Why Fight A New York Speeding Ticket

Posted by Matthew Weiss on February 13, 2009  /   Posted in New York Traffic Lawyer Tips

The first response that most people give when asked why should they fight their New York speeding violation ticket is points. Speeding convictions in New York State carry 3 to 11 points depending on how many miles per hour over the limit with which you are charged.

New York Speeding Ticket Chart

1 – 10 mph over speed limit 3 points

11 – 20 mph over speed limit 4 points

21 – 30 mph over speed limit 6 points

31 – 40 mph over speed limit 8 points

41+ mph over speed limit 11 points

The better response is that one should fight their New York speeding summons to avoid being suspended for too many points. In other words, it is the consequences of having too many points to which people are averse.

In New York State, if you accumulate more than 10 points, you can be suspended. Additionally, even with just one conviction for 31 mph (or more) over the limit, a judge could suspend your license.

The second reason for fighting your New York speeding ticket is auto insurance rates. Most people are aware that having a speeding ticket on your record (among other things) can raise your insurance rates. What many people do not know is that, if you have a clean record (no points or accidents) and you are convicted of one low speeding ticket, your insurance rates will not go up. For insurance purposes, a low speeding ticket is one where you are convicted of only proceeding 15 mph (or less) above the limit.

With insurance rates already high for drivers with a cleaning driving record, it is important to fight your New York speeding ticket to keep your rate as low as possible. Another thing you can do to keep your rates low is to take the driver safety class. This 6-hour class will take 4 points off your New York point total plus save you 10% off your auto insurance.

The last reason to fight your New York State speeding summons is money. The fine for a NYS speeding ticket is, at least, $90. Plus, New York State adds $50 to the fine making the cost of your speeding ticket $140 (or more). Moreover, for a 6-point speeding ticket conviction (21 mph over the limit or higher), the New York State Department Of Motor Vehicles will impose yet another fee called the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee of $300. This fee increases by $75 for every point above 6 on your NY motorist’s driving record. Therefore, a conviction to a New York State speeding ticket can get very expensive.

As discussed above, there are, therefore, three very good reasons to fight your NYS speeding ticket even if you have an otherwise clean record. If you have any questions about fighting these tickets, try visiting our web site for more helpful information.

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733 Comments

  1. lawrence berezin February 21, 2009 10:48 pm Reply

    Matthew,

    Good advice, as always.

    Does it pay to fight every ticket? How do I know when I have a chance to fight and win?

    • John Doyle September 13, 2012 4:10 pm Reply

      You mentioned that points are applied against a license for 36 month from the date of offence. Do you mean 36 month from the date officer issues a ticket or a driver is found guilty?

      • Matthew Weiss September 13, 2012 10:49 pm Reply

        John Doyle,

        For insurance purposes, points are considered for 36 months from the date of conviction (i.e., the date found guilty).

        For DMV purposes, points are considered for 18 months from the date of offense (i.e., the date the ticket was issued).

        Matthew Weiss

  2. Traffic Lawyer February 21, 2009 11:43 pm Reply

    It doesn’t pay to fight every ticket. Only those with points especially if you already have points on your license or an accident. The operative period of time is 36 months from the dtae of the offense of accident. Thereafter, it won’t count against you for points or auto insurance purposes.

  3. Judy K June 27, 2009 2:32 am Reply

    I’m confused – if I have a clean record and was just given a ticket for disobeying a sign (which the officer told me is only 2 points) should I fight it? Or should I just pay it? Will my insurance rates go up?

    • Traffic Lawyer June 28, 2009 8:51 pm Reply

      Disobeying a sign is only a 2 point ticket. If you have an otherwise clean record (no other points within the last 36 months of the date of the disobey sign offense and no accidents), then a conviction to this ticket will NOT affect your insurance rates. It takes two such convictions (or this conviction plus an accident) for an insurance company to be allowed to raise your rates. For further details about this area, read my article entitled How Traffic Tickets Affect Auto Insurance Rates

      Also, if you want to just pay the ticket, you can take a driver safety class online and get those points removed plus a 10% discount on your insurance. Use promo code “redlight” for extra savings.

  4. Emily May 16, 2010 6:02 pm Reply

    My husband recieved a speeding ticket 15 miles over the speed limit on 87 south, the officer gave us the ticket and we pulled back onto the highway… then i checked the ticket and i noticed that the officer had completely spelled his name wrong! Is there any possiblity that we can get this ticket thrown out???
    His licence number and everything else is correct on the ticket… Do we even have a shot??
    Thank you in advanced
    Emily

    • Traffic Lawyer May 17, 2010 6:45 am Reply

      An error in the spelling of your husband’s name is not a sufficient basis for a traffic ticket to be dismissed. Unlike a parking ticket, these types of errors do not render the ticket defective.

      There are many ways to obtain a favorable result, however. Feel free to call me for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss, Esq
      212-683-7373

  5. Jaime June 15, 2010 9:25 pm Reply

    I’m 17 years old just got a speeding ticket I’m still considered a new driver because I’m still on the 6 month probation of just getting my license. It was a 40 mph speed limit and I was going 55 mph, I’m pleading not guilty to hopefully somehow talk it out or something. Do you think they will suspend my license for 3 months?

    • Traffic Lawyer June 16, 2010 10:24 pm Reply

      If you are convicted of a moving violation while on probation, you will likely be suspended. My advice would be to try and delay the case until after your 6-month probationary period ends.

      Feel free to call us to discuss additional things you should do to fight this ticket and hopefully avoid a suspension.

      Matthew Weiss, Esq.
      212-683-7373

  6. Vick P July 19, 2010 6:31 pm Reply

    My Father just received his first ticket in NY state, but he carries a NJ state licensee. He got the ticket for speeding 76mph in 55 zone, which is 6 point ticket. Should we fight it? He has a clean record.

    Also i came across after doing some research is that NJ driver getting moving violation outside of NJ, they get 2 points. would this 6 points ticket turn into only 2 points?

    Thanks,

    • Traffic Lawyer July 20, 2010 5:49 am Reply

      Vivek,

      Your father should fight this ticket. If he can get it dismissed or reduced it will save him points. In New York, at most courts you can get a speeding ticket reduced to a lesser charge. This is called plea bargaining and can be accomplished by asking to “conference” your case. However, in New York City, eastern Suffolk, Rochester and Buffalo, there is no plea bargaining and the only way obtain to a favorable result is by beating it a trial.

      New Jersey will give your father 2 points if he is convicted of this NY speeding ticket.

      Another reason to fight it is the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee. This fee is imposed on motorists who get 6 or more points in New York. The fee is $300 for 6 points and $75 for each point above 6. It must be paid even by an out-of-state motorists.

      Feel free to email or call with any further questions.

      Matthew Weiss, Esq.
      212-683-7373
      mjweiss@888redlight.com

  7. Vish August 5, 2010 1:23 am Reply

    Hi,

    I got a speeding ticket 31 mph above the speed limit in NY. I hold an NJ license. Should I fight it ?If not what would be the fine and points?

    Thanks
    Vish

    • Traffic Lawyer August 6, 2010 8:26 am Reply

      Vish,

      You should definitely fight this ticket. A speeding 31 mph over the limit is an 8 point ticket in New York and, alone, could result in your privilege to drive in NY with your NJ license being suspended. NJ would honor such a suspension. Plus a conviction of this charge in NY will result in 2 points transferring to your NJ license. The fee for this ticket is about $250 plus you’ll also have to pay a $450 driver responsibility assessment fee.

      Because this is a serious speeding ticket, I recommend that you, at least, speak with (if not hire) an experienced traffic attorney. We can help. It’s no big deal! You won’t even have to go to court. Give us a call for a free consultation.

      212-683-7373

  8. DJ August 10, 2010 5:27 pm Reply

    I received a ticket in Manhattan for “operating between traffic” (1252c) on my motorcycle, apparently a 2-point infraction. I have a perfectly clean driving record up to this point. Should I fight the ticket?

    I am inclined to fight it because this allegation misrepresents my driving habits. “Operating between traffic” is what crotch-rocket idiots do on the highway, zipping between cars. It is very unsafe. I merely pulled alongside the (stopped) car in front of me at a traffic light because that vehicle had been repeatedly braking ever since the last traffic light, as if looking for a parking space. Riding behind a vehicle that keeps hitting the brakes is unsafe in heavy traffic, so I took the first safe opportunity to get past him.

    However, I know the TVB is biased in favor of officers’ testimony and don’t know whether it’s worth going to court to clear my good name and clean record.

    Thanks for your thoughts.

    • Traffic Lawyer August 11, 2010 12:02 am Reply

      DJ,

      I wrote a blog post about Operating Between Traffic a few months ago. This is a relatively common ticket issued to motorcyclists.

      You have nothing to lose by fighting it. If you plead guilty, it’s 2 points and a fine. If you fight it and lose, it’s 2 points and a fine. Therefore, I recommend fighting it. I don’t think your defense will work, however. Only one vehicle at a time per lane regardless of whether the vehicle in front of your was stopped or driving erratically. There are other ways to win such as if the officer makes a mistake, is inconsistent or omits critical testimony.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss, Esq.
      212-683-7373

  9. Louie August 20, 2010 9:33 am Reply

    Hello.
    I just received a ” pre-trial hearing” summons for a speeding ticket (87 in a 55) that I got 10 years ago!! What should I do and what’s the worst that could happen? I’m pretty sure the officer that pulled me over isn’t working there anymore. I have a pretty clean record. Any suggestions?

    • Traffic Lawyer August 20, 2010 2:53 pm Reply

      Louie,

      Believe it or not, you need to know whether had any other points within 18 months of this speeding ticket (18 months before and after). Assuming you don’t, then you can just go to court and ask for a conference. You can either negotiate a plea bargain to a lesser charge or demand a trial. After 10 years, there is a good chance the officer won’t have any notes for this case (and could even been retired).

      This tickets carries 8 points so you’ll have to use your best judgment in deciding which of these two options you choose.

      Best of luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  10. Louie August 22, 2010 8:21 am Reply

    Mr. Weiss,
    I think at the time I received this ticket I possibly may have had 2 points… Can’t be sure though.
    I’m pretty sure the trooper is retired.
    What do you suggest?
    Man this has been a rough month with past tickets. I had court last week for a ticket I got 6 years ago (52 in 40) and it cost me 2 points. I haven’t received a ticket since that one 6 years ago, but this upcoming trial for the 87 in a 55 really scares me. Don’t know what to do.
    I think it’s really a nice thing how you help people out like this. Thanks again.

  11. Louie August 22, 2010 10:44 am Reply

    This is what the letter says:
    This court has accepted your not guilty plea. You are scheduled for a Appearance/pretrial conference with the town prosecutor.this is not a trial date. If you plan on to be represented by an attorney, he or she should be ready for conference as scheduled.

  12. Kelsey August 26, 2010 12:32 am Reply

    Mr. Weiss,
    I’m 18 and just got my first ticket for speeding (57 in a 45). I pleaded not guilty, following the advice of the officer who pulled me over. I leave for college in a few days, and school’s almost 2 hours away. When I receive my court date, will it be possible to delay the trial until I’m home from school for a break? Also, what should I do at court? The officer said that he would work with me and try to help me, but I’m not sure what that involves. I appreciate any advice you can give me; I’m quite nervous about all of this.
    Thanks,
    Kelsey

    • Traffic Lawyer August 26, 2010 11:54 am Reply

      Kelsey,

      Speeding (57 in a 45) is a 4-point ticket so you were wise in fighting it. When you get the court date, you can contact the court and ask for a new date. However, I am not optimistic that they will accommodate your schedule. They’ll give you a date but likely won’t be willing to wait for your winter break to resolve your case. Give it a try, however.

      At court, ask for a conference. The prosecutor will likely offer you a reduced charge in exchange for you pleading guilty. Most likely it will be worth taking the “deal”.

      Of course, if you have further questions or need to me appear for you, just give us a call at 212-683-7373.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss, Esq.

  13. Rachael September 1, 2010 12:19 pm Reply

    I just got a ticket yesterday for doing 80 in a 65 on the Thruway. I have had a ticket before (82 in a 55) that got reduced to “opening a car door in traffic.” So i don’t think the old ticket put any points on my license, right?
    My work schedule is hectic and erratic and I know how courts aren’t too keen on rescheduling. Plus the court isn’t local to where I live.
    What’s the worst that would happen if I pled “guilty” by mail? I’m on my parents’ insurance (though I pay for myself ON their insurance) and I don’t want my rates to go up.
    If I do plead guilty, am I correct in assuming there is no plea bargaining? Is there anything I should write in the “explanation statement” that would help? Or should I not pursue the “guilty” route at all?

    -Rachael

    • Traffic Lawyer September 1, 2010 11:34 pm Reply

      Rachael,

      Do NOT plead guilty. If you fight it, you will likely get it reduced to 0 to 2 points. If you plead guilty, you’ll get 4 points and these points will remain on your license for 18 months (for points purposes) and 36 months for insurance purposes.

      While your prior unsafe door opening is a 0-point ticket, we recommend fighting it to keep your driver license as clean as possible.

      If you can’t attend, feel free to call us as we can handle it without you.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  14. matt September 2, 2010 11:32 am Reply

    Hi i just got a ticket in St. Lawrence County where i am currently attending school. I am from new jersey and i have 2 points on my licence there. The ticket was for 70 in a 55 and the officer told me i could file for a reduction through a form on the DA website. but looking at that form i need a copy of my driving record from both new York and new jersey is it worth bothering? i have no way of getting to new jersey for a couple of months and as it states on the ticket the officer already cut me a break by cutting the speed and not giving me another ticket. will they likely take off some of the points? do they offer any way tho talk to the DA while in court or is it only through this form.
    thank you- Matt

    • Traffic Lawyer September 3, 2010 11:37 pm Reply

      Matt, this is a 4-point New York ticket which will also give you 2 points in New Jersey if you plead guilty. We recommend trying for a reduction even if you already were cut a break.

      Good luck and feel free to call me if you have any further questions.

      Matthew Weiss, Esq.
      212-683-7373

  15. mel September 13, 2010 10:21 pm Reply

    I got a 83 on a 50 thats 8 point and fines in NYS. Should I plead guilty or should i plead not guilty and go for a hearing. My license is clean i have been driving for about 5 years and this is my first ticket ever. if i plead not guilty can they add more to my fines and points.

    Mel

    • Traffic Lawyer September 17, 2010 9:59 pm Reply

      Mel, you definitely want to plead not guilty. If you plead not guilty, they cannot add more points. You have nothing to lose by fighting this case. I recommend hiring a traffic attorney because this is a very serious ticket and there are a few judges who could suspend you for this ticket (even though you have an otherwise clean record). We can help try and avoid this occurring and have been very successful in the past.

      Feel free to call me for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  16. matthew September 30, 2010 2:13 pm Reply

    hello i got my ticket reduced from 17 miles over the speed limit to 9 i was wondering what kind of penalty 9 miles over the speed limit carries in ny also my wife got a ticket for 84 in a 65 she also got ticketed for cell phone and failure to provide her id her license was suspended but the officer said he would only get her for failure to provide her license i was wondering what she should do with her charges.

    • Traffic Lawyer October 8, 2010 11:01 pm Reply

      Matthew,

      The deal you got reduced the charge from a 4-point speed to a 3-point speed. It also will avoid your auto insurance rates going up assuming you have an otherwise clean record within the last 36 months.

      Your wife should fight the charges. The 84/65 is a 2-point ticket and could hurt your auto insurance. The cell phone and un-licensed can also hurt your auto insurance rates (although neither carries points).

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  17. Angie October 6, 2010 1:18 pm Reply

    Hi,
    I recently got a ticket in NJ for driving 66 MPH in a 45 MPH zone in a safe corridor and I have a NY license. The officer gave me a court summons for NJ and I’m not sure what I should do once I get to court because for the past 10 years that I have been driving, I have had a clean record and have never experienced anything like this. What should I expect when I get to court?

    Thank you,
    Angie

    • Traffic Lawyer October 8, 2010 10:57 pm Reply

      Angie,

      Points from New Jersey do NOT transfer to New York. However, you should check with your auto insurer to see if a NJ conviction to this charge can hurt your auto insurance rates. If not, then just pay it.

  18. aron October 8, 2010 6:31 pm Reply

    I am from Ontario and did 70 on 55 in NY (not TVB). The officer nice and gave me a 1110a but I am worried about my insurance.

    Will the 1110a affect my insurance in Ontario, considering there is no comparable offence in the Ontario law? (in which case I should just pay it off). Or should I fight the reduced ticket? Do I risk the officer reinstating my original offence, although nowhere on the ticket mentions I was speeding?

    Thanks so much

    • Traffic Lawyer October 8, 2010 10:55 pm Reply

      Aron,

      The reduction to the 1110a was helpful but will not prevent points being added to your Ontario license. It reduced your ticket from 3 to 2 Ontario points. Ontario does have a comparable offense called Failing to obey signs prescribed by regulation under section 182(1).

      You do risk a reinstatement if you fight the ticket but it may be worth the chance. Worst case is that you are looking at 1 more point. Best case is you get it reduced to 0 points.

      We can help. You will not even have to go to court.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  19. Miranda October 12, 2010 12:41 pm Reply

    Mr. Weiss,

    I received a speeding ticket, last night, going 51 in 30 mph zone in Whitehall, NY on my way back to Champlain College. I’m 18 years old and have never been pulled over before this. I’m a little confused as to how to go about pleading “not guilty” when, clearly, they have me on radar as guilty. How would I defend myself at court if I were to plead “not guilty?” Is there a youth defender law in NY state which could be applied to this case? I’ve read that the ticket would range between $300-$500; is this true? I look forward in hearing back from you.

    Thanks,
    Miranda

    • Traffic Lawyer October 13, 2010 7:47 am Reply

      Miranda,

      This is a 6-point ticket which carries about a $200 fine and can hurt your auto insurance rates. It also subjects you to the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.

      We therefore recommend that you fight it by pleading “not guilty”. At your court date, you will ask for a conference and an offer to reduce the charge will be made if you agree to change your plea. This is routine and will allow you to obtain a better outcome including saving the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.

      BTW, there is youthful offender status for traffic tickets.

      I hope this helps but, if you have more questions, call me.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  20. Dalton October 13, 2010 12:12 pm Reply

    Hi,

    I recently got a speeding ticket on Oct 11 2010 in Seneca falls, New York. The ticket states that I was travelling 85 in a 65 zone. The officer also provided a disposition which states “vehicle 1 travelling w/b in driving lane at a approx 85 mph verified by laser at 85 mph. I pulled up to vehicle 1 and again recorded a speed of 80 mph in the same lane with radar. I did observe vehicle 1 move from the driving lane to passing lane and back with a signal as well.”

    I am a ontario resident, I have a clean record with no tickets and US or Canada other than this one.

    Please let me know what you can do and my chances are to get a pardon or drop the ticket all together, as my insurance will go up if there is a ticket.

    If you can please provide some detail about your fees and if there are any guarantees for your service.

    Thanks

    • Traffic Lawyer October 14, 2010 5:01 pm Reply

      Dalton,

      We can definitely help. I believe we can get this ticket reduced to a charge which carries 0 points in Ontario, and you will NOT have to appear in court.

      Please email me a scan of your ticket to mjweiss@888redlight.com and include your telephone number.

      I’ll call you upon receipt.

      Thanks

      Matthew Weiss, Esq.
      212-683-7373

  21. Ry October 18, 2010 10:46 am Reply

    Got nailed last night on my travels through NY. 82 in a 65. Im from Ontario. Good idea to just plead Guilty and pay, or fight it? Theres no way i can make the travels back down to the court date, as its tiem consuming and costs to much to travel that far.

    • Traffic Lawyer October 21, 2010 10:56 pm Reply

      Ry,

      You should plead not guilty, definitely. Points from a NY ticket will transfer to Ontario and can hurt your auto insurance rates. We can help. In fact, we can likely avoid you getting any points in Ontario.

      Call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  22. Mark October 18, 2010 11:40 am Reply

    Hello Traffic Lawyer,

    I received a NYS 1110(a) ticket for allegedly going through a red light. This is my first offense, will the 2 points increase insurance costs? Is this ticket worth fighting/trying to use the nolo plea to reduce points?

    Thank you for your time, any responce is greatly appreciated,

    Mark

    • Traffic Lawyer October 21, 2010 10:54 pm Reply

      Mark,

      If you have an otherwise clean record (no points or accidents on your driving record within 36 months of your 1110a ticket), a conviction to the 1110a will NOT affect your auto insurance. As you know, you will get assessed 2 points and have to pay a fine.

  23. abir October 27, 2010 8:33 pm Reply

    I got a a speeding ticket for going 69 on a 40 or 45 on the BQE in NY which I believe is a 6 point ticket. I have pleaded not guilty and have a court date sometime next month. Is there any way I can get the fine reduced and save my points? I have never gotten a ticket in my life.

  24. Jeanne October 29, 2010 4:11 pm Reply

    Hi, I just recieved a speeding ticket for 51 in a 30 in Montgomery County NY. The cop said I should fight for a reduction. If this doesnt get reduced to a non-moving violation my insurance company is definently going to drop me. Help!? Thanks

    • Traffic Lawyer October 29, 2010 4:17 pm Reply

      Jeanne, this is a 6-point ticket and definitely worth fighting. We can help get this reduced so you get less points and avoid an insurance increase. You won’t even have to go to court.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  25. Ken October 30, 2010 2:21 pm Reply

    I recently got a traffic ticket for speeding (81 in a 55) while driving from Connecticut to New Jersey (through NY) on 1-84 in Brewster, NY. The ticket said the date for the court hearing was September 19th, but then I received a letter stating that the court date was pushed back one week. I had planned to contest the ticket and attend the September 19th date, but when the date was pushed back (by the state) to the later date, I couldnt make it because it conflicted with my work/school schedule. So I paid the ticket instead. Fast forward to this week and I now received a letter stating I had to pay the driver responsibility assessment ($300) on top of the $200 that I already paid. I live in CT and have a CT drivers license. I am incensed that a simple traffic ticket is now costing me $500. Can I have my guilty plea vacated and avoid paying this ransom note? The last speeding ticket I received was in 2003 in Ohio. Thank you for your time.

    • Traffic Lawyer October 30, 2010 2:30 pm Reply

      Ken,

      This is a 6-point ticket and your guilty plea triggered the $300 driver responsibility assessment fee (as you obviously learned). Even as a CT driver, you are subject to this fee.

      In terms of vacating your guilty plea, some courts will allow it and others will not. It’s worth trying because, if you prevail, you’ll likely save points and the $300. We are pretty successful with vacate motions. Feel free to call us for a free consultation. Otherwise, good luck fighting this one.

