Failure To Signal

Have you been charged with VTL § 1163 failure to signal in New York?

The New York State failure to signal attorneys at Palumbo & Associates, P.C., have the skill and experience in representing drivers accused in the technical area of failure to signal, NY VTL § 1163. If you have been arrested or charged with failing to signal, NY VTL § 1163, contact us for a free consultation to find out how we can help. Our New York failure to signal traffic court defense lawyers and attorneys can represent you when charged with improper turn anywhere in New York State.

NY VTL § 1163 – the statute

NY VTL § 1163 prohibits turning at an intersection, to enter a private roadway or driveway, or change lanes unless they give the proper signal. In essence, a motorist must signal whenever he or she changes lanes or turns at an intersection. The signal must be given continuously and no less than 100 feet traveled before turning. The motorist is not allowed to stop or suddenly decelerate without giving a signal for at least 100 feet when there is an opportunity to do so. Lastly, the section prescribes that, when disabled, a motorist must use their hazards.

Method of signal

The signal that must be given can be done by hand and arm or signal lamps. See, NY VTL § 1164. Hand signals must be given by extending the hand and arm horizontally when turning left. hand and arm extended upward when turning right, and hand and arm extended downward when stopping or decreasing speed. See, NY VTL § 1165.

Defenses to NY VTL § 1163, failure to signal

Often the police charge failure to signal, NY § VTL § 1163 along with improper turn NY § VTL 1160 and failure to obey a traffic control device, See, NY § VTL § 1110. This violates your constitutional right against double jeopardy, and our office is often successful in such a defense. In addition, often we are able to show that the motorist did properly signal for the proper time, or that the underlying problem was a burnt out bulb so we can plea bargain to an equipment violation. There are several avenues that our NY failure to signal traffic court defense lawyers can take when defending you against the charge. Call us today for a free phone consultation to see how we can best defend your case and protect your driving history and insurance rates!