HOV Tickets In New York

Published by 20 Comments

In New York traffic laws are particularly rigorous and meant to deter any potential violators from attempting to break laws for any reason.   New York City’s very dense population makes any potential traffic situations many times more deadly than it would be in a state with a smaller population.  The large flow of traffic in New York is the reason why New York State highways employ the use of HOV lanes to help steady the flow of traffic.

What Are HOV Lanes And What Are The Rules For Using Them?

HOV lane in NY

HOV lanes or high occupancy lanes were created to allow cars with two or more passengers to safely pass in a separate lane on the highway.  The purpose of the HOV lane is to motivate more people to carpool thereby decreasing the amount of cars that are forced to be on the road.

By decreasing the amount of cars that are forced to be on the road, and by creating a separate lane the traffic flow is usually better and helps lessen the amount of pollution taking place by lowering the total gas emissions.  However if a vehicle with only one motorist inside the vehicle tries to use the HOV lane they will be issued a traffic violation ticket.

 What Are The Penalties For Using The HOV Lane In New York?

If someone has been unlawfully using an HOV lane the penalties can vary in degree and magnitude from minor fine to points on your license.  The fine for driving in an HOV lane without having another passenger in the vehicle is generally ticketed as a “Disobeyed Traffic Control Device” ticket under VTL 1110 (a), which is a $150 fine and a $93 surcharge plus 2 points added to their license.

Crossing in and out of the HOV lanes can lead to even more tickets and additional points and fines regardless of the fact that you may have had additional passengers in your vehicle.  These types of violations can cause a lot of harm to your driving record and result in a pretty heavy hit to your wallet.

The best way to prevent any future trouble with these traffic laws would be to avoid such behavior but if you find yourself in this kind of troublesome situation the best course of action would be to contact an attorney.  An experienced attorney can help you to decrease the severity of any penalties and help alleviate the stress of handling this situation.

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This post was written by Adam Rosenblum

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20 Comments

  • Gayle
    February 21, 2018
    Reply

    I accidentally got into the HOV lane today on 495 at exit 37. I realized I shouldn’t be in there. I didn’t want to cross the buffer so I entered the left lane over a “dotted” line which turns out was the entrance not the exit. The undercover car pulled me over. I told him exactly what I did. He gave me what looks like 2 tickets for driving in the HOV w/o a passenger during restricted hours and then changing from HOV to left lane where prohibited. He told me after I explained that mistakes happen and I should plead not guilty but then if I appear in court how can I plead not guilty? How much is this fine going to be and how many points? Today was the first time in over 35 years driving that I have been pulled over. I’ve never even had a parking ticket.

    • Ronen Cohen
      February 23, 2018
      Reply

      Gayle – please clarify the following: a) What court are you required to appear before, and b) what are the violation codes of the tickets you were issued. There are a few possible tickets you may have been given at this stop.

  • Emanuel Gonzalez
    June 2, 2017
    Reply

    Hey RLF,

    I’m a student at the University of Stony Brook and I’v made the mistake of using the HOV lane around 9:15am. The reason i used the lane was because my car clocks showed me it was 10:15am (10am-3pm is for everyone). I quickly realized there was a bunch of traffic and was confused to why people weren’t using the HOV lane. I then realized my clock must be wrong and after observing single drivers in traffic i switched back into the general lane filled with traffic. I later got stopped by an officer and charged with the following:

    1) -Disobeyed Traffic Device HOV Lane
    2) -Drove across Hazard Markings
    3) -Drivers View obstructed

    I understand the first 2. As for #3 the comments the officer left was because i had a scented pine tree hanging from my mirror. I think thats a little overboard. I have 3 weeks until my summons. What are my options? What are my chances of getting this lowed or dismissed?

    • RLF Attorneys
      June 12, 2017
      Reply

      Emanuel – What court has jurisdiction over your case?

  • Rosemary Manganiello
    May 5, 2017
    Reply

    I was in the left lane on the LIE driving in traffic going like 10 to 20 miles an hour between exit 33 and 34 then suddenly the traffic stopped and it opened up. Then I realized the HOV lane was coming up but the car in front of me was trying to get out as well and two cars were coming in the next lane so we waited then merged in the next lane. We were about two car lengths in the HOV lane when we got out. The car that was in front of me left but a cop car pulled me over and said I was in the HOV lane. I said I was in the left lane that started the HOV lane but signaled and got out right away as soon as I could. Well he didn’t want to hear anything I had to say and gave me 4 tickets, Then he said have a nice day and got in his car. I was so upset cause I didn’t do anything wrong. But he didn’t want to hear it. What should I do?? HELP!

    • RLF Attorneys
      May 11, 2017
      Reply

      Rosemary – what are you currently being charged with?

    • Rosemary Manganiello
      May 11, 2017
      Reply

      thank you for writing back to me….. well he gave me a ticket for “DROVE ACROSS HAZARD MARKINGOUT OF HOV LANE and LESS THAN TWO PEOPLE IN HOV LANE and
      MOVED FROM LANE UNSAFELY and FAILED TO USE DESIGNATED LANE TO EXIT PROPERLY

      • RLF Attorneys
        May 18, 2017
        Reply

        Rosemary – In order to contest this ticket, you must set this case for trial whereby you will be able to cross examine the police officer. It is the job of the officer to prove their case by ‘clear and convincing evidence.

  • Shrila Bajracharya
    May 1, 2017
    Reply

    I was driving on the job lane and I took exit just before it ends. But undercover police stopped me and said I was not. But that’s not true. I have another passenger as witness. Then he gave me two ticket for disobeying job lane and lane changing. I am not guilty. What shall I do

    • RLF Attorneys
      May 8, 2017
      Reply

      In order to provide you with further information, please provide both the jurisdiction of the court, and the specific violation codes you are being charged with. We will then be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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