      Matthew Weiss, Esq.
      212-683-7373

  26. elaine November 1, 2010 12:15 pm Reply

    i got a ticket in a work zone for speeding going 55 in a 35 mph. i had gotten another ticket i am not sure whether it was just under 18 mo. ago. i am pleading not guilty. i was wondering when i should take the driving course. wait till i go to court or take it before? this happened in ny peekskill. what is your recommendations?

    • Traffic Lawyer November 2, 2010 9:52 am Reply

      Elaine,

      Fines double for work zone speeding tickets so you definitely want to fight this 4-point ticket. Further, you should take the Driver Safety Class right away. You do NOT have to wait because you already received the ticket. The course will not apply for new tickets you get but will apply to any ones pending at the time you take it.

      Click on the link above for the best driver safety class in my opinion. They use professional comedians to keep it interested and it is all done online. Use discount code “redlight” for an extra $5 off.

      In the interests of full disclosure, I make $8 or $9 if you click this link.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss

  27. Tina November 1, 2010 10:28 pm Reply

    I recently got 2 speeding tickets in about a 2 week span. Neither of which I believe are my fault. I am from CT and my first ticket was on 84 in CT there was a car in front of me, and a car behind me, and the cop pulled out and pointed to me and had me pull over. He said he got me going 83 in a 65 which I know was not true and I had a witness in the car, It was rush hour in the morning and I was moving with the flow of traffic. Should I fight this one? And then I got one again going 70 in a 55 on 287 in NY but once again I had someone in front of me and behind me, the guy behind me was tailgating me and when I moved into the middle lane the cop pulled me over, and he acknowledged that there was a car tailgating me, but why did I get pulled over and not the other guy? Is it because I moved into a slower lane and the guy sped off? I don’t know if I should fight both of them or just one? These are my first tickets and I have been driving for 8 years. Any advice would help! Thanks!

    • Traffic Lawyer November 2, 2010 9:44 am Reply

      Tina,

      Definitely fight both tickets. The New York ticket carries 4 points in New York and, while it will be reported to CT, points do NOT transfer. The CT ticket will not be added in New York with the NY ticket.

      If you fight one or both, you will likely be offered reductions (or plea bargains). The reduced charges will be better to have on your record than these charges, could save you points and could avoid an insurance increase.

      If you want a free consultation on the New York ticket, feel free to call me.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  28. BWK November 17, 2010 12:24 pm Reply

    Matthew,

    I was sited by a NYS Trooper 6/xx/07 for speeding 76/55 & sent in a not guilty plea w/in 24hrs.
    I’ve just received a notice to appear for a
    ‘Appearance/Pre-Trial Conference’ on 12/xx/10
    This is a full 3 1/2 years since I was sited.
    Isn’t there some protection, time limit afforded me – right to a speedy ….
    Some defense under CPL § 30.10, 30.20, or 30.30 ?

    Thanks in Advance

    • Traffic Lawyer November 21, 2010 11:31 am Reply

      BWK,

      This ticket carries 6 points, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 driver assessment fee. So you did the right thing in plead not guilty.

      Unfortunately, there is no right to a speedy trial for traffic tickets in New York. You can ask for a dismissal in the “interests of justice” but this is not likely to be granted.

      Feel free to email me or call if you have any other questions.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  29. Kaia November 17, 2010 7:10 pm Reply

    I recently got a speeding ticket for going on 79 in a 35 zone @ I95 hiway, I was pulled-over right after I passed thru the toll booth. I’m holding a CA license. This is my first time ever and I don’t know what to do. Any advice would help. Thanks!

    • Traffic Lawyer November 21, 2010 11:29 am Reply

      Kaia,

      You should plea not guilty. This ticket carries 11 points and can result in your New York privilege to drive with your California license being suspended. California will honor any New York suspension. Further, a conviction to this charge in New York will be reported to California and consequently California will penalize your license.

      If you fight it, you can very likely avoid a suspension, save points and save monies. This ticket carries a high fine, a $80 surcharge plus a $675 driver assessment fee. If you cannot attend court, we can handle this case for you. We handle 100s of cases for speeding along I95 and are very familiar with how to achieve a favorable result.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  30. H Ram November 18, 2010 3:21 pm Reply

    Hello – I got stopped by a cop in NY City for keeping my cellphone while driving. I am told that this ticket will have no points associated with it.. I was thinking of just paying it off, but before that I wanted to see if it will add any points to my NJ Driver’s license? Please advise.

    • Traffic Lawyer November 21, 2010 11:22 am Reply

      H Ram,

      In New York this ticket carries 0 points. However, if New Jersey assesses points for this type of ticket in New Jersey, then 2 points will be added to your NJ license if you plead guilty to this New York ticket.

      In New York, a guilty plea to this ticket can negatively affect your auto insurance rates. I don’t know how this works in New Jersey but it’s worth checking out.

      Matthew Weiss

  31. Andrew November 20, 2010 2:37 am Reply

    i got my first and (hopefully) only speeding ticket (72 on a 55) in rochester ny. i know this carries 4 points.

    i have no prior points/tickets – (does 1 parking ticket count?).

    - do i plead guilty or not guilty?
    - if i plead guilty, how much in fines do i have to pay?

    • Traffic Lawyer November 21, 2010 11:16 am Reply

      Andrew,

      Parking tickets do not count on your driving record.

      In regard to your Rochester Ticket, I would plead not guilty. We always recommend fighting any ticket which can result in points, an insurance increase and, of course, fines.

      If you opt to plead guilty, the fine should about around $150.

      Matthew Weiss

  32. BAT November 22, 2010 4:08 pm Reply

    Hi Matthew,

    The following events happened in this order:

    1) I received a seat belt ticket in New Rochelle.
    2) They scheduled me for a pre-trial conference and I wrote back requesting that the matter be set for trial.
    3) I then wrote separately to request a supporting deposition (timely: about 3 weeks after the appearance date of the original summons).
    4) They re-scheduled the pre-trial conference for one month later and I again wrote back requesting that the matter be set for trial.
    5) The officer failed to supply the supporting deposition (30 days have passed since I requested the deposition).
    6) They re-schduled the pre-trial conference for one month later, this time labeled “final”.

    Here is the question: If I show up at the “final” pre-trial conference, will the prosecutor dismiss the case based on the lack of a timely filed supporting deposition? Or is this “conference” merely a way to deter the innocent from fighting tickets by forcing them to show up to court twice? Can I force the matter to be scheduled for trial without having to show up at a “conference”?

    You are really great to help people like this. Thank you.

    • Traffic Lawyer November 22, 2010 11:28 pm Reply

      BAT,

      You should file a motion to dismiss prior to the conference/trial date. Arguably this motion was required to be made earlier but some courts will not deny it on these grounds.

  33. Daniel January 9, 2011 4:31 am Reply

    first time ever with a traffic stop:

    got a speeding ticket for going 15mph over the limit and one for running a red light

    If I understand this correctly, that would be 4 points for the speeding and an additional 3 for the red light.

    any idea what sorts of fees i might be looking at and would it be worth while to contest the Speeding charge?

    • 888redlight January 11, 2011 9:22 am Reply

      Daniel,

      Yes, those are 3 and 4 points each. The fees are roughly $200 each plus a $300 driver assessment fee. We recommend fighting them both. If you beat or reduce just one, you’ll save the $300 driver assessment fee (assuming you have an otherwise clean record).

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  34. Pete January 10, 2011 6:49 pm Reply

    Mr Weiss;
    I’m from Ontario. Today I got my first speeding ticket near Batavia NY. It was 76 in 65 zone. When the office stopped me he told me I was going at 120 km/h (which is 74.5 mph) but he wrote in the ticket I was at 76 mph. I beleive this makes a difference in the points & the fine too.
    My question is, would this technicality help me when fighting the ticket?
    Thanks

    • 888redlight January 11, 2011 9:28 am Reply

      Pete,

      You definitively want to fight this ticket because points from New York do transfer to Ontario. This “mistake” likely won’t help you beat this ticket. There are many ways to obtain a favorable result, however. Visit my web site New York traffic lawyer for helpful info. Or feel free to call us for a free consultation. We represent many Ontario drivers and have achieved excellent results for them in the past.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  35. connor January 12, 2011 12:02 am Reply

    Hi Mr. Weiss,
    Two nights ago I got a speeding ticket for going 95 in a 65 coming home from a snowboarding trip and the reason I was speeding was because my boot got stuck which made the accelerator stay down which in turn made me speed. I am 17 and I am in NYS
    How much do u think will happen and what it will cost if I plead guilty and what happens if I plead not guilty ?

    • 888redlight January 14, 2011 9:07 am Reply

      Connor,

      Do NOT plead guilty. You definitely want to fight this ticket. It carries 6 points and subjects you to a fine of roughly $200 plus a $300 driver assessment fee. It can also hurt your insurance rates. If you fight, it you very likely save points, the $300 driver assessment fee and avoid an insurance hike. By the way, I am assuming you are not on probation (because if you are, then you MUST fight this ticket to avoid a suspension of your newly-issued license).

      If you cannot or do not want to appear in court (or travel back there), feel free to call us for a free consultation. We can fight it and you will not have to even go to court.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  36. mike, ontario January 18, 2011 2:49 am Reply

    hi,

    i was pulled over for going 80 in a 65 and i am from ontario. since my car is in km/h and has very small mph (20-40-60-80 etc) its sometimes hard to tell if you are doing the speed limit. well this time i was pulled over and i was going down a light downgrade on I81 between watertown and syracuse (Ellisburg NY)

    i got a letter telling me they needed a plea from me 4 months later, but i thought i was waiting for a dollar amount for the ticket( like it is in ontario) so then i thought OMG i better send my plea in, then get my ticket amount to pay. i pled guilty and the fine was only $100 which is not too bad, but the i notice a $85 surcharge + something called a scofflaw fee of $70 (total of $255)

    i was wondering you had any suggestions on what should i do, and what should i expect from my insurance company if anything to happen?

    i would rreally appreciate your thoughts on this

    thanks

    mike

    • 888redlight January 18, 2011 7:40 am Reply

      Mike,

      We can try and vacate your guilty plea. If successful, we will likely be able to get this ticket reduced so you don’t get any demerit points on your Ontario license.

      Call us to discuss further the details behind this strategy.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  37. Michelle January 20, 2011 10:25 am Reply

    Hello Mr. Weiss,

    Last night I was pulled over for driving in the HOV lane southbound on the NJ Turnpike during the restricted hours. Whoops. The cop pulled me over and said I was following too close and driving in the HOV lane etc. He let me slide on the following too close but he issued me a summons for the HOV lane infraction.

    Now I carry a NYS drivers license… I was just wondering if my insurance will be affected by this. Also will this infraction remain on my license for NY police to see as well if I were to ever get pulled over in the future? and if it does, will it be there forever?

    Lastly I don’t want to bother going to court so I was also wondering if you know how much a HOV infraction ticket will cost me.

    I am not concerned about points because I know NY doesn’t accept point penalties from NJ.

    Thanks for all your help and I look forward to hearing from you.

    Sincerely,
    Michelle

    • 888redlight January 22, 2011 8:06 am Reply

      Michelle,

      If you have an otherwise clean record (i.e., no accidents or other moving violations within 36 months), then a conviction to this HOV charge will not affect your insurance. It will be reported to New York but, as you wrote, no New York points will be assessed on your license. It remains on your license for 5 years. I am not sure how much this New Jersey ticket costs but I’d estimate about $100 to $150.

      Best of luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  38. Kevin January 24, 2011 11:19 pm Reply

    Hey, I got pulled over in New York City today going 80 in a 50mph zone. I believe it’s 6 points and the 300$ assessment fee but if I plea not guilty, how are my chances of getting it reduced? And should I plea not guilty?

    Thanks,
    Kevin

  39. Mark January 25, 2011 11:20 am Reply

    I got a speeding ticket on I-87 in new york before the tappan zee bridge. It was given to me for going 76 in a 55. I was traveling in the Right center lane and traffic was pretty heavy that day. The two left lanes were moving faster than i was. I also had my cruise control set at a lower speed than he said i was going. I pleaded not guilty because i truly feel that I’m not. I also have an NJ license so i know i’ll only get the two points in NJ but the $500 fine that seems to be what you say i’ll get is not really something i can pay. Plus any insurance rate increase. Any Ideas?

    • 888redlight January 26, 2011 9:31 pm Reply

      Mark,

      When you go to court, as for a conference. The prosecutor will likely offer you a reduction. This will save you New York points and the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.

      I hope this helps. Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  40. Lauren Y January 26, 2011 9:34 am Reply

    Hello Mr. Weiss,

    I got a speeding ticket back in Sept. 2010 for going 45 on a 30 in Lawrence, NY which I believe is a 4 point ticket. I have never gotten a speeding ticket before. I have pleaded ‘not guilty’ and got a letter back stating the court accepted my ‘not guilty’ plea & now I’m scheduled for a pre-trial conference tomorrow. I just need your advice – I’m under my parent’s insurance policy. Is there any way I can get the fine reduced and save my points?

    Appreciate your time. Thank you!

    • 888redlight January 26, 2011 8:36 pm Reply

      Lauren Y,

      Tomorrow, ask for a conference and speak to the prosecutor. He or she will likely offer you a lesser charge. This will save you points and possibly reduce the fine.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  41. Ola Yussuf January 31, 2011 6:08 pm Reply

    I plead “not guilty” to a speeding violation of doing 52 mph in a 30 mph zone at the pre-trial conference because I was unsure if I should take the plea bargain offered by the prosecutor (36 in a 30 mph zone and 3 vs. 6 pts). My trial date is set for tomorrow, Feb 1, 2011. Do you think the prosecutor will offer me the same deal again (I now regret not taking that deal)? Do you think my defense (trying to avoid an accident) will be plausible? What questions should I ask the officer that will help my case? (Btw I had a witness in the car). Sorry for the short notice questions, but please answer them ASAP. Thanks!

    • 888redlight February 1, 2011 11:57 am Reply

      Ola,

      This is a 6-point speeding ticket so the 3-point offer is a decent one. If you take it, you will also save the Driver Assessment Fee of $300. Therefore, I would take it. Definitely ask for a conference and the prosecutor will likely offer you the same deal. I doubt they want to conduct a trial and would be happy to resolve it through a plea bargain.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Ola Yussuf February 1, 2011 1:43 pm Reply

        Thank you so much for your helpful advice! I just learned that it will be a different prosecutor at the trial today, but I will seek him out for a conference and hopefully he will be willing to offer the same plea bargain. I’ll keep you posted!

  42. Ola Yussuf January 31, 2011 6:13 pm Reply

    I forgot to mention that this occured on a ramp in the Village of Lawrence, Nassau County in August 2010 in the morning, and I was charged with violating Section 1180D of the Traffic and Motor Vehicle Law (traffic infraction); a lazer was used.

  43. Patrick February 2, 2011 6:39 pm Reply

    I am a CT resident and this past weekend I got pull over going 76 in a 55 in Gallatin Town, NY on parkway 9. I have never been pulled over in CT or NY. At the bottom of the ticket I stated ” I don’t know how fast I was going” Let me know how much you think the ticket would be and if I should fight it. Thanks

    • 888redlight February 6, 2011 8:23 pm Reply

      Patrick

      The fine for this ticket will be roughly $200 but you’ll also have to pay $300 for NY’s driver assessment fee. A conviction in NY will be reported to CT and your CT insurance company can use this against you. We therefore recommend fighting it.

      Feel free to call us for guidance (or for us to handle it for you).

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss

  44. RL February 3, 2011 9:44 pm Reply

    Hi. I received a speeding ticket in the summer for going 85/65 on route 17 in NY. I was driving a Mercury Sable ’96 which wouldn’t go faster than 50 while driving uphill. I was pressing hard on the gas, in order to keep up to the normal speed. After a couple of minutes, the highway went downhill and I was going 80. I immediately pressed on the brake to slow down, and right there, on the side of the highway, was the officer- on the lookout. It all happened so fast, and when he stopped me I was so nervous, so I tried to excuse myself. (After I got home, I read up all about speeding tickets and learned that I should have been quiet or acted dumb etc). So I admitted to him that I was going 80 (although he accused me of 85), since I was trying to explain to him that I was going downhill, especially after stepping hard on the gas to go uphill.. I hoped he would understand and let me go. But he didn’t and he gave me that ticket (with proof that I admitted to 80). Of course I pleaded not guilty as I don’t want points on my license. I received a pre-trial conference for next week.
    My questions are as follows:
    1. Can I hire a lawyer for the conference? Or is that only if I end up going to court? I am really nervous about this. I have never been to court before.
    2. Should I bother fighting with my excuse (as I was not speeding the whole time- it just picked up speed going downhill)? Or should I just request a reduction? Can I give my excuse while asking for reduction? (Would that give me a better deal?)
    3. The whole thing with the officer not showing up and the case being dismissed- is that only at court? Or also at the conference?
    4. The time for the conference is 8:30 AM in Wurtsboro, NY. I live in NYC. Do I need to come on time? Or is it one of those kind of times, that you can show up anytime that day? (I would have to leave at 6 AM!!)
    5. Who should I go with? Is it better to go alone or with someone?
    6. What should I bring with me (besides the letter they sent me in the mail)?
    7. Should I try pushing off the conference? Would it help anything? If yes, what kind of excuses would they accept for pushing it off?
    Any other advice you can give me, would be greatly appreciated!
    Thanks so much!!

    • 888redlight February 6, 2011 8:07 pm Reply

      RL,

      Answers following each of your questions:

      1. Can I hire a lawyer for the conference? Or is that only if I end up going to court? I am really nervous about this. I have never been to court before. You can hire a lawyer for the conference. Our firm has handled 1,000s of such conferences.
      2. Should I bother fighting with my excuse (as I was not speeding the whole time- it just picked up speed going downhill)? Or should I just request a reduction? Can I give my excuse while asking for reduction? (Would that give me a better deal?) You should fight it even though your excuse is not a strong one. There is often a chance for a better result even if you are without a good defense.
      3. The whole thing with the officer not showing up and the case being dismissed- is that only at court? Or also at the conference? A dismissal for a police officer’s non-appearance is usually only if the case is on for trial (not if it is on for conference). Further, even if the officer fails to appear once, the judge can still assign a new date to give him a second chance.
      4. The time for the conference is 8:30 AM in Wurtsboro, NY. I live in NYC. Do I need to come on time? Or is it one of those kind of times, that you can show up anytime that day? (I would have to leave at 6 AM!!) You need to be there on time. 8:30 am is 8:30 am. Alternatively, you can hire a New York traffic lawyer to appear in your place.
      5. Who should I go with? Is it better to go alone or with someone? Alone is fine.
      6. What should I bring with me (besides the letter they sent me in the mail)? Nothing but dress reasonably nice.
      7. Should I try pushing off the conference? Would it help anything? If yes, what kind of excuses would they accept for pushing it off? No, just get it over with. They’ll offer you a reduction which will not hurt you too bad.

      • helen December 7, 2011 2:17 pm Reply

        Hi, I got a speeding ticket on route 17 few month ago in the summer for 74/55 limit. I experienced the exact downhill and the police were looking out. I will have a conference in Feb. I wonder how did your pretrial go. What kind of reduction they offer? I live in NYC too.

        Also, should I apply the online pre-bargain which they offer or go to the court in person. Wonder if there is any difference.

        Thanks so much!
        Helen

  45. Joshua Simmons February 9, 2011 12:19 am Reply

    I received a ticket for failure to obey a traffic signal/sign on my motorcycle (took a left at a light that I was not supposed to take a left at)…tried to enter my plea on-line within the two week time period and the ticket was not up. Now it has been 61 days, and I received an email stating that the ticket still was not posted, and that I probably entered the information incorrectly, which I double checked and it is correct. What do I need to do about this ticket? Will it ever show up, or is this something that will come back and haunt me if I get pulled over again (as I split lanes and am sure that an officer will eventually ping me for this as well, giving me 6pts on my license)

    What are the next steps that I should be looking at?

  46. Heather February 24, 2011 10:27 pm Reply

    Hello,
    I received a ticket today on the Northway going 81 in a 65. The officer clocked me and a van in front of me with his laser. I am confused about the whole guilty/not guilty ordeal. I am 40 and have a spotless record. I would like to keep these 4 points off of my record. I know I was speeding….but don’t know if I was going quite that fast (neither does my husband). I was told to plead not guilty in order to get another court date, rather than appear on the court date already on the ticket…..to raise the chances of the officer not being there. It is for the Town of Bethlehem which I guess is pretty strict with these kinds of tickets…..Please advise….
    Thanks,
    Heather

  47. sarat February 28, 2011 9:13 am Reply

    Hi,

    I was pulled over for supposedly driving 63 in a 45 rd.
    The hgwy -jackie robinson is a very windy road and a about 30 seconds before i was pulled over a car cut infront of me because of upcoming commotion on the right side of the rd (pulled over cars with unmarked cop cars). The cop tagged-laser the car infront of me but he was going to quick to slow down on the highway-so therefore he pulled me over based on the laser of the car infront of me- and i was going slow enough to stop right away and pull on to the right side of the hgwy. I never got pulled over in my life, so i didnt know what i was supposed to do so I didnt say anything just gave him my information and he ticketed me.
    I am a Connecticut resident. Should i plead and pay the fine? if i do will i get points transferred to my license? or should i fight and drive to nyc on the court date, if i do go to court-based on what happened would they drop the case or that doesnt happen in ny?

    Thanks!

    • 888redlight March 1, 2011 1:14 am Reply

      Sarat,

      Points from New York do not transfer to Connecticut. The conviction will be reported however and can be used against you if you have issues with your CT license.

      If you have a clean record and don’t get a lot of tickets, in your unique situation, I recommend just paying the ticket.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss

  48. Douglas March 1, 2011 11:35 am Reply

    I reside in NJ and have a NJ license. I received a ticket in Rensaeller (spelling?) county two weekends ago for going 72 in a 55. My record is completely clean. Sounds like this equates to a 2 point violation on my NJ record. I do not have time to go to court, especially in Rensaeller County. What kind of fine am I facing? Any recommendations? My inclination is to just plead guilty and pay the fine. Thanks for your time!

  49. Bill March 2, 2011 3:37 pm Reply

    Hi,
    I received a speeding ticket in NJ for 82mph in 55mph limit. I have a NYS license. I understand the point doesn’t transfer. However, I have previously 6 points record from NY. Will my insurance goes up if I pay the fine?
    Thank you.

    • 888redlight March 4, 2011 12:36 am Reply

      Your NY insurance could go up because a NJ conviction will be reported to NY (and thus your insurance company could find out).

