According to recent NY bicycle accident statistics, almost 50 million adult New Yorkers cycle regularly. However, not every rider in New York City realizes that biking irresponsibly comes with a set of legal drawbacks as well. Although the state law does not view bicycles as full-scale motor vehicles, cyclists must abide by the same traffic rules and regulations that apply to drivers.
What is the worst that could happen if you violate the local traffic law? Aside from the fact that you can get yourself into a serious accident that inflicts injuries, financial hardship, and mental anguish, there are also bike fines in NYC to watch out for!
Key Takeaways
- Bicyclists have to follow traffic signs and signals.
- Bike riders owe the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Some areas, such as sidewalks, are off-limits for cyclists.
- Exceeding the posted speed limit while biking can lead to fines and citations.
- Every subsequent traffic violation will result in an increased fine.
What Is a Cycling Ticket in New York City?
The vehicle and traffic law of New York outlines a cycling ticket as a traditional traffic citation issued to a person who violates existing rules and regulations. Whether you are found speeding, double parking, ignoring a red light, or riding a poorly equipped vehicle, the NYPD has the power to stop you and write you a fine.
The sum of the fine depends on the severity of the violation and its repetitiveness. The typical cycling ticket starts at $50 for the first violation. Further violations can have varying consequences.
While vehicle operators may even lose their driver’s license if they break certain traffic rules, NY cycling laws mostly introduce mild charges for cyclists. Yet, you should remember that every case is unique, and at times, only a trained attorney can explain your legal responsibilities.
Top Reasons Cyclists Can Get Ticketed In New York
There are a few typical reasons why you may get cited in New York:
- Sidewalk riding: Cyclists aren’t allowed to ride bikes on sidewalks in New York City. There may be exceptions across the state, but in the city, you receive a fine for violating the rule.
- Failure to yield: Just like motor vehicle operators owe the right of way to cyclists, so do the riders to pedestrians. Failing to comply with the law may lead to a traffic ticket.
- Absence of lights and reflectors: Bike riders must ensure their visibility, especially during the darker hours of the day and when sharing the road with larger vehicles. Thus, if a bike isn’t equipped with sufficient lights and reflectors, the rider may be fined when stopped by an officer or captured by traffic control devices.
- Use of headphones: In New York, cyclists are allowed to wear headphones or earphones as long as only one ear is covered. Riding with both ears covered by audio devices is illegal, so when caught, the rider will be subjected to a fine.
Bicycle Violation Codes and Fines in NYC
Traffic codes are a set of rules and guidelines for drivers to ensure appropriate and safe behavior on the road. However, some traffic codes have been written for bicyclists, too. Those codes describe how a rider must act when riding a bike. They also outline a possible monetary penalty, usually within the $25-$250 range, that a rider can receive if they break the rules.
Understanding these codes will help you remain a law-abiding citizen and improve your safety on the road. Besides, it can also be useful if you get into an accident and need to fight for maximum compensation instead of an average bicycle accident settlement in NYC.
| Law Title | Adjustment Code | Law Code Printed on the Ticket | Description | Fine |
| VTL | 1235 | 1235 | Carrying articles on a bike that prevents having at least one arm at the handlebars | Varies |
| VTL | 1238 | 1238 | Child passengers from 1 to 14 years old without proper headgear on | Up to $50 for the second offense |
| VTL | 12331 | 1233(1) | Unsafe rider behavior in the form of clinging to a moving motor vehicle | Varies |
| VTL | 1102B | 1102 | Cyclist failed to comply with a lawful order from the police officer or the flagperson | Varies |
| VTL | 1110AB | 1110(a) | Disobeying a traffic control device while operating a bike | Up to $150 |
| VTL | 1111A1B | 1111(a)(1) | Failing to obey traffic-control indications | Varies |
| VTL | 1127AB | 1127(a) | Driving in the wrong direction on a one‐way street | Up to $150 plus a court charge |
| VTL | 1229AB | 1229‐a | Bicycles are prohibited on state expressways | Varies |
| VTL | 1232A | 1232(a) | Improper operation of a bike | Varies |
| VTL | 1232B | 1232(b) | Transporting more riders or passengers than the vehicle is equipped for | Varies |
| VTL | 1234A | 1234(a) | Failure to keep to the right side of the road when there are no bike lanes in the vicinity | Varies |
| VTL | 1234C | 1234(c) | Failure to come to a full stop when entering the roadway | Varies |
| VTL | 1236A | 1236(a) | Missing or insufficient front lights to ensure proper visibility during the dark hours | Varies |
| VTL | 1236B | 1236(b) | No bell or audible signal device is available | Varies |
| VTL | 37524AB | 375(24‐a) | Operating a bicycle with more than one earphone | Varies |
| NYCTRR | 403A5B | 4‐03(a)(5) | Bicyclist disobeyed a stop sign | From $50 to $115 |
| NYCTRR | 407C31 | 4‐07(c)(3)(i) | Biking on a sidewalk, in general | Varies |
| Admin. Code | 19176C | 19-176(c) | Biking on a sidewalk that endangers others | First violation starts at $100 |
| NYCTRR | 412P1 | 4‐12(p)(1) | Biking off-lane when equipped bike paths are available | Varies |
How Do You Handle a Cycling Ticket Issued in NYC?
Just as it helps to know what to do after a bicycle accident in New York, it pays off to understand your options if you get a ticket while riding through the city on your bike.
- Review the ticket: Although your first instinct may be to refuse the ticket and deny any fault, our experienced New York bicycle accident lawyers suggest that you calm down and review it instead. Check such details as time, date, location, and the violation code. You can call a field attorney for a free consultation, even just to figure out what the code stands for and whether it coincides with your potential violation.
- Pay or contest: You can either pay for the ticket instantly or dispute it. If you believe that you weren’t ticketed rightfully, you may want to follow the contest route. Should that be the case, you will have to request and attend a hearing with an administrative law judge. Gathering evidence that speaks in your favor would be a wise move.
- Proceed as advised: If you lose the case or don’t plan to file the claim at all, it is best to pay the fine as soon as possible to avoid additional penalties.
Conclusion
The New York Traffic Violations Bureau has implemented a fair share of rules and regulations that every rider has to abide by to ensure road safety, order, and responsible biking. However, if you break the law, you must be aware of the legal consequences, which come as bike fines in most cases. The more severe the violation, the higher the penalty.
You can always contest the ticket, especially if you can prove that you haven’t broken any traffic rules. To know your options, you can contact our team for a free consultation, and our lawyers will point you in the right direction!
If you’re a cyclist who has been in an accident, call today for a free initial consult about your legal claim. We’re here to help with your legal questions. Contact our law firm for coast-to-coast bike accident and personal injury representation.
Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
Can I Get a Ticket for Riding on a Sidewalk in New York?
In New York City, you will get a ticket if you get caught cycling on a sidewalk because riders over 14 years of age are prohibited from riding on sidewalks. However, other municipalities across the state may have more flexible regulations.
Is a Surcharge Payment Mandatory?
Surcharges are mandatory for motor vehicle operators, but a bike rider does not have to pay them.
Can I Contest a Cycling Ticket?
Yes, you can. If you believe that you haven’t violated any traffic rules or regulations, you can apply for a hearing and dispute the assigned fine.
Since his academic days at the UC Berkeley School of Law, Robert Goldwater has remained a committed advocate for victims of other people’s negligence. His tort law background, together with his unquenchable thirst for justice, helped young Robert found a now-successful law firm – Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group, gathering same-minded and promising attorneys from all over the country.
