TRAFFIC
New York State Traffic Tickets Have you been charged with a traffic violation in New York State? If so, you may think this is a simple matter that you can handle yourself; however, that is not always the case. Even the most simple traffic violation can lead to severe penalties and is oftentimes the first step towards suspension of an individual’s driving privileges.
Penalties for Traffic Violations
New York State takes traffic violations very seriously. For example, if you accumulate 11 or more points on your driving record within an 18 month period then your license will be suspended. If you accumulate six or more points on your driving record within an 18 month period then you will have to pay the Driver Responsibility Assessment to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Driver Responsibility Assessment is a civil penalty imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles which you must pay in addition to any court-imposed fines and surcharges. Even if you have not accumulated numerous points on your record, a conviction for one traffic violation can lead to substantial fines, surcharges, and can increase your insurance rates. Below is a list of common traffic violations and the associated fines, surcharges, and points.
| Speeding (Speed Not Indicated) |
First Offense: $45 - $150 Second Offense (within18 months): $45-$300 Third Offense (within 18 months): $45-$525 |
$88-$93 | ||
| Speeding (1-10 miles per hour over the limit) |
First Offense: $45 - $150 Second Offense (within18 months): $45-$300 Third Offense (within 18 months): $45-$525 |
$88-$93 | ||
| Speeding (11-20 miles per hour over the limit) |
First Offense: $90 - $300 Second Offense (within18 months): $90-$450 Third Offense (within 18 months): $90-$675 |
$88-$93 | ||
| Speeding (21-30 miles per hour over the limit) |
First Offense: $90 - $300 Second Offense (within18 months): $90-$450 Third Offense (within 18 months): $90-$675 |
$88-$93 | ||
| Speeding (31-40 miles per hour over the limit) |
First Offense: $180-$600 Second Offense (within18 months): $180-$750 Third Offense (within 18 months): $180-$975 |
$88-$93 | ||
| Speeding (more than 40 miles per hour over the limit) |
First Offense: $180-$600 Second Offense (within18 months): $180-$750 Third Offense (within 18 months): $180-$975 |
$88-$93 | ||
| Reckless Driving **(This is a crime in New York State and can result in your license being revoked.) |
First Offense: $100-$300 Second Offense (within18 months): $100-$525 Third Offense (within 18 months): $100-$1,125 |
$88-$93 | ||
| Failure to Stop for a School Bus |
First Offense: $250-$400 Second Offense (within18 months): $600-$750 Third Offense (within 18 months): $750-$1,000 |
$88-$93 | ||
| Improper Cell Phone Use | $50-$150 | $88-$93 | ||
| Following Too Closely | $0-$150 | $88-$93 | ||
|
$0-$250 | $88-$93 | ||
| Use of Portable Electronic Device (Texting While Driving) **(Individuals who hold a permit or junior license and are convicted of this offense are subject to a 120-day suspension of his or her license.) |
|
$88-$93 | ||
| Failure to Move for Emergency Vehicle (Move Over Law) | $0-$275 | $88-$93 |
Canadian Drivers Ticketed in New York State
If you are a driver who holds a Canadian license and receive a traffic ticket in New York, you may plan to simply mail the ticket to the court with a plea of guilty and to pay the fine imposed by the court. Many Canadian motorists plead guilty to New York tickets to avoid time and expense associated with traveling back to New York to answer a traffic ticket; however, this is a big mistake that can impact your driving record, insurance rates, and end up costing you more than you anticipated.
Pleading guilty to a New York State traffic ticket can result in demerit points on your Canadian driving record.
The provinces of Ontario and Quebec have entered a reciprocity agreement with New York State. Essentially, the reciprocity agreement requires Quebec, Ontario, and New York State to share information regarding motorists' traffic violations and convictions. When a Canadian motorist is convicted of a traffic violation in the State of New York, the conviction information is provided to the Canadian licensing authority and demerit points are assessed.
By hiring The Law Office of Nikole M. Wynn, you can avoid the inconvenience of traveling back to New York State to appear in court because Nikole can appear in court on your behalf. Moreover, by hiring an attorney to fight your New York State traffic ticket, you have taken the first step to reducing or eliminating demerit points, reducing potential fines and surcharges, and preventing an increase in your insurance rates.
Out of State Drivers Ticketed in New York State
If you are an out of state driver and receive a traffic ticket in New York, your home state driving record and insurance rates may be impacted. Most states in the U.S. have joined the Driver License Compact which is an agreement among states to share information regarding driver license suspensions and traffic convictions. When an individual is convicted of a traffic violation in a different state, the conviction information is shared with the driver's home state. Once the conviction information is received by the home state, the home state will treat the conviction as if it occurred in the home state and can assess points on an individual's driving record.
The Law Office of Nikole M. Wynn can assist you in determining if your state is a member of the Driver License Compact and fight your New York traffic ticket to avoid a negative impact on your driving record. In addition, Nikole can appear in court on your behalf and save you the time, money, and inconvenience of traveling back to New York to answer a traffic ticket.
How The Law Office of Nikole M. Wynn Can Help
The first step to achieving a good outcome for your traffic matter is to speak with an experienced traffic attorney who can assess your specific situation and offer some possible resolutions. Since being admitted to practice law in New York, Nikole has focused her practice on traffic and criminal defense and has cultivated good relationships with local prosecutors and judges.
At the Law Office of Nikole M. Wynn, you will receive a FREE and HONEST consultation regarding your traffic charges. If Nikole does not think hiring an attorney will benefit you then she will explain your options and give you honest advice. In addition, Nikole will work to help you avoid points on your driving record, increased fines and surcharges, and will work to avoid a negative impact on your insurance rates.
The Law Office of Nikole M. Wynn Promises to:
CALL 716-288-5254, or email our Attorney at nikole@nikolewynn.com for a FREE CASE EVALUATION. All inquiries will be answered within 48 hours