      Matthew Weiss

  50. Godbody March 3, 2011 6:35 am Reply

    Hello,
    I am a CT licensed driver and I recieved a ticket for speeding 103 in a 65 as well as Unsafe Passing and Lane Violation in Orange County New York. It is my understanding in total that is 14 points but since I am a first time offender the offer from the prosecutor at the initial conference was a reduction to 8 points and a parking ticket. At the time I was extremely flustered and under the impression that I would lose my license and have to pay a fortune so I requested a trial but on second thought and after some research I realized it might have been better to accept his offer. Would it be possible to take a defensive driving course ASAP and request another conference and hopefully get the 8 offered reduced to 4 points and a parking ticket instead? Or is my only option now trying to find a lawyer to represent me in court?

    • 888redlight March 4, 2011 12:34 am Reply

      Godbody,

      Yes, take the defensive driver class ASAP and ask for a conference at your next court date. You’ll likely be offered a comparable (if not better) offer.

      Bring your certificate that you took the class to your court date.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  51. cto March 7, 2011 8:27 pm Reply

    Hello,

    I would like to file a Motion to Dismiss for failure to provide a supporting deposition. What form does this need to take in Orange County, NY and upon whom does it need to be served?

    • 888redlight March 10, 2011 8:21 am Reply

      CTO,

      Call the court for guidance to ensure you follow their local rules. But you will need a paper called a Notice Of Motion, and a supporting affidavit with attached exhibits.

      • cto March 21, 2011 4:59 pm Reply

        I called the court and was advised that they have no such form and that they do not give out the address for the town prosecutor and that the prosecutor would “plea for me.” This doesn’t sound right. Can I attach a Notice of Motion and a supporting affidavit by mail to the town clerk cc’ing the prosecutor and Judge if they won’t give me the address?

  52. Godbody March 8, 2011 4:14 pm Reply

    Hello again

    I recently completed the defensive driver course linked from this site but my courtdate is not until next monday and after completion unfortunetly I was informed that if I take the course before I actually have any points on my record it will be useless. Is that true? I was under the impression you were able to take the course from the moment you got the ticket and I asked them before I even signed up if that was accurate and was told YES but afterwards they changed their story. Am I screwed here? Is there any remedy to this situation?..Or if I bring it to court with me will they take the 4 points off there instead of at the DMV ? I am very very concerned right now because if I don’t get these points I could possibly lose my license which I absolutely positively need.

  53. Carole Descoteaux March 9, 2011 3:35 pm Reply

    Hello.
    I just received a ” pre-trial hearing” summons for a speeding ticket (75 in a 55) that I got 17 years ago!! What should I do and what’s the worst that could happen? I am a Canadian citizen. I live in Montreal,Quebec. Is there any way this conference can be done over the phone ? Any suggestions?

    • 888redlight March 10, 2011 8:14 am Reply

      Carole,

      You can trying call the court about resolving it over the phone. If not, then call us and we can handle it without you needing to leave Canada. We’ll clear the suspension and get this thing resolved for you.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  54. Nate M March 14, 2011 1:33 am Reply

    Hello,
    I received a speeding ticket o nRt. 88 for going 76 in a 55 zone on my way home from school last week. I am from RI and have a clean driving record. The ticket has an appearance date on it. Should I plead not guilty and ask for a conference at my hearing? The officer also recomended I fill out a plea reduction form that can be found on the Otego County Courts website. Any recomendations?

    Thanks.

    • 888redlight March 14, 2011 2:04 am Reply

      Nate,

      Fill out that form and send it in. You’ll like get a decent offer which you’ll accept and avoid court.

      If you have a problem, feel free to call us.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

      • Nate M March 14, 2011 1:47 pm Reply

        I stand corrected it was 76 in a 65, not a 55. And, I should send the plea reduction form in along with the ticket pleading not guilty?

        Thank you.

  55. Taylor March 15, 2011 4:38 pm Reply

    Today I was driving down a hill in a 30 zone. I was passing a school and it was 7:30 in the morning. I thought the school zone speed limit wasn’t in effect until 8 but apparently it started at 7. I ha coasted down the hill and an officer was sitting behind a sign at the school. He pulled me over and I got a 43 in a 20. I’m 16 and this is my 5th month after getting my liscense. What should I do?

    • 888redlight March 16, 2011 9:32 pm Reply

      Taylor,
      This is a 6-point speeding ticket and therefore something you should fight especially because you are on probation.

      Feel free to call us for advice or help fighting it.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  56. Harry March 20, 2011 8:20 pm Reply

    Hello,

    I got a speeding ticket on I-95 near New Rochelle for 70 in a 55 zone. I have a CT license. I have never received a ticket since I started driving (10 years ago). I understand that the points don’t transfer to CT. Should I plead not guilty? Will my insurance rates go up (I made a claim for a minor accident two and a half years ago)?

    Thank you.

    • 888redlight March 21, 2011 7:33 pm Reply

      Harry,

      This is a 4-point speeding ticket in New York. Points do NOT transfer to Connecticut although a conviction will be reported to CT DMV. You should check with your CT insurance company to see if they can/will hold a NY speeding ticket conviction against you.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss

  57. lesleslespaul March 20, 2011 9:50 pm Reply

    I was pulled over today for going 89 in a 65mph area. This will be 6 points on my license. I have an otherwise clean record but am wondering if and how I should negotiate a plea bargain. I don’t really have a real explanation for the incident as I was nearly the only one on the road. Should I go to court? How much would the ticket most likely be for? If I were to go to court for it can I create a bargain of traffic school in NYS for say fewer points on my license?

    Thanks a bunch,
    Paul

    • 888redlight March 21, 2011 7:35 pm Reply

      Paul,

      You can negotiate it on your first court date. You don’t need a really good reason to get a plea bargain offer. Just ask what can we do to avoid a trial? That should do it.

      This ticket has about a $150 fine plus a $300 driver assessment fee. It also carries 6 points and can hurt your auto insurance rates. Therefore, it is definitely worth fighting.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  58. lesleslespaul March 21, 2011 9:22 pm Reply

    Thanks for the quick response. I appreciate it. I have one more question…
    If I were to negotiate for a plea bargain, should I say upfront that I am willing to reduce it to a 10-20 mph ticket for 4 points or is that giving up too much? By the way, I am willing to pay for a reduced ticket, but am wondering if I can bargain for better.

    Thanks a bunch,

    Paul

  59. Adam March 23, 2011 9:02 am Reply

    Hi,

    I got a speeding ticket in rockland county last month doing 40 in a 25. The officer said to go to court plead guilty to get no points and a reduced fee. My question is is this worth doing? If I just paid the ticket how much would it be? And would I get points? I live in NJ.

    • 888redlight March 23, 2011 9:12 pm Reply

      Adam,

      Yes, it is worth fighting. This ticket carries 4 points in NY and 2 in NJ. If you appear, you’ll be offered a lesser charge in exchange for pleading guilty.

      I hope this helps. If you cannot make it, we can go for you. Give us a call if you have any questions.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  60. Mike March 24, 2011 9:48 am Reply

    Hi Matt
    Quick question . I’m a NY resident travel to NJ for work every day. I recieved a ticket for 75 in 55 by the wonderful County Police( Bergen) . I went to court got it ammended to 0 points ,but the fines were extremly heavy $167.00 ticket $33.00 court cost & $250.00 surcharge (they said was Mandatory). Being that NY does not give points for out of state tickets. should i have just paid the fine & took the points. or would it have effected my ins. rates ????

    • 888redlight March 26, 2011 9:04 am Reply

      Mike,

      Do you think the costs would have been less if you just pled guilty? I tend to doubt it.

      In any event, a NJ conviction will be reported to NY. So, although points do not transfer, your NY insurance company could learn about the NJ conviction and use it against you. You will need to contact your NY insurance company to find out how it treats out-of-state convictions. Each insurance company is different.

      Best,

      Matt

      • Mike March 27, 2011 12:19 pm Reply

        Yes it would have been 200.00 for speeding & 33 court cost would have saved 207.00 but prob would took it in the long run on Ins. thanks for the reply .

  61. Barbara March 24, 2011 4:05 pm Reply

    I just got pulled over on I87S right before Stew Leonards. I was driving with the traffic, with a car right behind me going about 70. State police was sitting on the side and came into the road after the guy behind me. He pulled us both over. He said he clocked me at 76 and I told him I wasn’t going that fast. He reduced it to 60 in a 55. It’s scheduled for local criminal court (greenburgh) on 3/25/11. Should I send it in with a “Not Guilty” plea? My record is clean (never recieved a ticket).
    Thanks

    • 888redlight March 26, 2011 9:06 am Reply

      Barbara,

      Yes, plead not guilty. At the court date, you likely will be offered a further reduced charge. If not, you can always just plead guilty to the originally reduced 3-point speeding ticket.

      Good luck.

      Matt

      PS If you cannot make it, we can send one of our lawyers to handle it for you.

  62. Patricia March 25, 2011 10:22 am Reply

    I live in New York and I received a ticket for running a stop sign. However, I made a complete stop and had to move up a foot to see beyond a tree that was on my right. I made a stop after that as well before proceeding to cross the intersection.

    I have to send the in the not guilty plea. Do I request a supporting deposition? I do want to fight this because I did not run that stop sign.

    Any information will help.

    • 888redlight March 26, 2011 9:08 am Reply

      Patricia,

      Yes, you can demand the supporting deposition and, if you don’t get it within 30 days of your demand, you can then ask for dismissal of the case. In any event, depending the court, you likely will be offered a reduction of the 3-point ticket prior to trial.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  63. Katie March 25, 2011 5:16 pm Reply

    Hello, hope this question has not been asked of you too many times already.
    I was pulled over for 72 in a 55 by a state trooper on the 290. On the ticket he actually wrote that I had said that I was speeding and that I was not in an emergency. How can I get this ticket reduced when it says right on it that I knew what I was doing? Can I still plead not guilty? This is also my second moving violation, I was pulled over in August for being on my phone while driving.

    Thanks for your help, Katie

    • 888redlight March 26, 2011 9:12 am Reply

      Katie,

      Yes, plead NOT guilty. You will be given a conference date where you can negotiate a reduction of your speeding ticket. The fact that they made a damaging admission or that the prosecutor has an otherwise strong case does not affect the fact that the he or she will prefer to work out a plea bargain (rather than spending more time conducting a trial).

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  64. Shane March 26, 2011 4:37 pm Reply

    Hi,
    I just got pulled over for going 77 in a 55 in Suffolk County. Not sure what I should do here, from what I read Suffolk doesn’t do plea bargins? I know I’m looking at $195 + the $300 driver responsibility assessment charge. I’m thinking of pleading not guilty, but not sure what to do next?
    -Shane

    • 888redlight March 27, 2011 5:19 pm Reply

      Shane,

      Yes, you want to plead not guilty. This is a 6-point speeding ticket which carries a fine, surcharge and $300 Driver Assessment Fee. At the Hauppauge Traffic Violations Bureau, there is generally no plea bargaining. However, because your ticket is only 2 mph into the 6-point speeding category, you may be able to get it knocked down to a 4-point speeding ticket saving 2 points and the $300 Driver Assessment fee.

      Feel free to call us to discuss or for help, but regardless definitely fight it.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  65. Jene March 26, 2011 5:53 pm Reply

    My daughter (19 years) has been driving for 18 months. She recently received a summons (1110A) Failure to Obey. She failed to notice that a turn is not allowed during certain hours of the day (she usually reaches this corner at a later time of day and never took notice of the sign). Her father told her that she is now on automatic probation. Is this the case if she has no prior tickets????

    Thanks!

    • 888redlight March 27, 2011 5:21 pm Reply

      Jene,

      Your daughter’s probationary period only ran for the first 6 months that she was issued a license. Therefore, she is not in too much trouble. A ticket for disobeying a traffic control device carries 2 points, a fine and surcharge. Since she has not prior tickets or issues, this ticket alone should not be a big deal.

      It can’t hurt to fight it but don’t lose too much sleeping worrying about it.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  66. David Steuer March 27, 2011 12:40 pm Reply

    Mr. Weiss,
    I was ticketed for doing 80mph in a 65 on I-87 North (near Albany) this past week.
    I live in Ontario and hold an Ontario drivers license as well as a Netherlands (EU) license.
    Since the Netherlands does not have a points system I chose to hand the officer my Dutch license rather than my Canadian license. This is the license number he put on the ticket. My car however is registered in Ontario so this is the address he used under my name.
    Do you think that since he did not see my or knows that I have a Canadian license I am protected from any record/insurance impact, or do you think that solely based on my address this ticket would still go on my record?
    Consequently, should I just plead guilty, pay the fine and be done with it, or should I fight this? (going back down to Albany for a court date is not going to work)…
    I look forward to hearing from you and think your feedback on this website is remarkable and very very helpful!
    Thanks,
    David

    • 888redlight March 27, 2011 5:23 pm Reply

      David,

      I couldn’t possibly guess whether Ontario DMV will figure it out. Your best bet is to fight this ticket and get it reduced to a lesser charge (hopefully one which carries 0 demerit points in Ontario).

      If you cannot make it down to New York, feel free to call us for a free consultation. We can handle this case without you needing to go.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  67. Jason March 27, 2011 1:32 pm Reply

    I just received a speeding ticket for 85 in a 55 mph zone on I-87/287 south of the Tappan Zee bridge in New York.

    After merging from an on-ramp (exit 9) to an uphill section of the roadway, a State Police officer was behind me with lights on. After he wrote the ticket, I asked if he had a radar reading and he said he determined speed by pace. He added that he merged onto the highway right after I had.

    The ticket has a field for “Arrest Type” indicating: 2-RADAR
    Is that relevant, given there was no radar verification?

    The second page of the ticket has a supporting deposition, indicating:
    Charge based on officer’s: Direct Observation
    Speed Verified by: Pace
    Additional Information: After Entering I-87 S/B, the defendant enter the center lane, accelerated, and then was paced at 85 MPH for 1/2 mile.

    I don’t believe I was doing 85 (I was incredulous) and there is no radar to verify that claim, but I was accelerating up the hill to avoid oncoming cars in an uphill section of road in an underpowered car, so I needed to gain speed to merge with traffic and get up the hill. I can’t imagine he was following me for 1/2 mile at 85 off the on-ramp. Ironically, the officer chastised me for doing 85 with a baby in the car when really, I needed additional speed for safety. (But it seems that’s not a defense.)

    It seems I should fight this — it looks like 6 points plus fines. Is my case stronger without a radar reading?
    The summons has an Appearance Date in about a month in Tarrytown Village Court.
    Do I?:
    -Appear on the Appearance Date and plead not guilty? (Is this my trial date?)
    -Send in the “Not Guilty” Plea? (And is a conference or trial date set later?)

    What are my chances of getting this dismissed/reduced?
    Any advice/suggestions are helpful.

    …to clarify, I needed to move towards the left of the roadway (from on-ramp at far right) as the road splits between I-287/87 South. Not sure if this matters.

    I have an otherwise clean recent traffic record, to put the ticket and my situation into context.

    Again, thanks.
    - Jason

    • 888redlight March 27, 2011 5:15 pm Reply

      Jason,

      Yes, you are charged with a 6-point speeding ticket. This ticket carries a fine, surcharge and a $300 Driver Assessment fee. Therefore, you definitely want to fight it.

      If there is no radar or laser involved, you have a stronger defense but you want to first serious consider a plea bargain. Winning at trial (especially for a non-lawyer) is tough and, therefore, you want to see what kind of deal you can negotiate.

      Yes, you can enter a plea on the Appearance Date but we recommend entering your plea by mail before this date. This is NOT a trial date, by the way.

      You chances for a reduction are high especially given your clean record.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  68. Dipesh March 29, 2011 8:56 am Reply

    I just received first ticket in NY state ( in manhattan),
    I have NJ license. I got ticket for driving 52 mph in 30 mph zone – speeding violation of 22 mph, adding 6 points on license.
    Prior to this violation, my license is clean and have never got ticket for any moving violation.
    Is it worth finghting for it? would my insurance go up?

    thanks,

    • 888redlight March 29, 2011 12:13 pm Reply

      Dipesh,

      You should definitely fight this 6-point speeding ticket. In addition to a fine and surcharge, a conviction will subject you to a $300 Driver Assessment Fee.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  69. Mike March 30, 2011 1:08 am Reply

    Hi,

    I have a plea bargain meeting tomorrow. In January, I was stopped for speeding on I-87 next to Albany. I was going 82/65. I have had my license for almost 5 years now and this is my first offense ever.

    I live in NYC and go to school in Albany, so I have been on the thruway numerous times going similar speeds while passing the troopers, and have never experienced a problem. Why all of a sudden did they decide to stop me?

    Obviously, I pleaded non-guilty, which is why I have the plea bargain meeting. I am writing to see if there are any points I can bring up to defend myself and at least reduce the points on my license?

    Thank You

    • 888redlight March 30, 2011 7:54 am Reply

      Mike,

      Be polite and dress nicely (business casual). Don’t deny the charges. Instead, just say that you are hoping to avoid a trial and would like your otherwise clean record to be considered. I would expect that you get offered, at least, a reduction to a 2-point ticket (like VTL 1110a). You may even be offered a 0-point ticket depending on the court.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  70. Jenny March 30, 2011 7:37 pm Reply

    Hi,

    I recently got a speeding ticket for going 50 mph in a 30 mph zone in Queens, NYC. I was not aware that the limit was 30 because this ramp connects to two highways on both ends. I just assumed that the limit was still 50 mph. Is this a good enough reason to fight the ticket? What would happen is I plead not-guilty but then lost the case? Would I have to pay extra fines? (It says on the ticket that fines could be higher if found guilty at hearing).

    Thank you!

    • 888redlight March 30, 2011 9:24 pm Reply

      Jenny,

      This is not a good defense but you should still fight this ticket. You have nothing to lose. The points for this speeding ticket are the same and the will likely be the same if you fight it and lose.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation to discuss how we can help.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  71. Caitlin Murphy March 30, 2011 9:18 pm Reply

    I just got a ticket on Monday for doing 94 in a 65 on I-90 from a state trooper. I just had a really bad fight with my boyfriend and was just trying to get back home to school in Connecticut. He said to talk to him and it seemed like he was going to let it go but I am scheduled to appear in court on April 25th. I have a clean record and this is NOT usual behavior. Should I fight the ticket?

    • 888redlight March 30, 2011 9:26 pm Reply

      Caitlin,

      You should definitely fight this 6-point speeding ticket.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation to discuss how we can help.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  72. Wai March 31, 2011 10:19 pm Reply

    Hello, I got pulled over doing 58 in a 30 but it was on a off ramp where the speed limit changed drastically. This is my first offense in over 5 years. What should I do? Should I get a lawyer? Thank you for your time.

    • 888redlight April 1, 2011 6:44 am Reply

      Wai,

      I would fight this 6-point speeding ticket. It carries a fine, surcharge and $300 Driver Assessment Fee. Feel free to call us for free advice or a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  73. Wai April 1, 2011 8:37 am Reply

    Thank you for replying. I was thinking since this is my first offense in over 8 years of driving, I would admit I’m wrong in front of the judge and ask for leniency. Would that be better instead of denying I was speeding?

  74. ErikR April 1, 2011 12:56 pm Reply

    Matthew, I received a speeding ticket on 3/29/11 for doing 76 in a 55 just north of Albany on I87. The Trooper used a laser, so I assume it’s accurate. He asked me how fast I thought I was going. I said I thought I was going 65, which he noted on the ticket. It’s a 2 hour trip one way from VT to fight the ticket, which is worth it for what looks to be a $500 fine. My question is, will they reduce the fine if I plead not guilty, even though I probably am? I’m 37 years old, and have a clean record. Also, I am a volunteer driver for our local ambulance service. I am obligated to report any moving violations, which may also affect my status. What is the best way to approach this?

    Thanks,

    Erik

    • 888redlight April 1, 2011 8:04 pm Reply

      Erik,

      You should definitely fight this ticket (even if you are guilty). You will very likely be offered a plea bargain if you fight it. We can appear for you and save you the 4-hour round trip from VT. This is a 6-point speeding ticket and carries a fine, surcharge and $300 Driver Assessment Fee. We can very likely save you points as well as the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.

      If you want to handle yourself, feel free to call us for some advice. Or just call us for a free consultation.

      Thanks

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  75. Tasha April 3, 2011 1:21 am Reply

    Hi, I recently got a speeding ticket for doing 15mph over. I wanted to know if here, in New York state, it will be reported to my insurance company. I have three accidents reported to my company, but only the company sees it and not the state since it was on a military base. I just want to know how much it will bring up my insurance. Also, is it worth trying to talk to a judge and explain my situation that I already can’t have insurance til I am 21 years old due to my accidents and that I need to be able to drive to work and school or is it pointless? Some added information the cop that pulled me over stated on the ticket he knew I was speeding due to direct observation not a radar. I didn’t realize how much I was speeding by until he told me, but how do I know I was actually going 15 mph over and not less? Thank you so much for your time.

    • 888redlight April 3, 2011 6:57 am Reply

      Tasha,

      I would definitely right this speeding ticket. It carries 4 points and, with your other accidents, can hurt your ability to get auto insurance (or get it at a reasonable rate in the future). Any moving violation will be placed on your driving record and, therefore, you insurance company WILL be able to learn about it.
      Therefore, it is important to fight any moving violation.

      Feel free to call us if you need advice or help fighting your ticket.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  76. COZ April 3, 2011 5:03 pm Reply

    Hi. I was involved in a minor car accident a few days ago (I was rear-ended while stopped at a red light). When the officer arrived at the scene, he didn’t want to file a police report even though there was some damage to my rear bumper. He didn’t feel there was enough damage. After asking for a report repeatedly, he finally gave me one, but also issued me a ticket for failure to notify DMV of change of address. He was very annoyed by me. I live in both NY & NJ, but I have a NJ license because I spend most of my time there, but my husband lives in NY and I was driving his car. I want to fight the ticket because I really do spend most of my time in NJ, I vote in NJ, pay my phone bill in NJ etc. Is it worth fighting the ticket?? I don’t want to get a NY license because I’m hardly in NY, only on weekends. What do you think I should do?

    • 888redlight April 3, 2011 5:05 pm Reply

      Coz,

      This ticket carries 0 points and about a $150 fine. If you fight it, you may be able to beat it. You’ll have to prove that you primarily live at the address listed on your license.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

      • COZ April 3, 2011 6:08 pm Reply

        Thanks for your response. What do I need to prove I primarily live in NJ? What documents do I need to show?

  77. Ryan April 4, 2011 12:23 pm Reply

    Hi,

    I was issued a speeding ticket and plead not guilty. I was then issued a pre-trial court conference date to discuss a plea bargain agreement in the near future. I am in college and I have class – one of the last weeks of school – during the court date for the conference and I was wondering what I should do to get the conference moved. I live about 5 hours car ride on the highway from the court house so it would really be a hassle given the time is at 9AM. The conference letter says I can call an Assistant DA to discuss a plea bargain. (1) If I do that, what should I say – I was clearly speeding but my argument is that it should be a lesser fine of 4 points rather than the 6 points the fine would be worth because I was going, say 18 mph over and not 24mph over. (2) If I called the DA, would I still have to show up to the conference?

