Most drivers know they can get pulled over for speeding or going through a red light, but there are smaller things that can get a cop’s attention and a rideshare driver pulled over. Some are easy to miss, even for drivers who spend every day behind the wheel.
Here are a few to keep in mind to avoid tickets:
1. Your License Plate Is Hard to Read
Take a look at your plate before you start your day.
Can you read all of it?
Dirt, snow, damage, or something covering part of the plate can be a problem. New York has also made its rules on plate covers more strict.
Even if you did not mean to hide your plate, it is a good idea to keep it clean.
2. Your License Plate Light Is Out
Your headlights are working. Your brake lights are working. So you are good to go, right?
Not always.
Your car also has a small light that helps people see your rear license plate at night.
It is easy to forget because you may never see it while driving, but it is one of the lights checked during a New York State car inspection.
Do not forget this one.
3. One of Your Other Lights Is Not Working
A driver may not know that a brake light or tail light has stopped working.
After all, you cannot see the back of your car while you are driving it. A quick light check before you start driving can help you find a problem before someone else does.
4. Your Windows Are Too Dark
Dark window tint can help block bright sun and give people more privacy, but New York has rules about how dark they can be.
This can be easy to miss if you bought a used car that already had tinted windows, but a tint is not allowed just because it was on the car when you bought it.
5. Your Windshield Has a Large Crack
A tiny chip in the windshield may not seem like a big deal. A large crack can be different.
New York checks the state of the windshield during a car inspection. A crack that is 11 inches or longer can fail inspection if any part of it is in the area cleaned by the windshield wipers.
If a crack starts to grow, it is better not to ignore it.
6. Your Wipers Do Not Work Well
Windshield wipers are another part of the car that is easy to forget about until it rains. New York car inspections check that the wipers work and that the blades are in good shape.
Old blades may leave water on the glass and make it harder to see.
If your wipers are skipping, broken, or leaving large streaks, it may be time to check them.
7. A Passenger Is Not Wearing a Seat Belt
You put on your seat belt. But what about the rider in the back?
In New York, passengers must wear seat belts, even in the back seat.
An adult passenger may get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt. But there are cases where the driver may get a ticket when a passenger under age 16 is not buckled in.
For a rideshare driver, the easy rule is: wait until everyone is buckled before you start the trip.
8. Something Is Wrong With Your Mirrors
Mirrors are also part of New York’s car inspection. They need to be in the right place and in good enough shape to use. Cracks, breaks, or other damage may be a problem.
9. You Pick Up a Rider Where You Should Not Stop
Your rider sends a message:
“I’m right here. Just stop out front for a second.”
Rideshare drivers still have to follow rules about where cars can stop. This can include rules around crosswalks, bike lanes, bus lanes, and other parts of the street.
If the pick-up spot is not safe or allowed, keep going and find a better place. A rider may not know the traffic rules.
Rideshare Legal Services Fights Rideshare Tickets
Consulting a traffic attorney specializing in New York regulations can significantly decrease your chances of accumulating points on your driver’s license.
They can help build your case, represent you in court, and negotiate with the prosecutor. Uber & Lyft drivers have access to help from our preferred and trusted ticket lawyer at a highly discounted rate.
Have a ticket today? Fill out a form below, or all our helpline at (646) 687-7587.
