A failure to yield ticket in New York can lead to hefty fines, points on your license, and increased insurance premiums—but it doesn’t have to. With the right legal strategy, you may be able to get your ticket dismissed or significantly reduced. In this blog, we’ll explain common defenses against failure to yield violations, how to challenge evidence, and why having an experienced traffic ticket attorney is critical to protecting your driving record.

If you’ve received a failure to yield ticket, don’t take chances—contact The Law Office of Craig Bondy today for a free consultation. Let us fight to keep your record clean and help you avoid unnecessary penalties.

Yielding Laws in New York

New York’s yielding laws are designed to promote safety on the roads and reduce the risk of accidents. Failing to yield the right-of-way is a common traffic violation that occurs when a driver does not allow other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists to proceed as required by law. Some of the key yielding laws in New York include:

1. At Intersections: Drivers must yield to vehicles approaching from the right at uncontrolled intersections. At stop signs, drivers must yield to all other traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.
2. Left Turns: When making a left turn, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk.
3. Pedestrians in Crosswalks: Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians lawfully crossing the street in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
4. Emergency Vehicles: Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights or sounding sirens by pulling over to the right and stopping until the vehicle has passed.
5. Merging: When merging onto highways or other roadways, drivers must yield to the traffic already on the road.

Failing to comply with these laws can result in a ticket for failure to yield, which carries fines, points on your license, and potential increases in insurance rates. Understanding these laws is crucial not only for avoiding violations but also for staying safe on the road.

If you’ve been ticketed for failing to yield, contact The Law Office of Craig Bondy today. We have the experience and knowledge to challenge your ticket and fight for the best outcome in your case.

Failure to Yield Consequences

Receiving a failure to yield ticket in New York can lead to significant legal and financial consequences, impacting your driving record and more. Below are some of the potential consequences you may face:

• Fines and Fees: Failure to yield violations typically come with fines that can range from $150 to $250 or more, depending on the specific circumstances and location of the offense. Additional court costs and surcharges can also apply.
• Points on Your License: In New York, a failure to yield violation adds 3 points to your driving record. Accumulating 11 or more points within 18 months can result in license suspension or revocation.
• Insurance Rate Increases: Traffic violations like failure to yield can lead to higher auto insurance premiums, as insurers may view you as a higher-risk driver.
• Accident Liability: Failing to yield often leads to car accidents. If you’re found at fault for an accident due to failing to yield, you could face civil lawsuits for property damage, medical expenses, and other damages.
• Traffic School or Defensive Driving Courses: In some cases, drivers may be required to complete a defensive driving course to reduce points on their license or satisfy court requirements.

The consequences of failing to yield can be long-lasting and costly, making it essential to address your ticket proactively.

How To Get a Failure to Yield Ticket Dismissed

Getting a failure to yield ticket dismissed requires a strong legal strategy and a thorough understanding of traffic laws. Here are some steps you can take to fight the ticket and potentially have it dismissed:

1. Review the Evidence

Start by reviewing the details of your ticket and the evidence against you. This may include the officer’s observations, witness statements, or video footage. Look for inconsistencies or errors in the ticket that could weaken the case against you.

2. Challenge the Officer’s Observations

Police officers often rely on their judgment when issuing a failure to yield ticket. If you can demonstrate that the officer misinterpreted the situation or did not have a clear view of the events, this may help your case.

3. Present a Valid Defense

Common defenses for failure to yield violations include:

1. There was no other vehicle or pedestrian present at the time of the alleged violation.
2. The other party was not following traffic laws or acted unpredictably.
3. Road conditions or visibility issues made it unsafe to yield.

Negotiate a Reduction

In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to have your ticket reduced to a lesser offense with fewer penalties.

Hire an Experienced Traffic Ticket Attorney

The best way to increase your chances of dismissal is by working with a skilled traffic ticket lawyer. An attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court.

At The Law Office of Craig Bondy, we have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against failure to yield tickets. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight to protect your driving record and your rights.

Should I Contest a Ticket?

Many drivers assume paying a traffic ticket is the easiest solution, but contesting your ticket can often save you from long-term consequences. Here are the key benefits of fighting a traffic ticket, including failure to yield violations:

1. Avoid Points on Your License: Traffic violations in New York come with points that accumulate on your driving record. Contesting your ticket could prevent these points, helping you avoid license suspension and keeping your record clean.
2. Prevent Insurance Rate Increases: Traffic violations can lead to higher insurance premiums. Successfully contesting your ticket can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in increased rates over time.
3. Reduce or Eliminate Fines: By challenging your ticket, you may be able to have the fines reduced or dismissed altogether, saving you from costly penalties.
4. Protect Your Driving Record: A clean driving record is essential for many reasons, including maintaining affordable insurance rates and preserving your driving privileges. Contesting your ticket helps safeguard your record.
5. Hold the System Accountable: Police officers and court systems can make mistakes. Contesting your ticket ensures that the evidence is thoroughly reviewed and that any errors in the process are addressed.

Contact The Law Office of Craig Bondy Today

If you’ve received a failure to yield ticket or any other traffic violation, don’t let it impact your driving record or your future. The experienced attorneys at The Law Office of Craig Bondy are here to help you navigate the legal process, challenge your ticket, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Call now or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation. Let us help you protect your rights and keep your record clean.