    Thank you so much,

    Ryan

    • 888redlight April 4, 2011 2:10 pm Reply

      Ryan,

      Call the ADA and discuss your case. You likely can work it out via phone.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  78. Alexandra April 7, 2011 1:27 pm Reply

    Hello,
    I got 3 tickets last night in Rochester, NY. I live in NYC and am here for college. I got a ticket for: driving without a license, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and speeding going 70mph on a 30mph road. I honestly thought it was an ambulance behind me and was trying to get out of the way. The officer said he understood but still had to give me the ticket. On the ticket he noted that I said I thought it was an ambulance and that I know I must stop to an emergency vehicle. I only have my learners permit and was driving a zip-car rental that my friend had gotten. I’m 19 and she’s 20, so I wasn’t supposed to be driving since there wasn’t anyone over 21 with a license in the car. I know that I will probably have my permit taken away and not be able to get my license anytime soon. And it serves me right for driving the way I did. I was thinking of just pleading guilty but was looking at some of your responses to similar questions about speeding and the fine is pretty big. I’m in school on a scholarship and can’t afford to pay $500+ on one ticket let alone with the addition of two more.

    What do you think I should do? If I plead guilty around how much would this silly joy ride cost me? Also if I plead not guilty, I’m leaving so go back home soon since school is soon to be out for the summer and won’t be back in Rochester for about 3 months.

    -Please help. . . I have no idea what I’m supposed to do.
    –Alexandra

    • 888redlight April 8, 2011 8:51 am Reply

      Alexandra,

      You definitely want to plead NOT GUILTY to all three tickets. If you cannot appear in court, then you can retain a NY traffic lawyer to appear for you. In fact, given the seriousness of the charges, you would be well-served to hire a New York traffic lawyer regardless. The failure to yield the right-of-way is 3 points and the speeding 70/30 is 8 points. The un-licensed carries 0 points but is also serious for someone on a learner’s permit. Therefore, convictions to these charges could substantially impact on you future ability to drive. Plus, the potential 11 points (3 + 8) subjects you to pay an extra fee called the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee (DRAF) in the amount of $675. With a NY traffic lawyer, you my be able to save part (if not all) of this extra fee. Keep in mind that the DRAF is in addition to the fine and surcharge for each of the three tickets.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation. We are happy to give you free advice or represent you.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  79. BobbyB April 18, 2011 9:10 am Reply

    Hey Mr. Weiss!

    Got a ticket yesterday going 77 in a 40 (across the RFK bridge)
    I had a clean record up to this point, should I plead not guilty? Would that help me get the ticket down to a lesser charge?

    Thanks!

    • 888redlight April 18, 2011 10:27 pm Reply

      BobbyB,

      Definitely plead not guilty. Your New York speeding ticket carries 8 points, a fine and surcharge and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. In New York City, there is not plea bargain (or deals) so you will have to try and beat it after a hearing. However, you have nothing really to lose by fighting it.

      If you want professional advice or help, call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  80. Gabe April 20, 2011 2:10 am Reply

    Hello,

    I just got a speeding ticket for going 62 in a 30 in New Paltz. The officer (Who was a campus cop if that makes a difference) told me that my car smelled like pot but didnt note this on the ticket. The courthouse i would attend is right in New Paltz so i assume the officer would show up to the court date. Should i have any reservations about pleading not guilty to this case?

    • 888redlight April 20, 2011 2:05 pm Reply

      Gabe,

      This is an 8-point speeding ticket that carries a fine and surcharge plus a $450 driver assessment fee. Therefore, we definitely recommend fighting it. Do not have any reservations.

      Feel free to call us for free advice or a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  81. Prash April 20, 2011 6:34 pm Reply

    I received a speeding ticket for going 68 on a 45 mph zone in Nassau county. Should I be pleading not guilty or plead guilty and ask the judge for leniency as this is my first offense.

  82. Paul April 26, 2011 11:40 am Reply

    I got a ticket in Queens, NYC on Easter Sunday at 7:15 am reportedly doing 34 mph over the limit (50 mph). He also gave me another ticket for changing lanes without signaling. Altogether this is 10 points : 8 pts for the speeding and 2 points for the failure to signal lane changes. I have a clean record. I dont own a car but intend to buy one soon. Will this affect my insurrance rates. Should I fight these two tickets?

    • 888redlight April 26, 2011 12:48 pm Reply

      Paul,

      This is an 8-point speeding ticket and, therefore, definitely worth fighting. It carries a fine, surcharge and $450 driver assessment fee. The 2-point failure to signal also carries a fine, surcharge and a $150 driver assessment fee. If convicted, these tickets can affect your auto insurance rates. We therefore recommend fighting them.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  83. David Bentley April 26, 2011 10:32 pm Reply

    Hi Matthew,

    Thank you so much for all your replies, these are extremely helpful!

    I just received a ticket on I95 in the bronx going 71 in a 50mph zone. I admit I didn’t see the speed limit change and was going along with traffic, the officer just got me as I was passing another car. I have an otherwise clean driver’s record. I understand NYC doesn’t plea down for traffic tickets, but the officer has everything correct on the ticket and I don’t have much of an argument except that I was going with traffic. Is it worth fighting this? And if so, what is my best defense? Also, is there any way I can get this reduced to a lesser charge (or mph) if I offer to take a driver safety class?

    Many thanks,
    David

    • 888redlight April 26, 2011 10:57 pm Reply

      David,

      This is a 6-point speeding ticket which carries a fine, surcharge and $300 driver assessment fee. You are right that there is generally no plea bargaining in New York City but we are often able to get speeding tickets likes yours (1 mph into the next speeding category) reduced. This will save you 2 points and $300. Of course, we will try for a dismissal but this is not a likely outcome. Of course, we cannot guarantee a result but I believe the 2-point reduction is very possible.

      Call us tomorrow for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  84. Sally April 27, 2011 6:47 pm Reply

    I got a speeding ticket on I-88 for going 68 in a posted 55 work zone. I have had a clean driving record for over 30 years until December ’10 when I got a speeding ticket in a small upstate town. I got it reduced to Failure of Obey a Traffic Device – 2 pts – by writing a letter and providing my abstract to the Asst DA. Is it likely I could get a reduction again, or am I screwed?

    • 888redlight April 28, 2011 5:40 pm Reply

      Sally,

      Try to get the new speeding ticket dismissed too. Even though you previously got a reduction for your prior speed, you likely will be offered another similar reduction.

      Good luck and, if you need our help or more advice, just give us a call.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  85. jasmina van buren April 28, 2011 12:01 pm Reply

    Hi!
    I just had ticket for speeding 31 mph more than speed limit in Rochelle NY. I have clean record, never had nothing before. What is the chance to reduce the ticket and how much is fine all together… :(
    Thank you so much
    Jasmina

    • 888redlight April 28, 2011 5:43 pm Reply

      Jasmina,

      Your chances for a reduction of a speeding ticket in Rochester depends on the court. Email me this information (or post it) and I can better advise you.

      The fine for such a ticket is around $300 plus a $450 driver assessment fee.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373
      mweiss@888redlight.com

  86. Susanne May 3, 2011 6:31 pm Reply

    My daughter is a resident of Alberta, Canada and has received a few speeding tickets in New York State. Is it possible for her, as a non-resident of NYS, that she could still accumulate too many speeding tickets or points and that NYS could suspend her driving privileges to drive in their state? Does the NYS DMV or courts start some type of driving record and keep track of points if you do not live in their state?

    • 888redlight May 3, 2011 8:28 pm Reply

      Susanne,

      You daughter has a privilege to use her Albert license in New York but that privilege can be suspended (just like a license can be suspended). New York will keep track of her New York convictions and, if she accumulates too many New York points, her Alberta privilege to drive in New York can be suspended. So, yes, the NYS DMV does create a record for out-of-state drivers with NY convictions and keeps track of them.

      I hope was helpful. Feel free to call us for a free consultation regarding your daughter’s NY tickets. Keep in mind, that after only 6 points, an extra fee is triggered and at 11 a suspension can be imposed.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  87. KG May 3, 2011 7:03 pm Reply

    Hi Matthew,

    I was given a speeding ticket (82/65) on I-87 N near Catskill (exit-19). Surprisingly, the officer who caught me told towards the end to plead “not guilty” and he would talk on my favor because of my good behavior.
    I have pleaded not guilty and just received a letter for pre-trial conference. I have a NJ license and the court is 3hrs drive away moreover, the pre-trial conference date/time is conflicting with my work schedule.
    How do I handle this? Should I schedule for the Trial or request a new date and time for pre-trial? Is it possible to get a date in my favor so that it is easy for me to make that drive?

    Regards,
    KG

    • 888redlight May 3, 2011 8:29 pm Reply

      KG,

      I recommend hiring a traffic attorney so you won’t have to go. If you don’t want to retain an attorney, then ask the court for a new conference date and handle it yourself on that new date. Don’t ask for a trial without first exploring a plea bargain.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  88. Madison May 4, 2011 6:40 pm Reply

    I was issued a speeding ticket recently for going 89 in a 65- stupid I know. I also did not have my license on me- more stupid, I know. Is it worth pleading not guilty and going to court to try and work it out/ explain my situation? I was planning on just pleading guilty and so the 48 hour mark has passed. So is it even possible , if i get it in as soon as I can?

    • 888redlight May 6, 2011 10:09 am Reply

      Madison,

      Yes, you want to plead not guilty and try and fight it. This is a 6-point ticket and carries a fine, surcharge and $300 driver assessment fee. Even though you 48 hours has run, you likely can still enter a not guilty plea. In most likelihood, you will get a better outcome by fighting the speeding ticket.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  89. James May 6, 2011 10:19 am Reply

    Hey,

    I just got a ticket for doing 82 in a 50 in New York City. Is there any way i can ask the judge to get it reduced to a lesser charge seeing as its my first speeding ticket?

    • 888redlight May 6, 2011 10:25 am Reply

      James,

      This is an 8-point speeding ticket which also carries a fine, surcharge and $450 driver assessment fee. You generally cannot get a reduction in New York City as plea bargaining is not allowed. If you fight the this ticket, usually your only options are guilty or not guilty. With that said, you have very little to lose by fighting it. I wrote an article entitled “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau” which will give you even more helpful information.

      Feel free to call us to ask any other question or for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  90. Jake Miley May 8, 2011 5:57 pm Reply

    is it possible to use my youthful offender these are the first offenses ive ever had.

    • 888redlight May 9, 2011 9:27 pm Reply

      Jake,

      A youthful offender status does not apply to traffic tickets (only criminal matters). There are other ways to obtain a favorable result, however.

      Feel free to call us to discuss.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  91. Laura May 9, 2011 10:34 am Reply

    I just got a ticket going 87 in a 65 near Albany, NY. My record is clean besides this. However, my license and registration are from NC. How will this affect my insurance? Is there state-to-state communication on this? Do points affect my license only in the state I was given the ticket? Help!! I can’t go to court since I will be in NC.

    • 888redlight May 9, 2011 9:33 pm Reply

      Laura,

      Even if you don’t hire us (or another traffic lawyer), you want to fight this ticket. A conviction in New York will be reported to North Carolina, and North Carolina can suspend you for it (even though it occurred in New York).

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  92. Dan May 10, 2011 1:43 am Reply

    On april 11th 2011 i got pulled over for doing 120 in a 65 on I87 between clifton park and saratoga and it was on the exit 11 off ramp. The cop said he had been following me from around exit 9. He never once stated that he had gotten me on radar and he printed out a deposition with the ticket. On the deposition it states speed verified by radar but it also says visual est. 120. Im at a loss because its contradicting itself and im 21 with a clean driving record its 11 points and i mailed my ticket in not even 12 hours after it happened and now it is may 10th 2011 and i still havent recieved a court date or anything in the mail.

    • 888redlight May 10, 2011 7:49 am Reply

      Dan,

      This is a very serious ticket which can result in your license being suspended. It also carries 11 points, a fine of about $350, a surcharge and a $675 driver assessment fee. There are ways to minimize the damage but I’d need to get more information from you. Regardless of who you call, you should retain an experienced traffic lawyer to help you.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  93. Nick May 10, 2011 8:10 am Reply

    I was stopped in Rochester going 67 in a 40 zone. I have an otherwise clean NY license and live locally. Is it worth fighting it?

    • 888redlight May 11, 2011 8:41 am Reply

      Nick,

      This is a 6-point speeding ticket which carries a fine, surcharge and $300 driver assessment fee. Therefore, it is worth fighting.

      Is your case returnable at the Rochester Traffic Violations Bureau. If so, you chances are win are lower than other courts in the area. In the Rochester TVB, there is no plea bargains (or deals). Therefore, it is all or nothing. I recommend reading an article that I wrote called “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau“. It will help you understand what you are up against.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  94. Anthony May 14, 2011 6:18 pm Reply

    Hi, I got pulled over this morning doing 85 in 55 on my way to work. What worries me even more is that I have a conditional license and wasn’t technically supposed to be driving because I was coming from somewhere besides my own residence (although the officer didn’t say anything about this). What am I looking at when it comes to plea deals and what are the chances of them talking away my conditional license?

    • 888redlight May 14, 2011 10:26 pm Reply

      Anthony,

      You must fight this ticket to hopefully save your license. What is acceptable depends on why you have a conditional license.

      Feel free to call us to discuss.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  95. Bob May 17, 2011 3:47 pm Reply

    Caught speeding at 72 in a 55 zone in the town of Chatham, NY. I got a CT license. Seems like a got 4 points. Any fine involved here? Should I fight it? Speed verified by Rader – Stalker Dual.

    • 888redlight May 17, 2011 10:53 pm Reply

      Bob,

      Yes, there is a fine if you plead guilty to this NY speeding ticket (even though you have a CT license). Although the 4 NY points will not transfer onto your CT license, it will be reported to CT. Therefore, it is worth fighting to avoid an insurance hike as well as keep your NY record as clean as possible.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  96. Ryan May 18, 2011 6:56 pm Reply

    I got pulled over going with traffic on 2/18/2008 for doing 70 in a 50 on the Sawmill River Parkway where if you are under 70 mph people start honking and flicking you off. Well I have just today on 5/18/11 been sent a letter saying they finally set my pre-trial Hearing. I now live over two hours away and tried and tried to get them to set a date while I still lived in NY. Can they really all of a sudden 3.5 years later decide to start prosecuting the ticket? Their must be some length of time that it becomes unreasonable especially if I wasn’t trying to duck the mail. Any help would be great.
    Thanks

    • 888redlight May 18, 2011 10:06 pm Reply

      There is no statute of limitations for traffic tickets. Therefore, you must appear or retain a New York traffic lawyer to appear on your behalf.

      The good news is that the points from this speeding ticket will not count for future tickets. The points are measured from the date of offense (2/18/08) for DMV purposes, not the date of conviction. The bad news is that, for insurance purposes, the conviction is measured from the date of conviction.

      Therefore, you want to still fight this ticket to keep your auto insurance rates low.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  97. Cindy May 18, 2011 9:00 pm Reply

    I got pulled over for going 81 in a 65 zone in NY state but the officer gave me a ticket for a cell phone with two points instead. Should I fight it? Also, is there a time limit for a speeding ticket to be issued. I know in NJ it is 30days.

    Thank you in advance

    • 888redlight May 18, 2011 10:18 pm Reply

      Cindy,

      No time limit. Because you were offered a generous reduction already, I wouldn’t fight it. If you do, the People could amend the ticket back to the original charge.

      Matt

  98. Neo June 2, 2011 1:43 pm Reply

    Got lasered on I-90 for the memorial weekend, somehow all thw way the speed limit was 65mph on I-90 from Albany to Niagara except workzones. I get a tropper behind me and pulls me over..his reason i was travelling 78 mph on a 55mph..not sure where the 55mph zone was, I was on cruise all the way as I was in the thought that it’s 65mph. I’m sure it was not a work zone. Anyways I get a ticket, and I believe its a 21+ and a 6 point one. I have a CT licesense…from your past answers I see that the points do not get trasfered but the conviction would. I would like you suggestions and your expereince dealing such cases and how much usually the points and fine gets reduced to… if pleaeded not guilty.

    • 888redlight June 3, 2011 7:27 am Reply

      Neo,

      The type of reduction which you can expect varies depending on the court but I would think a 2-point non-speeding ticket would be likely. If this was a speeding in work zone ticket, then you are less likely to get such a deal. If you are charged under 1180(f), then it is a speed in work zone ticket. Fines double with such tickets.

      Feel free to call us if you have any other questions and good luck fighting it.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  99. Eric June 3, 2011 12:56 pm Reply

    So, I just got pulled over doing 90 in a 55 in webster ny, I had switched lanes when a black corvette was flying up and I guess him having to slow down pissed him off. He proceeded to get in front of me and slam on his brakes. This went on for about 2 miles at which point he wouldn’t let me back over into the right hand lane and my exit was coming up, he would match my speed everytime I tried to slow down or speed up. So, getting mad, I lost it and gunned it, I guess hitting 90 as I switched lanes and drove down my exit. There was a trooper sitting at the exit unfortunately for me….I have a clean driving record, no speeding tickets, no accidents and I am 25. What are the chances I can get this reduced if I ask to speak to the DA. I am going to be unemployed here in a week so obviously paying a $500 plus ticket is going to be out of the question, is there anything else I can do to help? If you could, can you email me also maybe with your rates? Thanks a lot

    • 888redlight June 3, 2011 9:38 pm Reply

      Eric,

      You will have an opportunity to discuss your case with a prosecutor if you plead not guilty. I am confident that you’ll be glad you didn’t just plead guilty as you likely save points and money.

      Feel free to call us if you have any further questions.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  100. Michelle June 5, 2011 9:52 pm Reply

    So I got pulled over almost two weeks ago. I was going 52 in 30mph. It was my first speeding ticket and I have never been in a car accident ( I have been driving for 5 yrs). Is it worth to plea guilty and explain to the judge how that day why I was speeding? I go to school two hours away from home and I had to pick up my younger brother from school after my final exam since that day my mom had surgery. I was mostly rushing since no one was home to take care of her and I also had to go and pick up her medication. For court, should i bring a copy of something saying she had sugery that day?

    • 888redlight June 5, 2011 11:10 pm Reply

      Michelle,

      Plead not guilty and ask for a conference. If you plead not guilty and show up, you will very likely be offered a reduced offense in exchange changing your plea to guilty to the lesser charge. The fine will remain roughly $200 but you’ll save some points as well as the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.

      Feel free to call with any follow up questions.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  101. Jason L. June 8, 2011 11:41 am Reply

    Matthew,

    I’m a NY resident. On Sunday night, I was pulled over for speeding (68mph in a 50mph) on the NJ side of the Lincoln Tunnel. I know the NJ points don’t transfer to my NY driving record, but if I plead guilty (or am found guilty), would the NJ conviction count towards the NYS limit of 3 speeding convictions within 18 months (and mandatory license revokation)? Besides insurance, what other consequences come with a guilty conviction in NJ?

    Thanks for the help.
    - Jason

    • 888redlight June 8, 2011 9:28 pm Reply

      Jason,

      A NJ conviction will NOT count towards the NYS limit of 3 speeding convictions within 18 months (and mandatory license revocation). Other than insurance, there is not other consequence of a NJ conviction to speeding.

      Good luck with this ticket.

      Matthew Weiss

  102. Jason L. June 9, 2011 10:16 am Reply

    Matthew – much appreciated. Thanks for the clarification. – Jason

  103. Pedro June 14, 2011 2:09 pm Reply

    Hello I received a ticket for going 50 in a 30 mph area. It was in queens. I was going to the hospital to visit my dad who told me he was feeling sick and that he wanted me to speak to the doctors. I was with my mom in the car when I got pulled over and I explained to the officer the situation. He gave me a ticket and said go to court bring a doctors note of your dad being admitted to the hospital and that should be fine? I already got a doctors note that states that he was admitted to the hospital the date and time. It is also stamped and sign by the md. What should I do? Fight it? This was my first speeding ticket so I do not really know what to do. Help please.

    • 888redlight June 14, 2011 7:15 pm Reply

      Pedro,

      Yes, fight it. As long as you can prove that it was a legitimate and urgent medical emergency, you should win.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  104. Julian June 14, 2011 5:09 pm Reply

    I got a ticket for 23mph over the speed limit in late 2008. That ticket gave me 6 points and I just recently finished paying the $300 fine. Now I just got another ticket for 15mph over the speed limit last week. Am I in danger of having my license suspended? Should I fight this ticket? Any help would be appreciated.

    • 888redlight June 14, 2011 7:13 pm Reply

      Julian,

      I recommend fighting it but am pleased to report that your new speeding ticket only carries 4 points and will not be combined with your old ticket. DMV points only last for 18 months from the date of offense. Therefore the old 6 points have dropped off. Further, you will not be subject to the Driver Assessment Fee for this new ticket as you will be under the 6-point threshold.

      With that said, we still recommend fighting it to hopefully avoid the points and keep your license as clean as possible.

      Feel free to call us for a free consultation.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  105. Pedro June 14, 2011 8:17 pm Reply

    Hello Matthew,

    Thank You for your prompt response. The Hospital could only write in the letter that states that my dad is an inpatient at the hospital, time and date, signed and dated by the doctor. Unfortunately, they say that they cannot much more information because of the patient privacy act. They did put a number for the court to call in case they have any question.

    Does this suffice?

  106. sierra June 27, 2011 12:08 pm Reply

    hi,

    i recently got a ticket for 86 in a 65 mph. the officer was a state trooper. it was upstate about 3 hours away from my home. he got me on a radar gun. i know i should plead not guilty, but if he got me on the radar gun how do i go about doing this? Can i just plead guilty and then take the defensive driving class to remove the points?

    thank you
    -sierra

    • 888redlight June 27, 2011 2:56 pm Reply

      Sierra,

      Even if he got your on radar, you should plead not guilty. In most likelihood, you or your traffic ticket lawyer will be able to work out a more favorable outcome than the current charge of 6-point speeding ticket. Such an outcome will save you points and the $300 driver assessment fee.

      BTW, if you take the driver safety class, you will get 4 points removed from your license even if you are convicted of this speeding ticket after you take the class.

  107. Somu July 5, 2011 11:37 am Reply

    Dear Sir,

    I had a very bad week end, got pulled over by a cop in NY state for speeding. I am an international student residing in Boston, MA. I posses an International licence. I was pulled over by the cop for driving at a speed of 96 mph in 65 mph road. I was driving at that speed because the traffic was very light and it was early morning and above all I am driving to see my friend who is having serious health problems.

