VTL § 1163(d), “Improper/No Signal” or “FLD SIGNAL LANE CHG”

Not to be confused with VTL § 1163(a), VTL § 1163(b), VTL § 1163(c), or VTL § 1163(e)

Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1163(d) is the New York traffic infraction for failing to signal before turning, changing lanes, or pulling out from a parked position. It also prohibits using a turn signal as a courtesy "go ahead" signal.

Penalties for a VTL § 1163(d) Ticket

A VTL § 1163(d) conviction is a 2-point moving violation. The fine depends on where the ticket is heard: New York City tickets go to the Traffic Violations Bureau, while tickets elsewhere in the state are decided by a local judge within the statutory range.

• DMV points: 2 points. Failure to signal falls under "any other moving violations."
• Fine in New York City: $40 plus the $88 mandatory state surcharge, for a total of $128.
• Fine outside New York City: Set by the judge, up to $150 for a first offense under VTL § 1800(b), plus a mandatory surcharge under VTL § 1809 of $88 (city courts) or $93 (town and village courts). The maximum fine rises to $300 for a second offense within 18 months and $450 for a third.
• Insurance impact: According to the NY DMV, insurers use their own point systems, and points stay on your record as long as the conviction does. A 1163(d) conviction can raise your insurance premiums for years after the fine is paid.

Text of the Statute

Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1163(d) provides:

The signals provided for in section eleven hundred sixty-four shall be used to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a parked position and not be flashed on one side only on a parked or disabled vehicle, or flashed as a courtesy or "do pass" signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear.

Who Gets Cited With VTL § 1163(d)?

Any driver in New York who turns, changes lanes, or pulls away from the curb without first using a turn signal can be cited under VTL § 1163(d). In simple terms, the law says to use your signal every time you change direction or position, and to use it only for that purpose. The ticket is often abbreviated "FLD SIGNAL LANE CHG."

• Changing lanes without signaling: The most common reason for a 1163(d) ticket, such as moving into another lane on a highway or merging without using a turn signal.
• Turning or pulling out without signaling: VTL § 1163(d) also requires a signal before turning or starting from a parked position. Signaling too late before a turn is a separate charge under VTL § 1163(b).
• Misusing the turn signal: Flashing a signal as a courtesy "go ahead" to drivers behind you, or leaving one side flashing on a parked or disabled vehicle, violates the statute. Hazard lights are covered separately under VTL § 1163(e).

How to Fight a VTL § 1163(d) Ticket

If you get a ticket that will appear on your driving record and has points, it is generally advised to plead Not Guilty. It does not matter if you in fact committed the alleged violation. Pleading Not Guilty does not mean you are claiming that the charges are not true. It merely means that you are utilizing your rights and requiring the police officer to prove the case. Thus, pleading Not Guilty allows you to possibly avoid the points and the increased insurance rates.

An experienced traffic ticket lawyer can handle the entire case for you. The lawyer can file the Not Guilty plea in court and make any necessary court appearances in your place. Most importantly, a good traffic attorney is in the best possible position to ensure that you get the most optimal disposition.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office – Turn Signal Ticket Lawyer

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York State law firm that practices Traffic Law primarily. Our firm has been fighting all types of traffic-related charges since 2011. We have received hundreds of five-star reviews over the years, most of which speak to our exemplary customer service and the stellar results we obtain.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office has specific experience handling 1163-d charges. Our attorneys have gotten such tickets dismissed or reduced to parking tickets. Some of the courts where we have seen success include Lynbrook, Brooklyn TVB, Nassau TVA, Goshen, Salina, Suffolk TVA, Cornwall, Greenburgh, Amherst, and Menands. The team at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office provides all motorists with a complimentary consultation. We will be glad to review your ticket(s) in detail and advise on the available options. Our team can be reached by text message, phone call, website submission, or email. Attorneys at our firm are looking forward to working on your case.

Fight a VTL § 1163(d) Ticket