VTL 509-3 “Operating in Violation of Restrictions”
Vehicle & Traffic Law § 509-3 concerns specific restrictions on a driver’s license or permit. Operating a motor vehicle in a manner that is not in compliance with a specific restriction is a traffic violation. There are many restrictions that can lead to this violation. In our experience, this ticket is most issued to young drivers with a learner’s permit and are operating a car without an adult or outside of allowed times for driving. It can also specify prosthetic devices or equipment which are required to operate a vehicle. In other cases, it is a restriction brought about as the result of a DWI or other legal issue.
There are different types of
restrictions, and there can be one or more specific restrictions
on the document. Failure to abide by these restrictions can result
in fines of up to three hundred dollars (plus surcharge) for a
first-time offense. While the charge carries no points, it may
stay on your driving history. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office has
helped many motorists with this ticket. You can contact us to
review your ticket. Consultations are free. For more detailed
analysis see below.
The different types of restrictions can be organized
into:
1. VTL 509-3 Statutory Restrictions
The most common tickets issued in New York are for speeding violations. In second place are tickets for violating Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1110(a), Disobeying a Traffic Control Device. This statute is “popular” with law enforcement because it is a catch-all and includes almost any type of moving violation. If convicted, it will give you two points on your New York driving record. In New York City, the fine is $138 ($40 fine + $88 mandatory surcharge). Outside of New York City, the fine is up to the judge. The maximum for a first-time offender is $243 ($150 plus a $93 mandatory surcharge).
2. VTL 509-3 Regulation Restrictions
These restrictions are based on the physical condition of the license holders. For example, if corrective lenses are required. In other cases, some drivers might require an accelerator to the left of the brake.
Regardless of category, operating a vehicle in violation of any restrictions is a violation. If you are unaware of any restrictions, they can be easily found by a code found on the front of your license or permit. A description of any restrictions you have is also printed on the back of licenses or permits.
What Do the Restriction Codes on a NY Driver's License Mean?
Each restriction code printed on your NY driver's license or permit corresponds to a specific condition or equipment requirement. If you drive in violation of any listed restriction, you can be charged under VTL 509-3. Per the NY DMV, restrictions appear as letter or number codes on the front of your license; a full description is printed on the back.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Accelerator Left of Brake |
| A1 | Temporary Visitor |
| A2 | Problem Driver (Class D Only) |
| A3 | Medical Certificate Exemption (Commercial Class Only) |
| A4 | Ignition Interlock Device |
| B | Corrective Lenses |
| C | Mechanical Aid |
| D | Prosthetic Device |
| E | No Manual Transmission Equipped CMV (Commercial Class Only) |
| E1 | Automatic Transmission |
| F | Outside Mirrors |
| F1 | Hearing Aid, or Full-View Mirror |
| G | Daylight Driving Only |
| I | Limited Use Auto (Maximum Speed of 40 MPH) |
| I1 | Limited Use Motorcycle Class (Maximum Speed of 40 MPH) |
| I2 | Limited Use Motorcycle Class (Maximum Speed of 30 MPH) |
| I3 | Limited Use Motorcycle Class (Maximum Speed of 20 MPH) |
| I4 | Three Wheel Motorcycle (Motorcycle Class) |
| K | CDL Intrastate: No Operation Outside New York State for Commerce (Commercial Class Only) |
| L | No Air Brake Equipped (Commercial Class Only) |
| L1 | No Air Brake Equipped Class A (Commercial Class Only) |
| L2 | No Air Brake Equipped Class B (Commercial Class Only) |
| M | No Class A Passenger Vehicle (Commercial Class Only) |
| N | No Class A and B Passenger Vehicle (Commercial Class Only) |
| N1 | No Vehicle Designed for 15 or More Adult Passengers (Commercial Class Only) |
| N2 | No Vehicle Designed for 8 or More Adult Passengers (Commercial Class Only) |
| O | No Tractor/Trailer (Commercial Class Only) |
| O1 | No Tractor/Trailer CMV / Truck Not Over 26,000 GVWR (Commercial Class Only) |
| O2 | No Tractor/Trailer CMV / Truck Not Over 18,000 GVWR (Commercial Class Only) |
| P | No Passengers in CMV Bus (Commercial Learner Permit Only) |
| P1 | Power Brakes |
| Q | Power Steering |
| R | Built Up Seat, Pedal or Shoe |
| U | Hand Operated Brake |
| V | Medical Variance (Commercial Class Only) |
| V1 | Foot Operated Parking Brake |
| W | No Vehicle Over 18,000 Pounds |
| X | No Cargo in CMV Tank Vehicle (Commercial Learner Permit Only) |
| X1 | Full Hand Control |
| Y | Shoulder Harness Use |
| Z | No Full Air Brake Equipped (Commercial Class Only) |
| Z1 | Wheel Spinner |
| 4 | Telescopic Lens |
| 5 | No Limited Access Roads |
The Benjamin Goldman Law Office
If you received a traffic ticket for 509-3 and would like to dispute the charges, you can contact the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. We are a New York State traffic defense firm. Our firm opened in 2011 in Sullivan County. Having seen much success, over the years we have expanded our coverage area. Now the Benjamin Goldman Law Office offers legal services across the entire state. Our team can help with a case in Brooklyn, New York City, in Plattsburgh in the northeast corner of the state, and in all the towns outside of Buffalo, such as Amherst and Tonawanda. We provide all motorists with a free consultation. Contact us at your convenience.