    One more bad thing about the ticket is that the officer issued me two speeding tickets as I was speeding in the junction of two counties. So he gave me two tickets directed to two different courts. I am really terrified because of this. I am new to united states, I am not sure about the rules and regulations. I do not have enough money to pay the fine or fight the case as I am a student managing my living by doing part time jobs at the university. I am in serious trouble sir, Please advice me and help me. I am clueless. Hope you understand my situation and help me out. Thanks

    • 888redlight July 5, 2011 12:53 pm Reply

      Somu,

      I am sorry for your misfortune. Since you have no money to hire a lawyer, you should plead not guilty and fight these tickets yourself. On your court date, I recommend that you try and negotiate a resolution which saves you the most money and points. Keep in mind that NY will impose a Driver Assessment Fee if you accumulate 6 or more points. This fee starts at $300. Therefore, reducing the points is just as important as reducing the fines themselves.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Somu July 5, 2011 2:53 pm Reply

        Dear sir,

        how much does it cost to hire a lawyer for this case? and I have two speeding tickets for different courts but for the same date and same time and the same course of action just for the matter of fact I drove speed exactly in the junction, what do you think about it? Can One ticket at least be disposed?

  108. Kathie July 17, 2011 8:28 pm Reply

    Hello Mr. Weiss -
    My husband received a speeding ticket on I87 near Albany. He was clocked doing 71 in a 55 mph work zone. We were traveling same speed as 2 other cars but he was in the passing lane which is why they probably ticketed him. Cruise control was set at approx 68 mph. not over 70. I thoroughly appreciate the fact that work zones are protected and he missed the change in speed limit. Is there a defense here? Is there any chance in getting a reduced fine? We are from CT and would need to make a 2 1/2 hour trip to Albany. Can you give me an idea on how much this fine might be?

    Thanks!

    • 888redlight July 17, 2011 10:12 pm Reply

      Kathie,

      The fine for this ticket will be around $200. Fortunately, points from a NY conviction do NOT transfer to CT.

      If you plead not guilty, you are not likely to get a reduced fine but will likely get reduced points. Given your clean record in NY, it is probably not worth fighting but first consult with your CT insurance company to make sure it will not hurt your rates.

      Best,

      Matthew Weiss

  109. Andy Beltran July 19, 2011 4:41 pm Reply

    Hello,

    I was driving through the town of Liberty NY on route 17 headed east at around exit 99. I do recall being over the posted speed limit of 65 but when I was pulled over I was surprised to be clocked at 100mph. I made a mistake and when the officer asked me: Why do you think I pulled you over? I said, it must have been because you thought I was speeding. Then he asked, how fast were you going and I said: I don’t really know because I wasn’t looking at the dash because I feeling a vibration coming from the front end of the car and I was testing to see where it was coming from. So how fast were you going? I said well it must have been something high to get you to come after me so im guessing probably 90mph.

    At the end of the he wrote down on the ticket: ” I was speeding, Probably 90mph. I was testing out the car”

    I have been driving for over 8 years and this is the first time I’ve been pulled over. I didn’t know how to handle the situation with the officer. I have a clean record.

    In anycase, I had my arraignment about 3 weeks ago and the prosecuter wanted me to plead 99 on a 65. I denied it and also postponed my arraigment to give me a chance to negotiate with the prosecuter. In the past week, I spoke to the prosecuter and he offered me 95 on a 65. I am still not happy with this so I told him that I will do my homework and get back to him. I asked him to consider giving me a better deal but he said that he cannot.

    At this point, I am realizing that I may need help to reduce the blunt of the ticket. I don’t want my insurance rates to go up therefore I was hoping to reduce the charge to at least 79 on a 65.

    Any help or guidance will be greatly appreaciated.

    -Andy

    • 888redlight July 19, 2011 10:02 pm Reply

      Andy,

      The plea deal offered by the prosecutor is within his or her sole discretion. If you haven’t already, emphasize your prior clean record and how this was an aberration. Also, we recommend taking the driver safety class which will save you 4 points and 10% on your auto insurance. Show your certificate of completion to the prosecution and explain how it was enlightening to you and will make a difference. Hopefully, these two points will help you get a better plea deal (although I know from personal experience that Liberty Town traffic court is tough).

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  110. Scott McLean July 20, 2011 3:37 pm Reply

    I received a speeding ticket today (1180B) for 70/55. I have 0 points on my license, it occurred in NY State and was issued by a State Trooper. He clocked me before a work zone, by the time he pulled me over I was at the beginning of a work zone with cones but no workers. The only portion of the ticket that leads me to believe might be a work zone summons is the box ‘Arrest Type’ that says ‘W – Work Zone’. Nothing about 1180F which I believe to be technically a ‘work zone’ ticket (see http://www.westseneca.net/sites/default/files/SURCHARGES-FINES-POINTS-Dec%202009.pdf)

    I assume I should plead ‘not guilty’ to try and avoid the 4 points via a pretrial conference with the DA – is there a difference if I have a lawyer or not?? I have no problem talking to the DA myself but I always wonder if having a lawyer is better, or not…thanks for your advice.

    Regards,

    Scott McLean

    • 888redlight July 20, 2011 5:16 pm Reply

      Scott,

      Honestly, it is impossible to know if having a lawyer will help you. Sometimes it is clearly better and others it is not. Since you don’t mind spending the time, my advice would be for you to appear on your own and see what type of deal you can negotiate for yourself. If you like the deal, take it. Otherwise, ask for a new date to get a traffic lawyer.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  111. mark white July 22, 2011 10:11 pm Reply

    Hello

    I just received a suspension notice for a traffic ticked over 16 years old, I opted to take the ticket (failure to yeild the right of way ) to trial since the other individual was doing 30 in a 10 MPH work zone. The Judge adjurned the bench trial 2 times once because the other driver did not show and once because my laywer could not make it, I have not heard anything from them since 1995, so I assumed that the Judge just dismnissed it. There was also an issue in the same town where the clerk was taking payments for traffic tickets and keeping the monies, which she eventually was charged for. Thanks for any advice.

    • 888redlight July 23, 2011 7:52 am Reply

      Mark,

      I recommend appearing at court and getting your suspension lifted. In regarding to fighting the ticket, that would be your call. It is so old that the points won’t count now (points are measured from the date of offense). If you have an otherwise clean record, you may just want to pay the fine.

      On the other hand, if you don’t mind the time it will take to fight it, it will be difficult (although not impossible) for the prosecutor to prove the case against you because it is so old.

      Either way, good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  112. Peter Sabla August 8, 2011 11:52 am Reply

    Hi, I have a question
    Points accumuleted on your license in 18 months period are counted from Date of Offense or Date of Conviction ?
    Thanks, Peter

    • 888redlight August 8, 2011 6:03 pm Reply

      Peter,

      Great questions. Points for DMV purposes count from the day of the offense (not the date of conviction). However, for insurance purposes, insurance companies count from the date of conviction.

      Here is an article that I wrote entitled “A Guide To Calculating DMV Points” which provides additional helpful information and examples.

      Matthew Weiss

  113. Corrine August 15, 2011 5:33 pm Reply

    Today I received a speeding ticket for going 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. This is my first offense and I feel I was going only 65 mph. My friend was told by a state trooper, when caught going 10 over in a school zone, to plead not guilty and since she had to put off her court date due to college, the cop ended up not showing and she didn’t have to pay the ticket. I am wondering if I should also plead not guilty and just move the court date till when I will be home next from school.

    • 888redlight August 15, 2011 10:26 pm Reply

      Corrine,

      Yes, plead not guilty and fight this ticket. On your conference date, you likely will be able to negotiate a lesser charge.

      Matthew Weiss

  114. Danny August 16, 2011 5:33 pm Reply

    Last week, I received a speeding ticket for over 22 mph on highway, and another ticket for “fail to produce a valid insurance card” as I only had an expired insurance card when the officer asked for it. It happened on Staten Island. I went to the Traffic Violation Bureau and they told me the ticket for “fail to produce a valid insurance card” is non-dismissable even if I presented the valid insurance card. I will definitely fight for the speeding ticket. Should I fight for the “fail to produce a valid insurance card” ticket as well?

    Thanks.
    Danny

    • 888redlight August 16, 2011 5:35 pm Reply

      Danny,

      Yes, fight them both. While you may not win, it takes no more effort or time to fight both at the same time.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  115. Yousuf Zaidi August 16, 2011 5:57 pm Reply

    I just got a speeding ticket near the border in the state of NY on interstate 90 east bound. I am a Canadian citizen from ONtario . Speeding fine was 79 in 65, so 14 miles over the limit. Please advise if its worth fighting, paying $500 to a lawyer or just pleading guilty and paying the fine. And can I request a reduction in speeding so that it does not hit my demerit points while pleading guilty

    • 888redlight August 16, 2011 5:59 pm Reply

      Yousuf,

      Because points from New York transfer to Ontario, we recommend that you fight this ticket. We represent many drivers from Ontario and are very familiar with your demerit point system. A 79/65 carries 4 NY points and 3 Ontario demerit points. If you fight it, our experience is that you likely can get this reduced to a 0-demerit point ticket in Ontario. That is, as long as your traffic lawyer, is familiar with Ontario’s system.

      Matthew Weiss

  116. Luis Deleon August 16, 2011 6:16 pm Reply

    Mr. Weiss

    I got a speeding ticket in NY. I’m from CT. I mailed in the payment along with the ticket. Now I’m getting a statement from Driver Responsibility Assessment for 300.00. As I read the paper work and check on line regarding this matter this is only in the state of New York. Does this affect me in CT? Should I pay this or just let it go?

    Thank You

    Luis

    • 888redlight August 16, 2011 8:07 pm Reply

      Luis,

      Alas, you must pay it. This “fee” (it is really a tax) is imposed on any motorist who accumulates 6 or more points in New York. It applies to NY license holders as well as out-of-state license holders. If you don’t pay it, New York State will suspend your privilege to drive in New York and Connecticut will honor it.

      Matthew Weiss

  117. Jennifer Perez August 16, 2011 11:52 pm Reply

    Hello,
    I was traveling on Sunrise Highway (Rte 27) heading east. I was actually following traffic with a car ahead of me and on my right hand side. I was pulled over by a state trooper whom gave me a ticket for doing 80/55. He asked me why I was doing 80 mph and I answered him because I honestly didn’t notice. I was simply following traffic and more I was following the car ahead of me. He then told me that the car ahead of me was only doing 75 mph. In my head I was thinking that the was also considered speeding and why I was the only one in the bunch pulled over. I was assigned to the Southampton Court. I’m very upset because I have never received a ticket of any sort and I’m very concerned about my driving record now. All the cars around me were doing the same speed but I was the one to get ticketed! What should I do??

    • 888redlight August 17, 2011 8:03 am Reply

      Jennifer,

      Unfortunately, the “everyone else was speeding” defense does not carry any weight with a judge. You definitely should plead not guilty because this speeding ticket carries 6 points, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it, you can likely save points and the $300. You should also fight it to avoid your auto insurance going up.

      After pleading not guilty by certified mail, a court date will be scheduled where you should appear and ask for a conference. At that time, you’ll likely be able to negotiate a more favorable outcome. If you cannot or do not want to go to court, then you can retain a traffic lawyer to appear for you.

      Matthew Weiss

  118. Kev August 17, 2011 12:30 pm Reply

    Hello Matt:

    This entire page should be a ‘must read’. I’ve learned a lot and appreciate the time you’ve given to answer all of these questions.

    I found this site as I got a ticket today going 72 in a 50 on the Palisades Parkway – Clarkstown, NY. I have a NJ license.

    I do intend to plead not-guilty and ask for something lower. My driving record is clean and I am sure something can be worked out.

    A few questions:

    1. How much lower is usual for a plea bargain. Would I be able to get it down to 2 points or lower? If I am offered 4 points should I push for something better?
    2. The ticket actually has my address as one I had two years ago. Reason being is that when I moved, NJ just has a sticker that goes on the back with your new address until you renew your license. My registration and insurance is through my company (company car), so they would not have my address. I don’t suppose that the incorrect address on the ticket can be used in any way…. Probably not, but never hurts to ask.

    Thanks in advance for you time.

  119. Chador August 19, 2011 9:31 am Reply

    Recently I got speeding ticket on I-81 N
    at Kirkwood in Broome County. Speeding limit is 65 and by accident when the officer caught me was 82. The officer was waiting in a slope at a curve of a highway where my speed increases in that slope for few seconds. This is my traffic violation ticket. Do u think I should fight this ticket if so how much it will cost to fight. And yes I am a resident of NJ and can I Send the ticket back with no guilty and ask for an interpreter. Do I have to go to the Broome County court?
    Please help.

    • 888redlight August 19, 2011 11:08 pm Reply

      Chador,

      I recommend fighting this speeding ticket because it could adversely affect your insurance. This ticket carries 4 NY points and will transfer as 2 NJ points.

      You can try and resolve this case without going to Broome County traffic court. This particular county does often plea by mail.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  120. Pamela August 19, 2011 10:43 am Reply

    I received a ticket in upstate NY for traveling 49mph in a 30mph zone. I was leaving a small town with a posted speed limit of 30mph. I began to pick up speed between the last 30mph sign and the next posted state highway limit sign of 55mph. There were 4 state trooper vehicles sitting between the 30mph sign and the 55mph sign. I was pulled over right in front of the 55mph sign by 2 trooper vehicles. In the town where I am from in Pennsylvania, there are signs that state where the town speed limit ends, prior to the state highway limit of 55mph, so there is a zone in which you can speed up prior to the posted 55mph sign. I told the officer that I thought the 30mph speed zone ended back further. All he said was the speed limits had to “stop and start somewhere.” Should I fight this ticket? Will the NYS points appear on my PA license and affect my insurance? I have a clean driving record.

    • 888redlight August 19, 2011 11:03 pm Reply

      Pamela,

      A NY conviction will be reported to PA but points do not transfer. Your PA insurance company could use it against you. Call them and check.

      If your insurance could be affected, then we recommend plead not guilty and fighting the speeding ticket.

      Matthew Weiss

  121. Josh August 22, 2011 4:44 pm Reply

    I was pulled over doing 103 in a 55 on my bike. I know I’m pretty much done for. I do have a relatively clean record with only one other ticket in 10 years. Is there anything I can do? Thanks

  122. rv August 22, 2011 10:18 pm Reply

    I got a speeding ticket 83 in 65 zone in NY (Chautauqua county) while driving a rental car.
    If I mail in the not guilty plea do I need to appear on court? I have a clean record (had a traffic citation 2 years back paid the fine in court no points and no record).

    Would appreciate your thoughts/

    Thanks,
    RV

  123. Brandon August 24, 2011 9:52 pm Reply

    Hello,
    Today I got a speeding ticket for 75 in a 50 mph zone on the grand central parkway in NY. I was trying to overtake the the car in front of me and the cop pulled me over. I got 2 points on my license for not signaling properly. I was wondering if I should fight the speeding ticket and what should I do?

    Also, I’m a 19-year old student attending college in ny, but I have a Pennsylvania driver’s license. I’m under my parent’s auto insurance, so will the points transfer from ny and will my auto insurance go up?Thanks for your help.

    Brandon

    • 888redlight August 24, 2011 11:29 pm Reply

      Brandon,

      I recommend fighting this ticket because it carries 6 NY points and can result in your auto insurance rates being raised. Further, with your existing 2 points, these additional 6 will subject you to a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. Check out this article that I wrote entitled “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau“. It will help you better understand what you are up against if you fight this speeding ticket at the Queens North Traffic Violations Bureau.

      Finally, points from NY do not transfer to PA, but a NY conviction will be reported to PA and can be used by your parent’s auto insurance company to raise their rates.

      Matthew Weiss

  124. Shon August 26, 2011 1:23 pm Reply

    Hi -

    Last night I got a speeding ticket for going 85 in a 65 MPH zone. I have a NY license and a NJ car insurance (my car is 95% of the time parked overnight in NJ) and I do not think I have any speeding tickets on my license in the past three years. Any thoughts on if I should fight the ticket? I know there is a law that your insurance will not go up for a ticket in NY of 15 MPH or less but I do not think that law exists in NJ.

    Any help that can be provided would be appreciated.

    Shon

    • 888redlight August 26, 2011 1:30 pm Reply

      Shon,

      Yes, we recommend fighting this New York speeding ticket to hopefully avoid or lessen the points and negative insurance consequences.

      How you fight it depends on where the case is pending and other variables. Feel free to call us to discuss your unique facts.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

      • Shon August 26, 2011 3:01 pm Reply

        My ticket was issued for speeding on Route 84 so it would be hastle to get there from NYC. I will give you guys a call next week to see if it is cost effective to fight the claim. Tks

  125. RJ August 31, 2011 2:12 am Reply

    Hello,
    Today I was pulled over for doing 37 mph over the speed limit. i already have 2 points on my license. This took place in Allagany NY and I have to go to court in the city of Almond. i live an hour and a half from this place. Is it worth making the travel to fight it?

    • 888redlight September 1, 2011 11:43 am Reply

      RJ,

      Definitely fight this speeding ticket. It carries 8 points, roughly a $300 fine and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. Plus, this ticket alone would provide a sufficient basis for your insurance coming to raise your auto rates. Finally, it will place you very close to be suspended. At the Almond traffic court, you likely will be able to get this ticket reduced to a lower speed saving you points and money.

      If you cannot attend court, then you can retain a New York traffic lawyer to appear in your place. Let me know if you have any further questions.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  126. Steve Squires September 3, 2011 10:18 pm Reply

    I recently was pulled over and ticketed going 65 in a 45 in NY, Im from Pa is it worth fighting and could they suspend my license? this is my first offense

    • 888redlight September 4, 2011 10:36 am Reply

      Steve Squires,

      Points from a NY conviction do NOT transfer to your PA license. However, a NY conviction will be reported to PA and can be used by your PA insurance company to raise your rates. We therefore recommend that you check with your insurance company regarding the affects of this ticket on your rates. If it can hurt you, then let me know and we can discuss how to fight. Otherwise, just plead guilty and pay the fine.

      Keep in mind that if you plead guilty or are convicted of this ticket, then you’ll have 4 NY points. So any future NY tickets should be handled carefully.

      Matthew Weiss

  127. Shon September 7, 2011 12:42 pm Reply

    Do points on a NY license move to a NJ license?

    • 888redlight September 7, 2011 12:53 pm Reply

      Shon,

      If you are convicted in NY to a NY moving violation, in most cases, NJ will give you 2 points per conviction.

      Matthew Weiss

  128. Mark Casilio September 8, 2011 6:37 pm Reply

    I just got my first speeding ticket in 20 years today (50 in a 35). Even the police officer commented on how clean my drving record WAS, Anyways, first wondering, will this “low” (I think thats how it was described above) affect my insurance rates. Secondly, just a couple of months ago, I took the online NYS Driver Safety/Points Reduction course (for the insurance cost reduction). Since I had no previous points, I didn’t really care about the points reduction. Can I retroactivly get those “Point’s Reduction” from the course applied to my license now ?

    • 888redlight September 8, 2011 10:33 pm Reply

      Mark,

      Congratulations on 20 years of safe driving.

      Good news! A speeding conviction of 15 mph (or less) will NOT affect your auto insurance if you have an otherwise clean record. Therefore, this ticket (50/35) will not hurt you.

      You cannot retroactively get credit for the Driver Safety Class. It only can be used to remove 4 points for tickets issued BEFORE you take the class.

      Matthew Weiss

  129. Kara September 9, 2011 7:43 am Reply

    Hi Traffic Lawyer,

    I received my first speeding ticket yesterday on the Taconic State Parkway in NY for going 78mph in a 55mph zone. I have a CT license and a clean driving record. Should I go to court for this?

    Thanks

    • 888redlight September 9, 2011 11:53 pm Reply

      Kara,

      We recommend fighting this ticket. It carries 6 NY point, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it you can likely save points and the $300

      While NY points do NOT transfer to CT, a NY conviction will be reported to CT and can be used your insurance company to raise your rates.

      Matthew Weiss

  130. john September 10, 2011 3:19 pm Reply

    hi, i’m 17 and just received a ticket for failure to obey a traffic control device. i went through baracades on a closed road. technically i’m still in my probation stages because it has not been 6 month’s since getting my license. will my license get suspended for this? plus, if i told them i was responding to a fire call, which i was, but didn’t have proof would this help me out at all?

  131. Megan September 11, 2011 8:48 am Reply

    Hello,

    This morning I recieved a ticket for going 71 in a 50 MPH zone in Warwick, NY. I am from Vernon, NJ. This is my first ticket and I have a clean license, should I plead not guilty and fight the ticket? I even showed my PBA card (my uncle is an officer in NJ) and the police officer didnt even give me a break. Not sure what to do or how to go about this.

    Thank you!

    • 888redlight September 11, 2011 10:45 am Reply

      Megan,

      Plead not guilty. This speeding ticket carries 6 points in NY, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it, you can likely save NY points and the $300 fee.

      Further, this speeding ticket will transfer as 2 points on your NJ license, another reason to fight it.

      Matthew Weiss

  132. Joshua Sanders September 15, 2011 5:41 pm Reply

    Hello. I was pulled over last night (9/15/11) in Romulus, NY for going 50mph in a 35 school zone. (VTL Sec. 1180D) In my defense, the speed had just reduced from a 55mph zone and I was in the midst of slowing down. However, I did not say this as I was extremely nervous. In the supporting deposition issued to me I was stated as saying “I was going a little fast”. I actually chose the words “I think I was…” but this is probably irrelevant. My question is, should I fight this?

    The officer told me I could get it reduced but I’m not exactly sure how to go about doing this. I assume I plea not guilty. What do I go about doing in court in order to get this reduced? Should I try and use the excuse of the speed limit change? How badly will this make my insurance rates go up? I’m pretty sure I don’t have any points on my license but to be honest I’m not completely sure. I am really worried about this as I do not have much money and cannot afford to pay a large fine.

    Thanks for the help.

    Josh

    • 888redlight September 15, 2011 5:55 pm Reply

      Joshua,

      Yes, plead not guilty and the court will schedule a conference. At that conference, you can negotiate a reduction.

      You will have to contact your insurance company to find out about the affect on your rates. But, if you have an otherwise clean record, a 15 mph speeding ticket alone will NOT result in your insurance increasing.

      Matthew Weiss

  133. Michael Mandragona September 17, 2011 2:49 pm Reply

    I received a traffic infraction in violation of section 1211 subdivision A. In the description/narrative box the officer wrote “unsafe backing” Under the penal law for this violation it states that you cannot back up unless doing so safely and without disrupting traffic. I am thinking about going in to fight this because i believe this is a vague description and i can prove i backed up safely without disrupting traffic. What do you think?

