Is blocking traffic a crime?

Most jurisdictions consider traffic obstruction to be an illegal activity and have developed rules to prosecute those who block, obstruct, prevent, or interfere in any way with the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic on a public street or highway. Blocking traffic is an illegal, albeit effective, method of protesting in the United States. When protesters block traffic, they are engaging in civil disobedience, a term coined by one of America's first freethinkers and intellectuals, Henry David Thoreau. Basically, this rule aims to prevent your car from getting stuck in the middle of the intersection and prevent opposing traffic from moving forward because your vehicle is in your way.

If you cannot clear the intersection, you are not allowed to turn toward the intersection. The offense associated with turning to the intersection when you can't clear it is sometimes referred to as “locking the box.” Simply call us today to speak with a New York traffic ticket lawyer about your obstruction traffic violation and have an expert advocate on your side. We have the experience and skills to help you fight any traffic violation allegation, including a traffic obstruction related violation. Both traffic officers and police officers can now cite you for obstructing traffic within New York City, but you can only receive a traffic ticket if a police officer issues your traffic obstructing ticket.

The New York traffic firm has successfully helped drivers fight allegations of an obstructive traffic violation. Iowa law grants civil immunity to drivers who exercise due care and injure “another person who is participating in an illegal protest, demonstration, riot or gathering or who is engaging in disorderly conduct and blocking traffic. New York has several laws that criminalize obstruction of traffic, including Section 1175 of the Vehicles and Traffic Act, which prohibits obstruction of traffic at intersections.