Is There A Slow Poke Law In New York?

As the weather warms up there is one thing that we notice here in New York, people like to go very fast on the roads across the state.

But what about the people who don't like driving over the speed limit? Can you still get a ticket for going too slow in New York State?

The simple answer is YES!!

WHAT IS NEW YORK'S SLOW POKE LAW?

New York State has a law that requires to not impede the flow of traffic by driving too slow.

1181. Minimum speed regulations. (a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

(b) Whenever a minimum speed limit has been established as authorized in sections sixteen hundred twenty or sixteen hundred forty-two, no person shall drive at a speed less than such minimum speed limit except when entering upon or preparing to exit from the highway upon which such a minimum speed limit has been established, when preparing to stop, or when necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

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WHAT ARE THE FINES FOR DRIVING TOO SLOW?

In New York State you can get fined up to $150, plus a mandatory NYS surcharge of $88-$93. Each offense will also add three points to your license. The base fine goes up to $300 for a second offense in 18 months and $450 for a third offense in 18 months. Getting a ticket for driving too slow can also impact your auto insurance just like a speeding ticket does.

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T DRIVE TOO SLOW

Safety is the main reason. Just like speeding, if you are not going near the speed of traffic going too fast or slow could lead to an accident. If you don't want to speed, the best thing is to go the speed limit and stay in the right lane.

Check out some other common traffic laws that people break all the time in New York.