    • 888redlight September 17, 2011 4:52 pm Reply

      Michael,

      Unsafe back is a very subject charge. While you will testify that you did so safely, I am sure the officer will testify to the contrary. Under these circumstances, the judge usually believes the officer over the motorist.

      There may be other ways to attack this ticket. If it is in a court that plea bargains, you likely can negotiate a reduction to a 0-point ticket. Otherwise, you can fight it, and try and win.

      Matthew Weiss

      Matthew Weiss

  134. Steven Montesantos September 18, 2011 9:23 pm Reply

    I was recently pulled over on the meadow brook in nassau county doing 90 on a 55 which is 35mph over which is 6 points I’m assuming. Stupid of me doing so but it was a family emergency. I know that one of my friends got a speeding ticket but he only had to write an essay apologizing and explaining himself to the judge (this was in glen cove though). what type of fines am i looking at. Is there any possible chance of using a PBA card to get out of it or anything?

    • 888redlight September 18, 2011 9:41 pm Reply

      Steven,

      Your PBA card won’t help. Your case is in the system and must be addressed.

      We recommend fighting it because it carries 8 points, roughly a $300 fine and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. The Nassau County Traffic Court is actually a very reasonable court so I would expect that a favorable result can be obtained.

      Matthew Weiss

  135. Malorie TIbert September 20, 2011 3:48 pm Reply

    I got a ticket in Nassau County on the LIE west bound going 76mph in a 55mph. The officer told me to plead not guilty which I did but was scheduled to show up for a pre-trial today. I was offered a plea of 2 points and $245.00 fine. I have a perfect driving record and I did not accept this plea. I honestly don’t think its fair as I was going with the flow of traffic and have a clean driving record. Was that a good plea to take and What should I do?

    • 888redlight September 20, 2011 10:54 pm Reply

      Malorie,

      You made a mistake. This was a very good deal and you won’t get offered a better. Going with the flow of traffic is not a valid defense in New York. If you are speeding you are guilty (even if other motorists are also speeding and don’t get pulled over). Further, your clean record is irrelevant as to whether you were, in fact, speeding 76/55.

      When the case comes up for trial, I would try and negotiate again. If you are not offered a better deal, try and get the 2-point deal back and this time take it.

      Matthew Weiss

  136. Chris Stattler September 22, 2011 10:31 am Reply

    Hello, I got pulled over for “failed to stop at a posted stop sign in school zone”, where I thought I stopped, but must not have stopped long enough, and he pulled me over. It’s in Suffolk County, Town of Brookhaven, and I heard they don’t plea bargain.
    Do you know how many points that would be if I pleaded guilty? Is it worth it to plea not guilty, as i heard they don’t plea bargain in Suffolk, unless in some of the villages, which this was not.
    My last ticket was about 2 1/2 years ago (will be three years in April 2012), and that was for speeding under 10 mph. I took the 6 hour course about 2 years ago, give or take.
    So how many points does that hold, and is it worth it to plea not guilty? Or should I just choke it up and plea guilty since Suffolk County doesn’t plea bargain?
    Thank you so much.

  137. Sandy September 25, 2011 9:08 pm Reply

    I received a NYS speeding ticket for 83 mph in a 65 mph zone. It’s due Oct 15th.

    I have a clean NJ license, but both my wife and I had ice-related accidents last winter (going 7 mph!), and my daughter just turned 16 and started driving with her learner’s permit. I’m concerned about our insurance rates if this ticket puts points on my license.

    Thanks very much!
    Sandy

    • 888redlight September 25, 2011 10:39 pm Reply

      Sandy,

      This ticket carries 4 points in New York and will transfer as 2 to your New Jersey license. We therefore recommend fighting it.

      Matthew Weiss

  138. Ahmad Abdulsatar September 27, 2011 10:08 am Reply

    Hi Mat,

    Jut got pulled over today, driving at Harlem River Drive, Manhattan 80 MPH, Speed limit is 50 MPH. The oficer gave me the ticket and he wrote 81 MPH in the ticket (in Zone) and looke like he did that so I would be in the 31 MPH category.

    My License is clean and this is the first traffict violation ticket, should I plead guilty or plead not and go to court and ask for confernce ? do they offer plead bargin in Manhaatan ?

    Thanks

    • 888redlight September 27, 2011 1:56 pm Reply

      Ahmad,

      You should plead not guilty and fight this ticket. It carries 8 points, roughly a $300 fine and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. Generally, there is no plea bargaining in New York City. However, your case may be reduced with the right judge if the officer’s visual estimate had you at 80 mph (or lower). That 1 mph will save you 2 points and $150 off the Driver Assessment Fee.

      Matthew Weiss

  139. Rob September 28, 2011 12:48 am Reply

    Hi, I am 20 years old in NYS (cheektowaga). I got pulled over by a trooper. I got clocked doing 71 in a 55, but he reduced that speeding charge to a lesser traffic violation (section 1110a), which I believe is 2points. I have never been convicted of any other offense. I am unsure whether to plea guilty or not guilty….I dont want my insurance rates to go up! what should I do?

    • 888redlight September 29, 2011 9:19 am Reply

      Rob,

      Because you have an otherwise clean record, the 2-point reduced charged will NOT affect your insurance rates. Just don’t get anymore moving violations for the next 36 months.

      Matthew Weiss

  140. Bea October 5, 2011 11:17 am Reply

    I got a speeding ticket in July for going 45 in a 30, right before a speed change to 55. I’ve never gotten a ticket before and I plead not guilty. The court date is at the end of December. What’s the chance of me getting out of the ticket with no points?

    • 888redlight October 5, 2011 11:05 pm Reply

      Bea,

      Your chances for a 0-point result depends on the court and a few other variables.

      Call me to discuss further.

      Matthew Weiss

  141. Sue October 6, 2011 4:44 pm Reply

    I got a speeding ticket on the Cross Island Expressway; 73 in a 50.
    I pled not guilty; but have heard that they do not conference cases in NYC. (Queens).

    I am an attorney myself – but do not know if this is worth going to trial over. Are there defenses that really work at trial in NYC or is it a losing battle? My defense is that I was not going 73 – but I would imagine it will be my word against the officer’s.

  142. Chelsey October 7, 2011 1:57 am Reply

    Hello Traffic Lawyer,

    I was pulled over doing 83/55 on Taconic State Parkway. Officer got me with laser. I know a trooper at my school she said she would vouch for me. I went to court to hand in my “not guilty plea”. She said the prosecutor is really nice and might just give me a “talking over”.

    I am 17 and my 6 month probation period was over for my junior license when I got the ticket. Can I get my license suspended?

    I have a pre trial appearance but I can’t make that date due to school. Is it possible to cancel? How many times can one cancel? I am hoping to drag it out until January.

    If they do drop the ticket to a non point violation will the insurance still see the 6 pt ticket? Our insurance renews in 2 weeks I am scared they will see my pending 6 pt ticket which will cause my rates to increase. Can the insurance see the ticket right now or do I have to be convicted of the ticket first?

    thank you

    • 888redlight October 7, 2011 6:55 am Reply

      Chelsey,

      Because your probationary period ended before you got this ticket, you will not be suspended for this one ticket. However, you should still continue to fight it.

      You cannot “cancel” your conference but you can re-schedule it. Call the court and ask for a new date. I don’t think you can push it into January but try. You can usually get one re-schedule easily. Don’t count on getting another (but of course you can try again when the new date comes up).

      If the ticket is dropped, the insurance company will only see the reduced charged (not the original 6-point ticket). Further the insurance company cannot see the charge unless and utnil you are found guilty.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  143. Charlie October 7, 2011 11:22 am Reply

    Hi Matthew,

    I recently received a ticket in NYC: NY VTL 1110(a) (Disobeying a Traffic Device). I made a left turn and there were apparently signs not to. I have a NJ license and the car is registered in Florida (company car). The officer who issued the ticket said that it is a 2pt violation but because I am out of state I would not receive the points. Is this true? I’m only driving in NY because of this job and I’m supposedly going to receive a promotion soon where I won’t have to drive (I think). Should I even bother paying this ticket? Will the points transfer to NJ? Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you,
    Charlie

    • 888redlight October 8, 2011 12:29 pm Reply

      Charlie,

      This ticket WILL transfer as 2 points on your NJ license. If you have an otherwise clean record (i.e., no other tickets or accidents), you may want to just plead guilty. This ticket alone is a relatively minor offense.

      Matthew Weiss

  144. Ray Laymon October 10, 2011 8:56 am Reply

    Hi Traffic Lawyer,

    I was driving less than 20 mph on a 65 speed limit on my way to Buffalo.. I live in Maryland and I have a clean record. The officer gave me a 1110a ticket (disobeyed traffic control device), and told me this will not affect my insurance. I read above that for this ticket I will have 2 points; and for NJ these points are transferred.
    How about MD? Are these points transferred to my license? Can I take online traffic classes to reduce these points? Do I need them?
    Thank you very much for any info,

    Ray

    • 888redlight October 10, 2011 3:13 pm Reply

      Ray,

      Points from New York will transfer to Maryland. However, an 1110a ticket is relatively minor. If you have an otherwise clean record, then you most likely do not want to bother fighting it. Check with your auto insurance company, however, before pleading guilty.

      Matthew Weiss

  145. Rob M. October 10, 2011 5:46 pm Reply

    I just got a ticket on 87 south in New York State. Clean Record. I admitting going 85 in a 65 and the officer clocked me at 83. He put on the ticket that I stated how fast I thought I was going, pretty much admitting my guilt. I have a NJ license. I probably won’t drive 5 hrs to the court hearing, any other way to fight this?

    • 888redlight October 13, 2011 11:37 pm Reply

      Rob,

      If you don’t want to drive back for court, then you can retain a New York traffic lawyer to appear for you. Because this ticket carries 4 points in NY and transfers as 2 to NJ, we definitely think you should fight it.

      Matthew Weiss

  146. donny October 11, 2011 12:03 pm Reply

    I have a CT state driver’s license and received a ticket for driving 87 in a 55 (it was a four trip and I was trying to find a bathroom for my 5 yr old). I am willing to pay the fine but how will it affect my CT license and/or insurance rate?

    • 888redlight October 14, 2011 12:16 am Reply

      Donny,

      Points from a NY conviction will NOT transfer to CT. However, a NY conviction will be reported to CT and your CT insurance company can use this conviction against you when assessing your rate. Also, this ticket carries 8 points in NY, roughly a $350 fine and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. We therefore recommend fighting it as you can likely save the $450 and reduce the NY points.

      Matthew Weiss

  147. Luke October 11, 2011 1:25 pm Reply

    Hi Matthew, First off, thank you.

    I had just gotten a speeding ticket this morning for going 40 in a 15, which is 6 points, that I know. The strange thing was that I was not pulled over by the officer that clocked me. I was approached down the road farther by two officers, and pulled over. They were waiting for me.

    What kind of outcome would this look? I am 22 and have no violations/tickets on my license.
    I want to fight it because I am certain that I was not going 40.
    Should I plead not-guilty? Should I mail it in?

    • 888redlight October 14, 2011 12:27 am Reply

      Luke,

      You were stopped in a “pitcher and catcher” type enforcement. The pitcher sees you speeding and the catcher issues the ticket. Were you given a supporting deposition? If it was signed by the catcher, you have a good chance for a dismissal. The catcher did not see the violation.

      Definitely plead not guilty.

      Matthew Weiss

  148. Steve October 11, 2011 7:07 pm Reply

    I received a speeding ticket on Staten Island for going 75/45. I plead not guilty and plan to fight it. I heard Staten Island TVB is extremely hard to beat a ticket in. Is this true?

    • 888redlight October 13, 2011 11:33 pm Reply

      Steve,

      Staten Island TVB is the single hardest traffic court in New York State. It is VERY hard to win a case there.

      Read this post about the different TVBs and you’ll see what I mean.

      Good luck!

      Matthew Weiss

  149. biju October 13, 2011 1:53 pm Reply

    Hi Mathew,

    I got a speeding ticket in I95 South (5-6 miles north to george wahishgton bridge) : 72 mph on 50 mph limit. My car’s odometer was showing below 70 mph. When i went to bronk court, they told me there is no plea settlement. either i have to pay the amt and get the points or has to go for hearing by pleading non-guilty.

    My licence has clean history until now. What should I do reduce the point and fine.

    Thanks

    Biju

    • 888redlight October 13, 2011 11:29 pm Reply

      Biju,

      In NYC, they generally do not plea bargain. Therefore, you will have to defend yourself at a hearing if you want to contest this 6-point ticket.

      Matthew Weiss

  150. Luke October 14, 2011 12:51 pm Reply

    Matthew,

    Thank you for emailing me.

    I was not given a deposition of any kind, nor did I think to ask for one, as it was my first traffic ticket. I am mailing in my not guilty plea this afternoon, and am requesting a deposition from the officer.

    Luke.

  151. Fong October 16, 2011 2:24 am Reply

    Hello,

    I recently recieved a 1172a in NYC for not stopping at stop sign. I truly believed I stopped. I have a spottless NJ license. What will happen to my NJ license and insurance? Is this worth fighting or should I do a driving course to reduce my points? The officer’s car was a NYC taxi cab. Does that make a difference?
    Thanks,
    Fong

    • 888redlight October 16, 2011 6:41 am Reply

      Fong,

      A stop sign ticket in NY carries 3 points and will transfer as 2 to NJ. Given your spotless record, you likely can just pay this ticket and not have any problems.

      First check with your insurance company.

      Matthew Weiss

  152. michael black October 18, 2011 8:40 am Reply

    im 17 and got a speeding ticket 43 mph in a 30 coming off a 55 zone, i was slowing down, i know im pleading not guilty and i have a clean driving record, could i get my license taken away???

  153. David Thomas October 19, 2011 2:51 pm Reply

    Are officers allowed by traffic law in NYS to park their emergency vehicle in a non-emergency situation on a sidewalk for the purpose of issuing “no left turn – except buses” sign violations? From looking at the traffic law section 1104 only authorized vehicles in an actual emergency operation are allowed to park on a sidewalk.

    Senario here is that there is a no left sign, if the left is made, police vehicle is posted 2 1/2 blocks in the distance physically flagging vehicles by the dozen and writing “disobey sign” tickets. Upon making the left turn there is a street that allows the police vehicle to park on the corner without affecting traffic in which they can conduct this operation.

    Why question is: Is it illegal by traffic law to park on a sidwalk to conduct a non-emergency operation?

    and I know this is a stretch, but

    Can a person getting a ticket from such an officer in this scenario, providing video proof of them being on the sidewalk fight the issuing of the ticket if it was done in an illegal manner?

    Thanks, David

    • 888redlight October 19, 2011 2:57 pm Reply

      David,

      This will not help you. Most judges are not going to punish an officer for illegally parking especially if it is for a legitimate purpose (i.e., enforcement of a sign).

      Matthew Weiss

  154. steve October 20, 2011 4:54 pm Reply

    My gf already has 10 points on her license and just got pulled over doing 65 in a 30 on the Henry Hudson. I lve in NJ and our laws and rules are not this strict so I am very very worried for her. Obviously, we need to fight this, but is there any decent chance in hell, a by having a lawyer, this can be helped? Thank you.

  155. Ken October 23, 2011 7:30 pm Reply

    Got pulled over in Sullivan County, Officer states I was doing 83 in a 65 and recorded via laser. I have a NJ license and the officer put the completely wrong address on the ticket. Whats the best way to fight this and is there ant worthwhile defense. Ticket was issued on 17 W/B, the officer was parked at the bottom of a hill out of normal view. The officers ticket says its based on the officers observation, but cites laser as the verification.

    • 888redlight October 23, 2011 8:13 pm Reply

      Ken,

      You should plead not guilty and fight this ticket. This ticket carries 4 points in NY and will transfer as 2 in NJ. If you fight it, you likely can negotiate a reduced charge and save points.

      Matthew Weiss

  156. sara October 23, 2011 8:28 pm Reply

    hello!
    I’m so lost, i just received a ticket for going 85 in a 55. Its my first ever ticket, just turned 18. Do i plead guilty? i heard there is a class you take which takes off points? how would i go about doing that.

    thanks
    -sara

    • 888redlight October 23, 2011 8:57 pm Reply

      Sara,

      You should plead not guilty and fight the ticket. Because it is your first ticket, I would wait on the Driver Safety Class (for now).

      Matthew Weiss

  157. Rosario Caputo November 2, 2011 3:00 pm Reply

    Hey I just received a speeding ticket for 87 in a 55, driving on the LIE. I don’t think I have any points, but I had a speeding ticket in Maryland about 4 years ago and pleaded guilty, paid that one. but the thing that is bothering me is that I got a speeding ticket from a radar camera. I paid it and I don’t think I got points. What should I do? plead guilty? or Fight it?

  158. Gino November 3, 2011 6:30 pm Reply

    I received a speeding ticket in New York State doing 85 in a 65. I live all the way in the poconos in PA. I was told by my cousin that i should plead not guilty but write a letter as well with the ticket stating that due to my job i cannot have any points on my license, as well as not being able to make it to court. He said he did the same thing for himself and it worked and they lowered it to the lowest fine you can receive without points. Is this true or a good idea?

  159. Erica m November 4, 2011 2:25 am Reply

    Hello,
    I just got a ticket in new Rochelle for 1180d. I was doing 49 in a 30. On the ticket it has no fine or anything. This is my first ticket and I really don’t want my parents to find out! The fine isnt the hard part. What should I do to avoid the state from sending me anything in the mail? And how much will the ticket cost? And will it go through my insurance at all?

    • 888redlight November 4, 2011 9:30 am Reply

      Erica M,

      The New Rochelle traffic court will send notices about your case to the address listed on your ticket. If you live at home, that is where notices will be sent. On the other hand, if you retain a New York traffic lawyer, then your lawyer will notify the court by filing a notice of appearance and all notices will thereafter be sent to the traffic attorney instead.

      The fine for this speeding ticket is around $200 and it carries 4 points. This is the type of ticket which can result in insurance rates increasing so it could affect your rates.

      Matthew Weiss

  160. Gino November 4, 2011 11:28 am Reply

    I believe i will write the letter….so then my process should be plead not guilty and send in the letter?

    If i didn’t do that how much does it cost to have a Ny Traffic lawyer appear for me?

  161. Irmgard Scheiner November 7, 2011 8:42 am Reply

    my husband recieve a speeding ticket, the trooper saif he was going 73 in an area that just turned 55 from 65 on the trhuway, even tought there where plenty of canadian cars going much faster , he tagged mu husband who so far has a clean record, when I read the ticket, the ticket said blue 1997 GMC truck, my husband drives a 2005 Chevy Silverado, color silverhaze, the previous mentioned truck was once owned by my husband but totaled over a year ago. Is this a reason to have the case dismissed ?and what are our chances?

    • 888redlight November 7, 2011 8:58 am Reply

      Irmgard,

      This minor mistake will not be enough to get a dismissal. There are other ways, however, to obtain a favorable result. Start by pleading not guilty and reading some of my other comments to this blog post.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Irmgard Scheiner November 9, 2011 7:51 pm Reply

        I talked to a friend of mine , a prosecuter in our county and she said that I should ask to to have the ticket dropped down to a parking ticket, which they allmost allways do and if the officer refuses , we should go in front of the judge stating the mistake on the ticket, which she says is enought reason reason for dismissal , the ticket even states the wrong color, it says blue truck , my husband never owned a blue truck, a green on yes, which I mentioned was totaled in a deer accident over a year ago, the same opinion is shared by a neighbour who is a local sherrif, but we will talk to the trooper first and see what he says

  162. Alesse Gozza November 8, 2011 12:46 am Reply

    To Mr.weiss
    I got a speeding ticket on the belt pkwy in brooklyn NY at 2:30 am(dead at night) for doing 76 on a 50 zone. and he also gave me a ticket for not signaling to change lanes when he was pulling me over. Im pretty sure i signaled to pull over, but he didnt didnt notice since hes crazy lights were flashing all over the place. These tickets equate to a total of about 8 points. The problem is I drive a cab in nyc( was working at the time i was stopped) and in college at the same time. This job is the only thing keeping me afloat and paying my bills and tuition and i cannot get these points on my license (six points means automatic suspension of my hack license). I have one other ticket which i should be able to beat that i recieved about a year and half ago and these tickets that i got in march. but other than that i have a very clean license. is there any way to avoid the six points from the ticket(im willing to beg :P ). i have pleaded not guilty and plan on delaying as much as possible. btw can you explain how no contest works.
    i would really appreciate some advice i’ve been a total dreaded mess the last few monthes due to this THANKS AGAIN

  163. Kevin November 8, 2011 7:37 am Reply

    Hello Matthew,

    Thank you for your tips and insights on various ticket scenarios, they are extremely helpful. I received a ticket last night around 1AM. I was caught doing 64 in a 30 zone EXCEPT the 30 zone was a little strip off the Throgs Neck bridge that leads straight into the Clearview Expresseay where it was extremely easy to miss the signs. Also, who does 30 mph on a bridge on NYC these days? I understand that I am guilty, but what would be my basis for an argument if I were to plead not guilty? I’m in the process of buying my first car and I don’t want my insurance rates to be ridiculous. Btw I’m 22, and have only received one other speeding ticket in the past 3 years.

    Thanks!

    • 888redlight November 8, 2011 9:34 am Reply

      Kevin,

      If you plead not guilty, you will not be assigned a hearing date for, at least, 2 months (likely longer). This will give you plenty of time to complete the purchase of a car and obtain insurance. Your insurance company will not know about your open ticket when it assesses your rate. In fact, even if it knew about it, it would not affect your rates. Only convictions can be used against you.

      At your hearing, you do not have to admit guilt or even talk. You can win if the officer makes a substantial error, omission or inconsistency. Listen to his testimony and see if any of these things occurs. I wrote an article entitled “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau“. It should provide further help.

      Matthew Weiss

  164. Eddie November 8, 2011 10:34 pm Reply

    To Mr. Weiss

    Today i was caught doing 56 mph on a laser on a 35 mph roadway in the Rochester area. the thing is i thought i was going 40-45. i was on probation because i just got my license a month ago, is there a way for me to plead not guilty and get a lesser charge and by the way I’m 18 and this is my first speeding ticket and im really nervous about having my license suspended

  165. Alex November 12, 2011 7:57 pm Reply

    Hello Matthew,

    About a week ago I got a ticket for doing 70mph on a 50 mph zone on the clearview expressway. I am sure I was going between 60-65 and not 70mph. There is a downhill steep slope which i believe increases the speed of a car. Also the officer was a fairly long distance when he saw me before to determine I was going 70mph. On the ticket there was no rader operator name listed. I am 21 years old with a clean record and this is my first ticket will I be able to fight it and will this affect my insurance rates? Thank you.

