VTL 385-4(a)(1) – Overlength Vehicle Combination

The attorneys at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office are willing and ready to help motorists and commercial drivers cited under VTL § 385(4)(a)(1), Overlength Vehicle Combination. New York State maintains strict length limits for vehicle combinations to ensure safety on highways and protect infrastructure. Operating a vehicle combination that exceeds the maximum length limit of 65 feet (or 40 feet for a single vehicle) without a proper permit can lead to significant fines, potential liability for infrastructure damage, and possible loss of commercial driving privileges. We dcan fight such tickets across New York State.

Penalties for VTL 385-4(a)(1) Overlength Vehicle Combination

Violations of VTL § 385(4)(a)(1) are typically handled as traffic infractions. The fines are substantial compared to standard traffic tickets, and the consequences can be severe if the vehicle causes damage to a bridge or highway structure.

• First offense: Fine between $200 and $500; up to 30 days jail; surcharge $88 (other courts) / $93 (town & village).
• Second offense (within 18 months): Fine between $500 and $1,000; up to 60 days jail; surcharge $88 / $93.

While "overlength" violations do not carry driver violation points, they can impact a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holder's employment record and CSA scores for carriers. Courts also have discretion to impose the higher end of the fine range, especially for egregious violations or when damage to infrastructure occurs. For other dimension violations, such as VTL 385 Overwidth violations or VTL 385 Overheight violations, penalties can also be severe.

Statute

The relevant section of the Vehicle and Traffic Law states:

§ 385. Dimensions and weights of vehicles.

4. (a) (1) The length of a single vehicle, inclusive of load and bumpers, shall be not more than forty feet unless otherwise provided in this subdivision.

The length of a combination of vehicles, inclusive of load and bumpers, shall be not more than sixty-five feet.

What This Means for Drivers: In simple terms, a single vehicle (including its load and bumpers) cannot exceed 40 feet in length, while a combination of vehicles (such as a truck with a trailer) cannot exceed 65 feet in total length, including load and bumpers. This limit applies to all vehicles on New York State highways and roads. If your vehicle or combination is longer than these limits, you generally need a Special Hauling Permit. Certain exceptions exist for specific types of vehicles like stinger-steered automobile transporters and boat transporters, which have different length allowances with specific overhang provisions.

How to Fight a VTL § 385(4)(a)(1) Ticket

Fighting an overlength ticket involves examining the specifics of the stop, the measurement method, and the vehicle's classification. This is especially important for commercial drivers where license status and potential liability for infrastructure damage are at stake, similar to other CDL endorsement violations.

Common defense angles include:

• Measurement Accuracy: Did the officer use a calibrated measuring device? Was the measurement taken correctly from the front bumper to the rear bumper, including the load? Length measurements can be affected by how the vehicle is parked, whether bumpers are included, and the angle at which the measurement was taken.
• Permits: Did the driver have a valid Special Hauling Permit that covered the length dimensions? Was there a misunderstanding of the permit's conditions or route restrictions?
• Load Configuration: Did the load extend beyond the vehicle's normal dimensions in a way that wasn't accounted for in the initial measurement? Can you demonstrate that the vehicle was within legal length limits when initially loaded?
• Special Vehicle Exemptions: Certain vehicle types, such as stinger-steered automobile transporters (up to 80 feet with specific overhang allowances) or stinger-steered boat transporters (up to 75 feet with specific overhang allowances), may have specific exemptions under the statute.
• Bumper Measurement: Was the measurement taken correctly to include bumpers? The statute specifically requires measurement "inclusive of load and bumpers," so improper measurement techniques could be a defense.
• Single Vehicle vs. Combination: Was the vehicle properly classified? A single vehicle has a 40-foot limit, while a combination has a 65-foot limit. Misclassification could result in an invalid citation.

Why These Tickets Are Common: Commercial drivers transporting long loads, construction materials, or using vehicle combinations often face these tickets at weigh stations, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) checkpoints, or during routine traffic stops. Officers and DOT inspectors are particularly vigilant about length because overlength vehicles can pose serious risks, including difficulty navigating turns, blocking traffic, and potential damage to infrastructure. Overlength vehicles can also create safety hazards on narrow roads and in urban areas.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office can assist with VTL § 385 violations statewide, including overlength cases that involve infrastructure damage or permit issues. We work to protect your license, minimize liability, and preserve your company's bottom line. Contact us at your convenience, via phone call, email, or text message. We will be glad to review your case for free.

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