Best Speeding & Traffic Ticket Lawyers in New York

About Speeding & Traffic Ticket Law in New York, United States

Speeding and traffic ticket laws in New York are designed to keep roads safe and maintain orderly traffic flow across the state. New York maintains strict rules regarding speed limits, traffic signs, traffic signals and other roadway regulations. Law enforcement agencies such as the New York State Police and local police departments enforce these laws. When a driver violates a traffic law, they may be issued a ticket that can carry fines, points on the driver's license, and in some situations, other penalties such as increased insurance rates or even license suspension. Understanding how these tickets work and how to address them can help individuals protect their driving record and minimize negative consequences.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many people believe that traffic tickets are simple matters that can be handled without legal counsel. However, legal representation may become necessary in several situations, especially when the consequences are severe. Some common situations where hiring a lawyer for a speeding or traffic ticket in New York may be helpful include:

• Receiving multiple tickets within a short period, risking license suspension due to accumulated points.
• Being charged with a high-speed violation or reckless driving, which can be criminal offenses.
• Facing complicated cases, such as commercial drivers or out-of-state drivers potentially jeopardizing their CDL or home-state records.
• Wanting to negotiate a reduction in charges or points, potentially avoiding increased insurance premiums.
• Challenging errors in the citation or alleging that you were wrongly accused.
• Dealing with traffic tickets received in unfamiliar jurisdictions or areas with unique local regulations.
• Needing guidance on the impact of a ticket for new or young drivers who are often subject to stricter rules in New York.

Local Laws Overview

Traffic laws in New York State are established primarily under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL). Here are some key aspects specific to New York:

• Point System: New York assigns a set number of points for different violations. Accumulating 11 points in an 18-month period can result in license suspension.
• Speeding Violations: The number of points for speeding ranges from 3 to 11 depending on how many miles per hour over the speed limit you were driving.
• Driver Responsibility Assessment: Accumulating 6 or more points within 18 months triggers an additional annual assessment fee from the DMV, separate from court fines.
• Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB): For non-criminal traffic violations in New York City and certain other areas, cases are handled by the TVB, which follows a different process than regular traffic courts.
• Insurance Impact: Insurers commonly increase premiums after convictions for moving violations, especially those involving points or more serious offenses.
• Plea Bargaining: New York allows for negotiations and plea bargains, especially outside of NYC, which can lead to reduced charges or points.
• Out-of-State Drivers: New York reports traffic tickets to most other states, which may result in penalties on the driver’s home-state license as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth fighting a speeding or traffic ticket in New York?

Yes, fighting a ticket can be worthwhile, especially if you are at risk of accumulating points, face steep fines, or worry about insurance impacts. In many cases, a lawyer can help you reduce or dismiss charges.

What happens if I ignore a traffic ticket in New York?

Ignoring a ticket can result in additional fines, a suspended license, and possibly an arrest warrant for failure to appear in court or pay fines.

How many points will I get for a speeding ticket?

Speeding tickets in New York carry between 3 and 11 points, depending on how many miles per hour over the limit you were driving.

Will a New York traffic ticket affect my insurance rates?

Most insurance companies increase premiums after convictions for moving violations, especially those involving high points or speeding.

Can I get a ticket dismissed or reduced?

In many jurisdictions, it is possible to negotiate for a reduced charge or even dismissal, especially with legal representation. This may involve plea bargaining for a non-moving violation with no points.

What is a Driver Responsibility Assessment?

If you accumulate 6 or more points in 18 months, New York’s DMV will charge you an additional fee each year for three years, on top of court fines.

Are out-of-state drivers affected by New York tickets?

Yes, most states share information about tickets, and New York reports violations to other states, which may impose their own consequences.

Do I need to appear in court for a traffic ticket?

Not always. Some tickets allow payment or contesting by mail, but you may need to appear in person for certain types of violations or to negotiate reductions. Lawyers can sometimes appear on your behalf.

Can a traffic ticket lead to a criminal record?

Most traffic tickets are violations, not crimes. However, some offenses, such as reckless driving or driving with a suspended license, can be charged as misdemeanors.

How long do points stay on my license?

Points remain on your New York driving record for 18 months from the date of the violation, after which they are no longer counted toward suspension.

Additional Resources

For more information or help with speeding and traffic tickets in New York, consider these resources:

• New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) for cases in New York City and select areas
• Local Traffic and City Courts by jurisdiction
• New York State Bar Association for lawyer referrals
• Your local county or city police department for local regulations and information

Next Steps

If you have received a speeding or traffic ticket in New York and are unsure how to proceed, consider following these steps:

• Read your ticket thoroughly to understand the charge and your required response date.
• Research the violation, possible penalties and how it may affect your driving record or insurance.
• Decide if you wish to pay, contest, or seek a reduction for the ticket.
• Contact the court or DMV office listed on your ticket for instructions or clarification.
• If necessary, consult or hire an experienced traffic ticket attorney, especially if facing high points, possible suspension, or complex circumstances.
• Keep documentation of all correspondence, payments or legal advice received.

Taking prompt action and seeking guidance can help you manage the consequences of a speeding or traffic ticket in New York, and protect your driving rights.