  166. Kaylene November 14, 2011 11:32 am Reply

    last night i got a ticket in manchester ny for 97 in a 65. the cop pulled over both myself and the car behind me, I am almost positive I was definitely not going that fast. On the ticket it says the charge was based on observation and then verified by laser. what should I do?

  167. Daniel November 14, 2011 2:51 pm Reply

    Hello,

    I received a speeding ticket near the Catskills doing 83 in a 65 and was wondering if it’s worth hiring a lawyer to go up there and fight the charge for me since it’s very far from me or just plead guilty. Also, I’m not listed as a driver on the insurance for the car I was driving when I got pulled over since I rarely drive so can you please let me know if the insurance rate will increase for the insurance holder for the car I was driving if I were to received any points?

    Thank you.

    • 888redlight November 14, 2011 4:14 pm Reply

      Daniel,

      This ticket carries 4 points and roughly a $200 fine. Because you are not listed as a driver on the insurance policy, a conviction will not affect the insurance rates. If you listed or get your own insurance within 36 months, then a conviction to this ticket could impact your rates.

      This speeding ticket carries 4 points so we recommend that your fight it. You are generally only allowed 10 points so 4 would be a lot to swallow at one time.

      Matthew Weiss

  168. joanne November 15, 2011 9:31 pm Reply

    Hi I know that you are a traffic lawyer for new york but I had a question. I have a New Jersey license and I was driving about to go through the GWB and the cop caught me going thru the HOV lane , I had no idea whatsover my lane was moving slow and that lane was open so i switched into it! I later on saw the sign it was from 7am to 9am carpool lane and it was 8am and I was only one person in the car. you can only go in that lane if you hav carpool 3 or more. so technically i got the ticket in fortlee nj. I looked up my ticket and my offense is issued 2 points to my license!

    I have a clean driving record! should I just pay it or is it worth fighting so I can get them removed and if I was to go to court how much would I have to pay approx to get the points removed. i am in my 20s and I really dont want my already high insurance to go up. Please advise! Thanks in advance!

  169. Erin November 20, 2011 3:02 pm Reply

    Hello,

    Today I recievd a traffic summons in Eastchester, NY (westchester county) for talking on my cell phone. I was told by the officer to send in the summons indicating guilty or not guilty. I have a CT drivers license and a clean record – should I send this in guilty or plead not guilty? I really don’t want this violation to affect my insurance rates – do you know the penalty of how it will affect my CT insurance?

    Thanks!

    • Matthew Weiss November 21, 2011 8:09 am Reply

      Erin,

      This ticket carries 2 points in NY but these NY points will not transfer to your CT license. A conviction to this charge will be reported to CT and could affect your insurance.

      Therefore, we recommend that you plead not guilty. If you fight it, you likely can negotiate a reduction to a 0-point ticket that won’t affect your insurance.

      Matthew Weiss

  170. Gia November 21, 2011 6:20 am Reply

    I was driving on I-87 in NYState and the trooper gave me a ticket for doing 55 in a 50- He said he gave me a break. I have a clean drivers license and live in PA.
    1) I plead not guilty and ask for a disposition (haven’t received anything since September of this year which is when it occurred) Do you think the charge will get reduced in court.
    2) Is it normal to wait this long for a response or should I write the court inquiring about a trial?

    3) Does the points transfer to PA if any points are issued for 5milez over the speed limit.

    • Matthew Weiss November 21, 2011 8:13 am Reply

      Gia,

      Answers to your questions below.

      1) I plead not guilty and ask for a disposition (haven’t received anything since September of this year which is when it occurred) Do you think the charge will get reduced in court? Probably not as the officer already reduced it for you once. You can try but you are risking that the prosecutor amends the ticket back to the original, higher speed.

      2) Is it normal to wait this long for a response or should I write the court inquiring about a trial? Some courts take a long time. I’d make sure the court received your not guilty plea, however, just to be safe. Call them.

      3) Does the points transfer to PA if any points are issued for 5miles over the speed limit? No, points from NY do not transfer to your PA license, although a NY conviction will be reported to PA and thus your PA insurance carrier can find out about it and use it against you.

      Matthew Weiss

  171. Matt November 21, 2011 8:30 pm Reply

    Hi,

    I received a speeding ticket on Dec 21, 2010 on the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn NY. I plead not guilty and was preparing to go to TVB court to fight the ticket and my first scheduled court date was to be on 6/23/2011. Two weeks before that date I got a letter saying my date was pushed back to 12/1/2011. Now, less than two weeks to the court date I just got a letter saying the date was pushed back again to 5/8/2012.

    Do you have any insight what this means? Is the officer who ticketed me just too busy to show up or perhaps he forgot about the details of the stop? Is there any way to ask for a dismissal since by the next court date it would have been about 18 months since the ticket was issued? What should I do?

    Thanks.

    • Matthew Weiss November 21, 2011 8:57 pm Reply

      Matt,

      These changes are a result of the court or officer administratively changing the dates. Usually they are made if the officer is unavailable as scheduled or if the court has too many cases scheduled for one date. You cannot get the case dismissed based on these reschedules because the court has discretion to control its own calendar. However, the Traffic Violations Bureau system only allows 4 such dates before such changes are rejected.

      The good news is that time is on your side. The older the case gets, the better for you.

      Matthew Weiss

  172. Justine Flores November 25, 2011 9:10 am Reply

    I recently got a speeding ticket going 80mph in a 40mph speed limit on FDR Drive. I have a clean record and this would be my first offense. I have a New Jersey license.

    I am currently 23 and have never gotten a speeding ticket. I noticed you said that I will need to have at least two convictions in order for my insurance rates to go up. The officer I spoke to told me to plead guilty and simply explain my situation that I had to go the bathroom (that was my excuse). Do I have a chance of possibly avoiding a penalty? Would I also have the ability to continuously push back my date for a court appearance as well?

    • Matthew Weiss November 25, 2011 9:26 am Reply

      Justine,

      In New York, it takes two minor convictions (or one substantial conviction like a 16+ mph speeding) for your insurance company to be able to raise your rates. I don’t know what the rule is in New Jersey so you may want to check with a New Jersey traffic lawyer on this issue. However, a 40 mph over the limit speeding ticket is likely one that would raise your rates (even though you have an otherwise clean driving record). You also could be suspended in New York for such a ticket as it is a required appearance and carries 8 points. New Jersey would honor such a suspension. It also carries roughly a $300 fine and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. Finally, it will transfer as 2 points in New Jersey. Therefore, you definitely want to fight this NY speeding ticket.

      You can push back your court date, at least, twice at the Manhattan South Traffic Violations Bureau or at the Manhattan North Traffic Violations Bureau (one of which will hear your case). However, after that, you likely will have to fight it.

      At the Traffic Violations Bureau, they do NOT plea bargain. So every not guilty plea ends up in a hearing, not a deal or settlement. Given the gravity of the charge, we seriously recommend that you retain an experienced New York traffic lawyer.

      Matthew Weiss

  173. Theresa November 25, 2011 3:32 pm Reply

    Dear Mr. Weiss – today I received a speeding ticket on 684 in Westchester County for driving 96 in a 65 mile zone. I may have been above the speed limit but do not believe I was going 96mph. I was in the left hand lane with other cars at the time and no one else was pulled over.

    I am licensed in CT. Should I fight this- I see that it is a great deal of points and potential suspension of my license. I have a clean driving record and am 51 years old. If I do fight, how do I decide if I should retain a lawyer to help? Thanks

  174. Jay November 27, 2011 10:41 pm Reply

    I am from Massachusetts and received a 1110a. should I plead guilty. How do points carry over from NY to MA?

    Thank you

  175. Sandy November 28, 2011 12:25 am Reply

    Hello Matthew,

    Many thanks for this website, it is extremely useful for those of us who have never had a speeding ticket in NYS in the past. I’ve learned quite a bit from other situations described here (which is why I’m 99% certain I will plead not guilty), so my questions are a bit more specific.

    In a nutshell, I’m from Ontario and received a ticket under 1180D for doing 80 MPH in a 65 MPH on Route 17 in the Town of Liberty (Sullivan County). This is my first ticket of any kind, in any jurisdiction, since I was first licensed almost twenty years ago.

    1) With regards to mistakes on the ticket, my surname is incorrect (last two letters are omitted), and the place of occurrence does not indicate a direction (it simply reads “ST RT 17″). Are these relevant?

    2) The ticket indicates “This matter is scheduled to be handled on the appearance date below” and lists January 12th, 2012 at 9:00AM as the date; is this the date I have a conference to negotiate, or is this an actual court date? If I plead not guilty, will this change the January 12th date?

    3) Related to question 2, to the best of your knowledge, can I negotiate a reduction by mail or telephone in Liberty, or does that town require in-person negotiations? I’m not keen on driving six hours, spending an overnight and driving another six hours, but I’m also not keen on having the points transferred to my Ontario DL with the potential hit to my insurance. If I choose to show up in Liberty on January 12th, do I still need to mail my not guilty plea beforehand?

    4) I note that in NYS, there is a 3 point hit for speeding up to 10MPH above the speed limit, but Ontario does not have any demerit points for speeding offenses below 16KM/H (10MPH). Am I correct in reading that if I can negotiate the offense to below 10MPH that I will no longer have any points transferred to Ontario?

    Many thanks for your help, and for taking the time to answer queries on this website!

    • Matthew Weiss November 28, 2011 7:27 am Reply

      Sandy,

      Answers in bold follow your questions below:

      1) With regards to mistakes on the ticket, my surname is incorrect (last two letters are omitted), and the place of occurrence does not indicate a direction (it simply reads “ST RT 17″). Are these relevant? The mistake in your surname won’t help. This minor error does not render the ticket defective. The omission of your direction of travel also does not render the ticket defective although, if you were to go to trial, the officer must be able to testify about your direction. Presumably, the officer will have this information in his or her notes (or it is on your supporting deposition already).

      2) The ticket indicates “This matter is scheduled to be handled on the appearance date below” and lists January 12th, 2012 at 9:00AM as the date; is this the date I have a conference to negotiate, or is this an actual court date? If I plead not guilty, will this change the January 12th date? January 12th is your arraignment date (i.e., the date you enter your plea). Usually, you have to come back another day for your conference.

      3) Related to question 2, to the best of your knowledge, can I negotiate a reduction by mail or telephone in Liberty, or does that town require in-person negotiations? I’m not keen on driving six hours, spending an overnight and driving another six hours, but I’m also not keen on having the points transferred to my Ontario DL with the potential hit to my insurance. If I choose to show up in Liberty on January 12th, do I still need to mail my not guilty plea beforehand? At this court, a personal appearance is required by you or your traffic lawyer. You can enter your plea via mail.

      4) I note that in NYS, there is a 3 point hit for speeding up to 10MPH above the speed limit, but Ontario does not have any demerit points for speeding offenses below 16KM/H (10MPH). Am I correct in reading that if I can negotiate the offense to below 10MPH that I will no longer have any points transferred to Ontario? Yes.

      Matthew Weiss

  176. andy November 29, 2011 12:07 pm Reply

    Hi, my apologies if this is a repeat question but I just don’t have the time to filter through all these comments.

    I went 50 mph in a 30 mph zone. I have 0 points in my license. I am wondering if I can plead not guilty, get summoned to court, and have a chance of me simply paying the fine w/o 4 points being added to my record. Or, should I simply pay it. Take a defensive driving course to have the 4 pnts removed? Please advise, thank you.

    • Matthew Weiss November 29, 2011 8:07 pm Reply

      Andy,

      In NYC, Rochester, Buffalo and most of Suffolk County you cannot plea bargain. If your speeding ticket was issued at these locations, your only chance for a more favorable outcome is by pleading not guilty. Here is an article entitled “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau” which will help you better understand what you’re up against.

      Elsewhere, you can plead not guilty and, then, negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  177. Ryan December 1, 2011 1:28 am Reply

    Matthew,

    A couple days ago I was pulled over on the Clearview Expressway in Queens for speeding. The officer wrote me up for doing 69 mph in a 50, though I know that the needle on my speedometer never passed the 65 mph mark. My car is 20 years old and the speedometer was broken once before, which I got “fixed” a few years back (it may never have been completely fixed). I read your article about the TVBs and understand that it might not even be worth it to please not guilty, but if I go and get my speedometer repaired and show a receipt, would that help my case at all?

    Even if that doesn’t get me off, what if I say because of the broken speedometer, I thought I was only going 62? I know the charge is the same for any speed between 11-20 over ($195 and 4 points), but I have a spotless driving record and am mostly concerned with whether or not a 7 mph difference will make or break my insurance going up.

    Does none of this matter because we’re talking about a TVB?

    I live in upstate New York (approx. 3 hours away from the TVB), so if neither of those matter, I would be inclined to just plead guilty. I am new to all this really appreciate any advice.

    Thanks for all your help.

    • Matthew Weiss December 1, 2011 10:34 pm Reply

      Ryan,

      A broken speedometer is not a valid defense to a speeding ticket in New York. Further, you admittedly were speeding (albeit 62, not 69). Therefore, you proposed strategy will likely not be successful (in my opinion).

      I hope this helps you decide what to do.

      Matthew Weiss

  178. Victoria December 2, 2011 5:13 am Reply

    I recieved a letter from the DMV saying that my license will be suspended on the 21 December for failure to answer a summons for a speeding ticket that I never recieved in September of 2004. Can they actually do this, seeing as how I never got a speeding ticket, have had the same home of record address for the past 7 years in which I never got any correspondence, and currently have been living overseas for the past 4 and a half years?

  179. Yef December 2, 2011 11:49 am Reply

    I got speeding ticket on LIE 15 years ago. Plead not guilty and was told that court date will be set up for me. I received a note about court date 2 days ago. It’s next week. Should I go for plea bargaing? Is this case even legit after 15 years?

    Thanks,
    Yef

    • Matthew Weiss December 2, 2011 5:31 pm Reply

      Yef,

      You can ask for a trial. You’ll get a new date for the trial and officer likely won’t be there. If he isn’t there, you win. If he appears, you can always plea bargain it then.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  180. Lori Centore December 4, 2011 11:05 am Reply

    Matthew-
    I live in RI, but was traveling through NY on my way to Chicago for work. I received a speeding ticket for going 30mph over the speed limit. I have a good driving record. Should I fight this ticket? Also, approximately how much will this ticket cost me if I don’t fight it?

    Thank you!
    Lori

    • Matthew Weiss December 5, 2011 12:37 am Reply

      Lori,

      This speeding ticket will cost you roughly $200 in fines and $300 in the Drive Assessment Fee. If you fight it, you likely can avoid the $300 Driver Assessment Fee and get the charge reduced to a less serious offense.

      Matthew Weiss

  181. Jeffrey December 6, 2011 1:33 pm Reply

    I’m a New Jersey Driver and received a 21 over speeding ticket. Can I fight the ticket on my own or is it obligated to get a lawyer to fight it for me?

  182. rob December 7, 2011 4:22 am Reply

    hi I just got a ticket in nyc going 46 in a 30 miles zone ,I live in California will it go on my California license.will my insurance find out? Also if I plead not guilty the police officer told me about some affidavit what’s it mean and what you think I should plead .I already have one speeding ticket about 2 years ago thanks.

  183. Jeffrae December 8, 2011 11:32 am Reply

    Ticket in Suffolk County NY….office hit me with a 42 in a 20 (school zone). I absolutely was not going 42…I looked at my speedometer when I saw him and it was, at most, 32. I admitted to 32 and he says “42/32, you are still speeding in a school zone”. Is there any point in arguing in court…his word against mine? This is my first ticket ever, first time even being pulled over…and I am 55. Are the fines and points the same even if I could get it lowered to 32 in a 20? I am just so ticked off!!

    • Matthew Weiss December 8, 2011 2:18 pm Reply

      Jeffrae,

      A 42/20 speeding ticket in school zone carries 6 points, roughly a $400 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it, you might be able to save the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Jeffrae December 8, 2011 3:02 pm Reply

        The only way I would be interested in wasting a day of pay would be if I could get it lowered to 32mph that I was pleading guilty too. Then I believe the points on my license would be 4 and with the torture of taking the drivers safety course I could then erase the 4 points and have a clean license…with 6 pts. I can only erase 4 of them. It just annoys me that he wrote it for 42 and jacked the pts, fine etc. It would be his word against mine…no speed trap, he was following me. I mean really, how stupid do you think I could be for continuing to drive at 42mph, with a cop following me and knowing I had just entered a school zone. Grrrrr!

  184. Kathleen December 8, 2011 12:46 pm Reply

    Hello,

    I received a speeding ticket for going 82 in a 55 (of course it turned into 65 zone about a mile up the highway) in Broome County, NY (Binghamton). I was in a rental car and have a CA drivers license. I do not own a car so don’t pay insurance. From the above it seems that this ticket will be in excess of $400. Would you recommend just paying the ticket, or pleading not guilty (I could get back to Binghamton for court if need be) to see if I could get the fine reduced?

    Thank you,
    Kathleen

  185. Stefano December 10, 2011 3:57 pm Reply

    Matt,

    Last night at around 8 I got stopped for going 80 in a 65 MPH zone on the I87 North near Peru NY (about 5/10 miles south of Plattsburgh.

    The officer told me I can plead by mail or show up in court on Jan 10 2012.

    I live in Brooklyn NY and Peru is about 6 / 7 hours drive. Is there a way to have a plea agreement / reduction by mail? Or is it worth to spend 12 hours drive and 100 $ in gas to appear in court? I have a clean records no points on the license. it is the first time I got stopped for speeding. I guess that the officer will show up in court being a small town.
    Thanks for your advice.

  186. Jerry December 11, 2011 5:46 pm Reply

    I was recently stopped on a stretch of highway in Roscoe, NY. Along that highway the speed limit changes from 55 to 65 back and forth. I was in a 55 area and was very aware of the speed limit so I was traveling at about 60 to 63 mph with cruise control. I hit an area of traffic with 3 cars, one in front of me, and two in the passing lane next to me. The car in front of me was going well below the 55mph limit and I had slowed down behind it. I can’t say how fast the two cars were going next to me, but next thing I know is I’m getting pulled over. The officer told me that the radar picked me up at going 74 mph and promptly wrote me a ticket. There is NO way I was going 74 mph. I have two speeding tickets on my record, and have learned to not speed anymore. Also I am very aware of the state troopers in Roscoe, NY and know they are quick to pull people over. I also know that there is not much I can do to prove my innocence, but as a lawyer do you know anything that I could do/say? I’m very frustrated.

  187. ade December 12, 2011 12:40 am Reply

    i was driving on the southern state pkwy, in suffolk county N.Y and i recieved a speeding ticket for doing 98 mph in a 55 mph zone. i was not paying attention and was tired from studying, due to my upcoming finals for law school, and i just wanted to get home. I personally know im guilty, so what could possibly be my defense for this. I can not afford to pay any excessive fine because I am a un-employed law student. This is my first driving offense, i have a clean driving record. So should i plead guilty or not guilty? is there the slight possibility i can get this ticket reduced,? and is there a possibility of not recieving 11 points on my license. What are your suggestions?

  188. Justin L December 18, 2011 5:13 pm Reply

    Hi Matt, I got my first ever speeding ticket today going 80 in a 65, near Goshen NY. I’ve never had a moving violation before, or anything else wrong with my license. Should I fight this ticket or just pay the fine?

    Thanks in advance
    ~Justin

  189. Anton December 19, 2011 7:32 pm Reply

    Hi,
    I was ticketed for going 81 in a 65 (going south on 87), I have a NJ license with a couple of minor moving violations in NJ in the past. Is this worth fighting, even if I really don’t want to spend my time going back up to that area to talk to some turd of a judge? Is it ever worth it to ignore a ticket?

    • Matthew Weiss December 19, 2011 10:26 pm Reply

      Anton,

      Do NOT ignore this ticket. Otherwise, you’re privilege to drive in NY with your NU license will be suspended and NJ will, then, honor the suspension. Because you have other blemishes on your record, I recommend that you fight this speeding ticket. If you are convicted, you’ll get 4 NY points and NJ will give you 2 points on your NJ license.

      Matthew Weiss

  190. Scott December 23, 2011 8:36 pm Reply

    Hi,
    I have a NY license and received a ticket for going 78 on a 55 mph (taconic). This is the first ticket I have ever gotten. Reading all of the other comments, I am guessing I should plead not guilty; however, do I need a lawyer? I have heard of some people pleading not guilty without a lawyer. If I choose to do that what should I expect?

    • Matthew Weiss December 23, 2011 11:56 pm Reply

      Scott,

      If you have the time, you can handle this ticket yourself. Some people are too busy or nervous to handle themselves and, for them, they should get an experienced NY traffic lawyer. Sometimes a NY traffic lawyer can get you a better result than you could get for yourself. Given your clean record, however, you likely could get yourself a decent (if not better) outcome.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  191. Vince December 28, 2011 11:57 pm Reply

    Hello,
    Today, I received a speeding ticket for doing 66 on 45. I have a NY license. I got this in the town of Colonie, NY. Can you please tell me what my next step should be? How much it world cost to get a traffic lawyer.
    Thank you,
    Any help is Appreciated.

  192. eric q January 3, 2012 11:39 pm Reply

    I am going in to court tomorrow at 8:30 am for a speeding ticket of over 31 miles over limit
    I had a retinal surgery and have been out of the game for a month now…i really have focused on my eye and realized that my court date is tomorrow
    Jan 4
    8:30am
    Is there any hope for me getting someone to help me out?
    I do have proof of my surgery.
    Eric

    • Matthew Weiss January 4, 2012 11:03 am Reply

      Eric,

      Unlike many law firms, we are quite agile and can help you (even on such short notice). We’ll call you this morning and arrange for one of experienced traffic lawyers to meet you at the court.

      Matthew Weiss

  193. Bilal January 4, 2012 11:38 am Reply

    Hi,

    I got a ticket in Valhalla, NY for speeding 52 in a 35 zone. The area was a construction area however the officer told me he would not indicate that on the ticket which would save me some money. I plead not guilty to this ticket. This all happened about 2 1/2 years ago. I just received a letter from the court for a court date for this ticket that i received 2 1/2 years ago. Is there anyway I can claim a statue of limitations expiring on this ticket as I do not remember much about it.

  194. Kristen January 7, 2012 4:55 pm Reply

    Hi,
    I got a ticket for disobey traffic sign today. I don’t believe I did cause I cross right where the line was still dotted and not bold, but the officer made some mistakes on the ticket. he got the zip code of my address wrong, he got my name backwards (instead of kristen rose he put rose kristen) other than that everything else looks okay.. is there a way to fight this ticket? Or should I just pay the fine?

    Kristen

  195. Jill January 8, 2012 4:11 pm Reply

    Hii I got a speeding ticket(my license is nys) on the thruway,near Syracuse, for going 80 in a 65 I’m 19 and worried it will effect my insurance rate. Will the insurance company be notified of this ticket? And can I fight this myself if I choose to ? I don’t want to hire a lawyer.

