New York Traffic Ticket Questions

For answers to questions not listed below, contact our office today to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced New York traffic ticket defense attorney. Call 866-642-3807 or contact us via e-mail.

• What should I do if I got a New York speeding ticket? Should I just plead guilty?
• I am from out of state and got a New York traffic ticket. Do I need to return to New York to attend a traffic court date there?
• How will a traffic ticket or car accident affect my driving record?
• Can I use a cell phone while driving in New York?
• How does the New York driver’s license points system work?
• What is the New York driver responsibility assessment?
• Do I need a lawyer to fight my traffic ticket in New York?

What should I do if I got a New York speeding ticket? Should I just plead guilty?

On the back of your ticket, you can find information on how to respond to the ticket. It is important to respond and mail the ticket back or your driver’s license could be suspended. You must choose either to plead guilty and mail the fine in with your ticket, or check a box for “not guilty” and mail the ticket back. If you plead not guilty, you will receive information on a court date.

Before you simply plead guilty and pay the fine, consider how a traffic violation conviction will impact your driving record and finances in the long term. A traffic ticket violation will lead to points being added to your driver’s license record, which could lead to additional fines and penalties, higher insurance and other consequences. An experienced New York traffic violations attorney can help you defend your driving record.

I am from out of state and got a New York traffic ticket. Do I need to return to New York to attend a traffic court date there?

In most cases, our traffic violation defense attorneys can appear in court on your behalf so that you do not need to make a return trip to New York. With offices in both Albany and Schenectady, our attorneys are used to appearing in local courts throughout upstate New York, and are familiar with traffic courts throughout the state. We will put that knowledge to work for you.

How will a traffic ticket or car accident affect my driving record?

A traffic ticket conviction will go on your driving record and will add points to your driver’s license. After a certain amount of points are accumulated, you will be required to pay the driver responsibility assessment, even if you are not from New York. After a certain amount of points, your driver’s license will be suspended. A traffic ticket conviction will also show up on background checks, could lead to increased insurance costs and could damage your career if you drive for a living.

Can I use a cell phone while driving in New York?

No. It is against the law in New York to use a handheld cell phone while driving, except to call 911 in an emergency. It is also illegal to use a cell phone to send or receive text messages while driving, send or read e-mails, access the Internet, take photos or play games.

You could receive three points on your driver’s license if you are convicted of improperly using your cell phone while driving or texting while driving.

How does the New York driver’s license points system work?

When you are convicted of a traffic violation, points are added to your driver’s license based on a system developed by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.

Point values include:

• Speeding 1-10 MPH over the speed limit: 3 points
• Speeding 11-20 MPH over the speed limit: 4 points
• Reckless driving: 5 points
• Following too closely: 4 points
• Child safety seat violation: 3 points
• Left the scene of an accident that damaged property or injured a domestic animal: 3 points

See our page on the New York driver’s license point system for more information.

What is the New York driver responsibility assessment?

If you accumulate six points on your driver’s license in an 18-month period, the driver responsibility assessment (DRA) will kick in and you will be required to pay $300 over three years, with additional fines added for additional points added during that time period.

Convictions for DWI or refusing a chemical test after being stopped on suspicion of DWI will lead to larger fines. If you accumulate 11 points in an 18-month period, your driver’s license will be suspended. See our page on the DRA for more information.

Do I need a lawyer to fight my traffic ticket in New York?

You do not need an attorney to fight a traffic ticket in most cases, but a knowledgeable attorney experienced in New York traffic violation defense can help you get your charges reduced or dismissed. Having an advocate on your side when facing traffic violation charges can effectively help you end up with less points on your record and a lower fine.