VTL 385-6 – Overlength Vehicle Combination

Lawyers at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office can represent motorists and commercial drivers cited under VTL § 385(6), "Overlength Vehicle Combination." New York State maintains specific length requirements for certain vehicle combinations, particularly stinger-steered transporters. Operating a vehicle combination that exceeds the maximum length limits without a proper permit can lead to significant fines, potential liability for infrastructure damage, and possible loss of commercial driving privileges. We can defend these tickets statewide.

Penalties for VTL 385-6 Overlength Vehicle Combination

Violations of VTL § 385(6) 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 bridges and/or highway structures.

• First offense: Fine between $200 and $500; up to 30 days jail; surcharge $88 (city courts) / $93 (justice courts).
• 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 385-4(a)(1) Overlength 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.

6. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision four of this section, stinger-steered automobile transporters or stinger-steered boat transporters shall be allowed a length of up to eighty feet and seventy-five feet respectively, exclusive of an overhang of not more than three feet on the front and four feet on the rear for stinger-steered boat transporters, and four feet on the front and six feet on the rear for stinger-steered automobile transporters.

What This Means for Drivers: This section provides specific length allowances for stinger-steered transporters that exceed the standard 65-foot limit for vehicle combinations. A stinger-steered automobile transporter may be up to 80 feet in length, exclusive of a front overhang of up to 4 feet and a rear overhang of up to 6 feet. A stinger-steered boat transporter may be up to 75 feet in length, exclusive of a front overhang of up to 3 feet and a rear overhang of up to 4 feet. These allowances are "exclusive of" the overhangs, meaning the overhangs are in addition to the base length. If your vehicle exceeds these specific limits, you may need a Special Hauling Permit or may be in violation of this section.

How to Fight a VTL § 385(6) Ticket

Fighting an overlength ticket under this section involves examining whether your vehicle qualifies as a stinger-steered transporter, the measurement method used, and whether overhangs were properly excluded from the measurement. This is especially important for commercial drivers where license status and potential liability are at stake.

Common defense angles include:

• Vehicle Classification: Does your vehicle qualify as a stinger-steered automobile transporter or stinger-steered boat transporter? The statute provides specific allowances only for these vehicle types. If your vehicle doesn't meet the definition, you may need to challenge the classification or argue for a different applicable section.
• Measurement Accuracy: Did the officer correctly measure the vehicle length exclusive of overhangs? The statute specifically states that overhangs are "exclusive of" the base length, meaning they should not be included in the 80-foot or 75-foot measurement. Was the measurement taken correctly?
• Overhang Calculation: Were the front and rear overhangs properly excluded from the measurement? For automobile transporters, overhangs of up to 4 feet (front) and 6 feet (rear) are allowed. For boat transporters, overhangs of up to 3 feet (front) and 4 feet (rear) are allowed. If overhangs were included in the measurement, this could be a defense.
• 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?
• Stinger-Steered Definition: Can you demonstrate that your vehicle meets the definition of a stinger-steered transporter? The specific configuration and design of the vehicle may be relevant to whether this section applies.
• Total Length Calculation: If overhangs are properly excluded, was the total length (base length plus overhangs) calculated correctly? For example, an automobile transporter could theoretically be up to 90 feet total (80 feet base + 4 feet front + 6 feet rear) if all maximum overhangs are used.

Why These Tickets Are Common: Commercial drivers operating stinger-steered transporters often face these tickets at weigh stations, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) checkpoints, or during routine traffic stops. Officers and DOT inspectors must carefully measure these vehicles because the overhang allowances can be complex, and improper measurement can result in incorrect citations. These specialized vehicles are used for transporting automobiles and boats, and understanding the specific length allowances is crucial for compliance.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office can assist with VTL § 385 violations statewide, including overlength cases involving stinger-steered transporters. We work to protect your license, minimize liability, and preserve your company's bottom line. Contact us at your convenience, via phone call, email, website submission or text message. We will be glad to review your tickets for free.

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