims and legal battles.
Work With Catalano Law: Your Syracuse Car Accident Lawyers
Our experienced Syracuse car accident lawyers at Catalano Law can help you after a traffic accident. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you’re involved in a crash with a driver who has violated traffic laws, we can investigate, gather evidence, and prove liability to win you a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn your legal options.
