VTL 1252(c) — Lane Splitting (Motorcycle Between Lanes)

New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law §1252(c) prohibits motorcyclists from driving between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. This is a ticket motorcycle drivers get for weaving in and out of traffic. At the Benjamin Goldman Law Office, we've seen these violation charges, and fortunately enough, we know how to fight it.

How Much Is a VTL 1252(c) Lane Splitting Ticket in NY?

• Fine and surcharge: The first-offense fine is $0–$150, plus a mandatory $88 (city courts) or $93 (justice courts) surcharge.
• Jail: Up to 15 days in jail, although jail is highly unlikely in practice.
• Points: VTL 1252(c) carries 2 points.
• Insurance impact: A 2-point conviction appears on your DMV abstract and can be reported to your insurer at renewal, potentially raising your motorcycle insurance rates.

VTL 1252(c) — Statute

The language of VTL § 1252(c) reads:

No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.

VTL 1252 — Related Motorcycle Lane Violations

VTL 1252 contains four subdivisions governing how motorcycles must use lanes:

• 1252(a): Motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane; no vehicle may deprive a motorcycle of full lane use. Two motorcycles may ride abreast in one lane.
• 1252(b): A motorcycle operator shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
• 1252(c) — this section: No operating between lanes of traffic (lane splitting or lane filtering).
• 1252(d): Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.

Note that 1252(b) and 1252(c) do not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties per VTL 1252(e).

Disputing a VTL 1252(c) Ticket

Possible defenses include: the motorcycle was not operating "between lanes" but was changing lanes in a normal manner; the officer misidentified the maneuver; or the motorcycle was a police vehicle exempt under VTL 1252(e).

Because this ticket carries 2 points and can affect your motorcycle insurance, it is worth contesting.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York State traffic ticket defense firm. Our firm opened in 2011 with the purpose of assisting motorists with traffic related charged in New York State. Since then, our attorneys have successfully fought over 100,000 tickets across the state. Our team aggressively pursues a disposition that does not involve points. We will be glad to take on your case. Contact us for a free consultation.

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