VTL § 356, Forging Proof of Insurance

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office can help with New York Vehicle & Traffic Law violations. VTL § 356 (Article 7) addresses forging or signing without authority any evidence of ability to respond in damages (proof of financial responsibility) required by the commissioner. If you were charged with this offense, we can help. We can help with tickets in courts across the state. See our testimonials, courts we appear in, and contact us for a consultation.

Vehicle & Traffic Law § 356, Forging or Without Authority Signing Proof of Financial Responsibility

Under VTL § 356, any person who shall forge, or without authority, sign any evidence of ability to respond in damages as required by the commissioner in the administration of Article 7 (Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act), and any non-resident who shall operate a motor vehicle in this state from whom the privilege of operating any motor vehicle has been withdrawn as provided in Article 7, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days or both. This covers forged or unauthorized proof of financial responsibility (e.g., insurance or bond documentation) submitted to the NY DMV or used in connection with Article 7.

What are the penalties?

• Fine and jail: Per the Vehicle & Traffic Law Manual for Local Courts (Magill 2024), fine of $0–$1,000, 0–30 days in jail.
• Points: 0 points.
• Surcharge: $88 or $93 surcharge applies.

VTL § 356 Statute

Any person who shall forge, or without authority, sign any evidence of ability to respond in damages as required by the commissioner in the administration of this article, and any non-resident who shall operate a motor vehicle in this state from whom the privilege of operating any motor vehicle has been withdrawn as provided herein, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days or both.

Source: NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law § 356 (nysenate.gov)

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

If you were charged with a VTL § 356 violation, the Benjamin Goldman Law Office can advise you. We can help with Article 7 and traffic matters across New York. Contact us for a complimentary consultation via our contact page.

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