Can you avoid a traffic ticket by fleeing New York? It seems like I have seen this in the movies where the suspect is racing towards the state line forcing the pursuing officer out of their jurisdiction and the suspect is free. Is that how it works in real life as well?
New York State Police are issuing a warning to motorists that attempt to avoid traffic tickets and/or arrests by leaving the state. Troopers say they will find you.
Here is a real life scenario. On Saturday October 4, 2025, at approximately 5:45am, a Trooper observed a Hyundai sedan following a vehicle too close on Interstate 81. The Hyundai then failed to stop at a stop sign at the bottom of the exit 1 off ramp near State Route 11. The Hyundai also failed to stop at another stop sign so the Trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
Once the Trooper attempted to pull the Hyundai over the suspect took off at a high rate of speed, down several roads continuing to make more vehicle and traffic infractions and ultimately drove into the state of Pennsylvania.
518 News, New York State Police
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With the assistance of Pennsylvania State Police, Troopers were able to locate the vehicle and driver. On October 14, 2025, New York State Police at Binghamton arrested 28-year-old Austin L. Darrow, of New Milford, PA for the misdemeanor of Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle.
According to a press release, fleeing in a motor vehicle to another state to avoid a ticket or an arrest will not prevent the New York State Police from finding you. Crossing state lines does not shield a person from legal consequences, it could potentially make charges even higher.
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