    • Matthew Weiss January 8, 2012 10:09 pm Reply

      Jill,

      Even if you are convicted of this ticket, your insurance rates will not increase as long as you have (and maintain for 36 months) an otherwise clean record. A speeding ticket that is 15 mph (or less) cannot raise your rates in New York with any otherwise clean record. With that said, I still recommend that you plead not guilty and fight this ticket.

      Matthew Weiss

  196. Adam January 9, 2012 1:47 pm Reply

    We live in Connecitcut and my wife received a ticket stating she was going 70 in a 55. She’s had a clean record for at least 3 years. This however was about 3 hours away in Shandaken, NY. Is it worth it to fight?

  197. Paola January 10, 2012 8:52 pm Reply

    I got a ticket today in Passaic, N. J for going 73 in a 55mph zone. I scheduled a court date. The traffic violation says that I’ll get 4 points on my license. I’ve never had a ticket, how much do I have to pay to avoid those 4 point on my license??

    • Matthew Weiss January 10, 2012 9:48 pm Reply

      Paola,

      I am only licensed in New York and don’t practice in New Jersey. Therefore, I cannot answer your question. Try contacting a NJ traffic lawyer.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  198. Wendy Yolinsky January 13, 2012 1:06 pm Reply

    I live in PA and received a speeding ticket in NY close to the Canadian Thousand Island border crossing for 63 in a 40 mile zone. Not understanding the process as this is the first ticket I have recieved in 40 years of driving I pleaded quilty and payed the $195 fine. Once paid I just received a notice assigning 6 points to my drivers license and another fine of $300. 4 questions -
    1. will these points be assigned to my PA license – where exactly do these points reside?
    2. can I reduce these points and the fine by taking a driver safety class?
    3. if so can I take it on line or do I have to travel back to NY state some where to take the class or can I take a class in PA somewhere – how would I notify the Court that I took the class so my points and fine would be reduced
    4 how does all of this affect my insurance?

    thanks for your help

    • Matthew Weiss January 13, 2012 2:06 pm Reply

      Wendy,

      Answers follow each of your questions below.

      1. will these points be assigned to my PA license – where exactly do these points reside? No. Points from NY do not transfer to PA. However, the NY conviction will be reported to PA and can hurt your PA insurance rates.

      2. can I reduce these points and the fine by taking a driver safety class? Yes, you can remove up to 4 NY points by taking a NY Driver Safety Class.

      3. if so can I take it online or do I have to travel back to NY state some where to take the class or can I take a class in PA somewhere – how would I notify the Court that I took the class so my points and fine would be reduced. You can take it online and the class administer will notify NY DMV.

      4 how does all of this affect my insurance? You should contact your PA insurance company and ask them what happens if you are convicted of this ticket. See also my response to 1.

      Matthew Weiss

  199. sasha January 14, 2012 10:03 pm Reply

    Hi, I just got my first speeding ticket for doing 70 on a 55mph. How much will I have to pay for the ticket. And is there a chance that they can either reduce the ticket or drop it all together.

    • Matthew Weiss January 14, 2012 11:40 pm Reply

      Sasha,

      The fine for this ticket will be roughly $200 and, yes, if you plead not guilty, you have a chance to get it reduced (assuming the ticket is not returnable at one of the Traffic Violations Bureaus).

      Matthew Weiss

  200. Rosanne January 15, 2012 2:06 pm Reply

    I have a question. My son and I are going to a pretrial conference for a ticket he got in NY. It was for doing 49 in a 30 coming into a small town. There’s a mistake on the ticket in that the date to respond was dated before the ticket was issued. He was in the process of slowing to 30 when he was stopped. Are either of these issues grounds for a dismissal or reduction?

  201. Billy January 15, 2012 8:24 pm Reply

    I was ticketed for going 72/55 on the Taconic pkwy near Austerlitz, NY (I think that’s Columbia County). 4 point ticket.

    I was wondering how this ticket will affect me. I am a student in NY so I live here but I still have my license/registration from Alaska. I have NY insurance. Will I be getting points, and will my insurance be affected?

    I don’t live that far away so I guess I could show up to court in Austerlitz. Will they plea, and if so, do you think they would reduce my MPH over the limit so that it is under 15 mph? that way, it would qualify as a minor speeding violation and wouldn’t go to insurance, if I understand it correctly.

    • Matthew Weiss January 15, 2012 8:47 pm Reply

      Billy,

      This ticket carries 4 points, roughly a $200 and can hurt your insurance rates. I therefore recommend that you plead not guilty and show up in court. You likely can negotiate a more favorable outcome.

      Good luck!

      Matthew Weiss

  202. Louis January 16, 2012 10:25 am Reply

    This past saturday morning at 5:40am I was pulled over on Jericho Tpke in Suffolk County. I was clocked at 95 in a 40 and I honestly have no other explanation for this other than having a mild-panic attack while driving and I didn’t notice my excessive speed due to there being no other card on the road. I was late to work and freaking out, since I am on thin ice as far as attendance goes. I explained all of this to the officer. I have had a similar situation in Nassau County with a 79 in a 55 about two years ago. That was reduced to a failure to yield after I explained the medical reasoning. I understand that Happauge generally does little in the way of bargains, but do you think I have any chance in this situation or should I just plead guilty and pray that the judge is lenient based on my circumstances and doesn’t suspend my license? Am I at the mercy of the court or do I have a chance of being heard out?

    Louis

  203. John Smith January 17, 2012 12:00 am Reply

    I got a ticket for supposedly going 47 in a 30! I am 32 and have never in my life speeding and I have 16 years of no tickets ever! What happens in court… I pleaded not guilty cause I don’t feel I was going 47 that’s crazy!

    • Matthew Weiss January 17, 2012 8:07 am Reply

      John,

      You did the right thing. You have nothing to lose by fighting this ticket. How you fight it and what kind of results which can be expected depend on a few variables including the court and the judge.

      Good luck!

      Matthew Weiss

  204. Greg January 17, 2012 9:11 am Reply

    I have speeding ticket 81 in 65 zone on I 395 going south violation 1180-d. The district Attorneys offer me redaction to 1110a. Should I take it the offer or fight and try get 0 points?

  205. Greg January 17, 2012 7:14 pm Reply

    Thanks Matthew. One more thing, This is my first ticket and I’ve had a clean driving record for over 18 years. With such clean record what chances I have to get 0 points?

  206. Carla January 18, 2012 11:58 am Reply

    Hi Matthew,

    I have a pre-trial conference with the ADA for a speeding ticket (going 67mph on a 45mph road). I have a clean driving record, never got as much as a parking ticket. I do not drive that fast, I think I was distracted and have not noticed the change of speed sign (it changed from 60mph to 45mph), but I do not think I was going that fast anyway. My question is: how do I prepare for this conference and what do I say to the ADA? Do I admit that I was speeding? Do you think I need a lawyer with me?

    Thank you so much,
    Carla

    • Matthew Weiss January 18, 2012 3:04 pm Reply

      Carla,

      You can handle this yourself if you are comfortable. If not, then retain a NY traffic lawyer to appear for you.

      At your conference, do not admit guilt (but do not deny the charges either). Just explain that you’d like to explore a non-trial resolution. If you point out your otherwise clean record, you should be able to negotiate a more favorable outcome (assuming this case is not be heard at a Traffic Violations Bureau).

      Matthew Weiss

  207. Kirsten Harvey January 19, 2012 7:40 pm Reply

    Matthew, you have a tremendous website, thank you.

    I received a disobey sign ticket in Queens for making an illegal U-turn. This occurred on Queens Blvd. which consists of four parallel road sections separated by cement islands. The express lanes, going opposite directions, are in the middle, and on the outside are local lanes going in opposite directions.

    I made a left hand turn at a directional light from one express lane, to the local lane going the opposite way. I got pulled over for an illegal U-turn. I had never seen a sign saying no U-turn, and on inspection afterwards, there was only an image sign, which I had taken to mean that there was no turning from the express lane to the adjacent express lane going the opposite direction. Plenty of cars make this turn from the express lane to the local lane going the opposite direction, and never get pulled over. I had never imagined that this sign referred to that I had made from the express lane to the local lane going the opposite direction.

    2) Furthermore, the sign in question is very high on the pole, out of and above what I would consider a normal range of vision.

    3) And, the officer only listed the two street names as the location of the infraction, with no mention of the direction in which I was going.

    The officer claimed that the no u turn sign (again no words, only the image) does refer to any turn where one changes direction by 180 degrees. I question whether this is true, must the sign have the words, “no U turn” on it to refer to a 4 section road like Queens Blvd. and that the image sign only refers to turns into adjacent sections. Is there a height underneath which such a sign must be posted on a road (there is none on the traffic light…)?

    And, finally, must the officer write the direction I was traveling on the summons? Or is just listing the intersecting roads sufficient.

    Thanks so much.

    • Matthew Weiss January 19, 2012 8:09 pm Reply

      Kirsten,

      Thanks for your kind words.

      In regard to your U-turn ticket, it does not have to list the direction of travel to be a valid ticket. At your hearing, however, the officer must testify as to your original direction of travel and the new direction of travel after you made your U-turn.

      In regard to the sign, it must be posted at a height that is reasonably likely to be seen. Usually, signs should be posted 8 to 12 feet off the ground. If it is truly overly-high, then take photographs of the signs from various angles as soon as possible, and introduce them at your hearing.

      I hope this helps.

      Matthew Weiss

  208. Rachel January 23, 2012 5:48 pm Reply

    Hi Matthew,

    I got a speeding ticket yesterday for going 50 in a 30. I know its a $195 fine and 4 points. Is it possible to fight this?

    • Matthew Weiss January 23, 2012 6:20 pm Reply

      Rachel,

      Yes, it is possible to fight it. How you fight it depends on various factors such as where you got the ticket and the facts of your case. Many of the comments in this string will be helpful for you to read.

      Matthew Weiss

  209. AJ January 23, 2012 6:47 pm Reply

    Hi Matthew,

    I received a ticket for failure to stop at a stop sign in Portchester, NY. I wanted to go straight to trial to fight it but i don’t have palpable evidence. I requested a pre-trial which I have coming up two Fridays from now to see if I can plea bargain (if that fails, that I’m going 100% for trial). The thing is I’m a CT resident, I’ve had a clean record for 1 year, I know that the points won’t transfer and I’ve already called my insurance about the future of my rates. As far as the plea bargain: 1) Do you know what kind of pleas I should expect? 2) If you do, what would be my best option? 3) Is it necessary to go with a copy of my driving record, or I could just mention it the conference? 4) Since I live in CT, would the same pleas/ laws apply, meaning would CT DMV accept NYS decision? For example, if I decided on NYS driving school, would CT accept that? Any help is greatly appreciated.

    • Matthew Weiss January 24, 2012 8:57 am Reply

      AJ,

      Try and get a 0-point plea bargain like a parking ticket.

      Bring your license as it helps you and they may not have it (especially your CT record).

      NY and CT have different rules and points don’t transfer so don’t worry about that aspect

      Matthew Weiss

  210. Rachel January 23, 2012 6:48 pm Reply

    I received the ticket in NYC (Astoria). This is from the traffic violations bureau.

  211. Jonathan January 30, 2012 11:18 pm Reply

    Hello Matthew,
    3 days ago, Friday, I received a speeding ticket in Trumansburg, NY. I was going 45 in a 30, (as I hadn’t realized the limit had changed a few hundred yards before, from 45 to 30). I have a previous ticket from, I believe less than 18 months ago, from Fayette, NY, which I got pulled over for speeding, but the officer gave me “failure to obey a traffic control device” which I believe was only a 2 point penalty (which i pleaded guilty to).
    The officer told me that in the town it is their policy to not pull anyone over unless they are going more than 10 miles over. Upon reviewing the ticket, it is stated my speed was 45mph, however, the ticket states the arrest type was “1-Patrol” which, if I’m not mistaken, means it was based on visual observation, therefore, how would he know I wasn’t going only 40? Would that be a point to argue? Furthermore, I was not provided a supporting deposition on the spot, so would it be wise to request one, and hope to not receive it, or receive a contradictory or incomplete one?

    Beyond this I don’t know if it’s worth pointing out, but on the printout, there are spots that didn’t print at all, including part of the section to plead guilty, and part of where it explains the option to request a supporting deposition.

    What would my best option in this be? If I’m hoping for at least a bargain, do I not submit a plea?

    Thank you for your input!

    • Matthew Weiss January 31, 2012 9:28 am Reply

      Jonathan,

      This speeding ticket is relatively low (only 15 mph over). Therefore, I would plead not guilty and ask for a conference. You likely can negotiate a plea bargain to a lesser charge.

      BTW the items you mentioned may help at trial but I would for first explore a negotiated settlement first. Finally, you can demand a supporting deposition but sometimes the mere fact that you made the demand can make it harder for you to negotiate a favorable settlement.

      Matthew Weiss

  212. Hank O January 31, 2012 5:53 pm Reply

    Hi Mathew,
    Great info on your website here, I got clocked going 76 on a 55 on I-81 or so the officer says. I plan on fighting this because of my the consequence that this 6 points my do to my otherwise clean record. My question is, can a moving vehicle accurately clock another moving vehicle?
    The cop car was in front of me, and I noticed him then slowed down. He slowed down even more then came behind me to pull me over. How reliable is his read at this point? i really find it hard to believe he was moving and was able to focus his laser at my car. Thanks

    Hank

    • Matthew Weiss January 31, 2012 9:12 pm Reply

      Hank O,

      Thanks for your kind remarks. Unless you take your case to a trial, those issues will not come up. You should first explore working out a plea bargain to save points and money. If it is a reasonable offer, perhaps you’ll want to take it rather than risking an outcome following trial.

      Matthew Weiss

  213. Carmine February 6, 2012 1:14 am Reply

    Hello Matthew,

    I recently got clocked and pulled over for going 51 on a 30 mph in Scarsdale. The officer told me that I was guilty of 4 charges for passing by four 30 mph signs going at 51. That would have gotten me 4 tickets and 10 points off my license. But Instead, he decided to give me a break and only gave me one ticket in violation of 1110A which would only take 2 points off. I was thinking if I should fight it or not. I feel that I have very little to no chance of winning and the fact that if I lose, I could be charged the 4 initial violations the officer could have got me down for. I have never received a ticket (besides parking tickets) before this day. I was also involved in an accident about two weeks before and I have never been in an accident before that either. It still have not been determined who was at fault with that accident as of yet. So, I don’t know if that would affect the outcome or anything else in any way or not.

    Thank you for your time.

    • Matthew Weiss February 6, 2012 8:34 am Reply

      Carmine,

      The officer gave you a nice break by reducing the charge to only a 2-point disobey traffic control device. If you fight this ticket, he could try and amend it back to the original, more serious charge. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide what is the best court of action but I hope the above information helps you with this decision.

      Matthew Weiss

  214. john smith February 6, 2012 10:28 am Reply

    I received a ticket for driving 73 in a 50 mph zone..it was on a highway. The officer flagged me down way before i got to him. He told me he clocked me doing 70 but the speedometer caught me doing 73. I dont know how that works….Is there a radar on the highway? Im from nyc. What can I do to fight this case? My court day is on thursday of this week!

  215. Jenny February 6, 2012 7:18 pm Reply

    I just got a ticket for going 70 in a 50 mph zone in Brooklyn. Is it possible to fight the ticket? And what would be the best way to approach it? This is my first speeding ticket.

  216. zeki February 9, 2012 2:55 pm Reply

    Hi,

    I’m 19 years old and I got a ticket for going at 56mph when the posted speed limit was 35mph. A 21-30mph ticket.
    Should I fight this ticket. What are my chances? I have maintained a clean record and this is my first time getting a ticket. I live in Illinois.

    Zeki

    • Matthew Weiss February 9, 2012 4:36 pm Reply

      Zeki,

      You should plead not guilty and fight this ticket. In Illinois, three moving violation convictions within one year results in a suspension of your Illinois license (if over 21 years old – if under 21 then 2 convictions within two years can result in a suspension). A New York moving violation conviction counts towards the three (i.e., transfers).

      Your speeding ticket carries 6 points, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it, you likely can save NY points and money.

      Matthew Weiss

  217. MG February 9, 2012 5:34 pm Reply

    Thank you for all of your help and comments. Your site is a fantastic resource.

    I was given a ticket in Brooklyn on Ocean Parkway doing 60 in what I didn’t realize was a 30 (parkway was coming to an end). It’s my first ticket in 20 years of driving. The ticket does not have an arrest-type (left blank), so I don’t know how he arrived at that speed. To further add confusion, in the Description box on the ticket it simply says “speed” with a 55 circled in the corner of the box, and the code PL 23056 at the bottom of the box (not sure what that is). My address on the ticket is also my old address, even though it is correct on the back of the license and correct on my insurance and registration. Additionally, he didn’t take my registration to write my ticket.

    Are these technicalities that would generally be overlooked by a TVB judge or do I have a case to plead ‘not guilty’?

    Much thanks in advance!

    • Matthew Weiss February 9, 2012 11:13 pm Reply

      MG,

      Thanks for your kind remarks.

      Those mistakes and omissions will not be enough to get this traffic ticket dismissed. Unlike parking tickets, minor mistakes such as these are insufficient to obtain dismissal.

      However, there are many ways to obtain a favorable result. We therefore recommend that you fight this speeding ticket.

      Matthew Weisss

  218. Rachel February 11, 2012 10:32 am Reply

    Mr. Weiss,

    I received a speeding ticket last night, going 54 mph in a 30, where the prospect expressway meets ocean parkway. It was highway patrol and the officer wrote that the date of offense is 2/11/2011 and then again, for the date affirmed, instead of 2012. I did not even have the car I was driving last night at that date, as I only bought it about 2 weeks ago. Can this work to my advantage? Is it grounds for dismissal?

    Thank you!

  219. Jeannie February 11, 2012 10:59 pm Reply

    Hello Mr Weiss my son received a ticket for speeding doing 53 in a 20 on college grounds the suny police gave him a ticket on the next road which is town property told him he had him on radar, we know that they use hand held units also this was the first time my son had his car at school he was only there for 2 hours and the office kept making mention of the type of car he was driving and that he never seen it before, my son swears he wasn’t going that fast and I would like to know how to fight this

    • Matthew Weiss February 12, 2012 8:06 am Reply

      Jeannie,

      Your son should plead not guilty and fight this 8-point speeding ticket. IF he does, he likely can negotiate a plea bargain to a less serious charge.

      Matthew Weiss

  220. Josh February 13, 2012 1:36 pm Reply

    I got a speeding ticket for going 73 in a 55. I already have 5 points on my record. I have ticket reduction papers and do not know what to give for the “reason I should get a reduction” question. I know I need this reduction and want to increase my chances of getting it by not putting something stupid for an answer.

    • Matthew Weiss February 13, 2012 5:08 pm Reply

      Josh,

      You can improve your chances by taking the Driver Safety Class and attaching proof of completion to your reduction papers. It can’t hurt to include a phrase like “I prefer to resolve this amicably rather than hiring a traffic lawyer”.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  221. Mattyrye February 14, 2012 3:09 pm Reply

    Mr. Weiss,

    I received a ticket in Queens, NY this weekend for a Right Turn on Red. I currently live in Boston and carry a Florida DL and was operating a rental car. I had no idea Right Turns on Red were not permitted in NYC. The Officer still ticketed me. Does it make sense to fight this in Court or at least work out a Plea to reduce the $275 ticket? Also will the points be reported to the State of Florida?

    Thanks in advance.

    • Matthew Weiss February 14, 2012 11:32 pm Reply

      Mattyrye,

      Points from a NY conviction will be reported to Florida and will result in points being assessed against you there. In New York City (including Queens), there is no plea bargaining for traffic tickets. Therefore you either have to plead guilty and pay it, or plead not guilty and have a hearing. At a hearing, you will either win or lose. Read my article about fighting a traffic ticket at the Traffic Violations Bureau.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Mattyrye February 15, 2012 7:40 am Reply

        Thank you Mr. Weiss, very helpful information. One last question though, have you ever seen a Judge show leniency if your defense is ignorance of the law? I have never drove in NYC and every state/country I have held a license you have been allowed to Turn Right on Red.

        • Matthew Weiss February 15, 2012 8:43 am Reply

          Mattyrye,

          You most likely will be shown no “leniency” in the New York City Traffic Violations Bureau. In this court it is “all or nothing” so you’re either found guilty or not guilty. The minimum fine is $250 plus the NYS surcharge and, if you are found guilty, this is likely what you’ll be charged.

          Matthew Weiss

          • Mattyrye February 15, 2012 2:34 pm

            Thank you again for the excellent information. This may not be worth fighting because I am not sure what type of defense I could put together to defend the right turn on red.

  222. Jenny February 15, 2012 10:20 am Reply

    Hi,

    yesterday I got my first speeding ticket (58 in a 30mph zone). I live in Westchester, NY but I am from Germany. I live here for just 1 year. Now I am so afraid and I really don’t know what could happen now. I hope you could help me.

    Thanks.

    • Matthew Weiss February 15, 2012 3:04 pm Reply

      Jenny,

      This NY speeding ticket carries 6 points in New York, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee (assuming you have an otherwise clean record). If you fight it, you likely can get the points and monies reduced.

      We, therefore, recommend that you fight this ticket to save money and points. Even though you are in New York for only 1 year, New York will still keep track of tickets that accumulate here and can penalize you like a New York driver.

      Matthew Weiss

  223. Kevin February 17, 2012 6:30 am Reply

    My son received a NYS DMV traffic ticket for expired registration and I’m advising him to plead not guilty and throw the dice. No points, I know, but it’s still a $175 fine (yes, it’s over 60 days). There are a couple of defects on the ticket, namely he is shown as Owner/Operator, but his mother is the actual owner; and his DOB is shown as the same date his license expires, 05/26/12. Then, we went on the DMV website 5 days after the ticket was written to plead and go for a trial date, but the ticket has not been entered into their files. We signed up to have them email us if and when it is entered, or let us know 180 days later if it still isn’t in the system. Any advice to add?

    thanks,
    Kevin

    • Matthew Weiss February 17, 2012 8:19 am Reply

      Kevin,

      Those errors do not render your son’s ticket fatally defective. Your best best is to hope the ticket never “hits” the DMV system. If it does, it will be hard to win this case. Registration tickets are one of the simplest types of tickets for a judge because the car was either properly registered (or it was not). We call this a “paperwork ticket”.

      Matthew Weiss

  224. Jo February 21, 2012 5:49 am Reply

    I received a 1110a in lieu of a speeding ticket. My question is; do I call to find out how much the ticket will cost? Do I send the ticket in and wait for them to send it back? Can I stop down to the court prior to my court date? The last thing I want to do is to go to court.

    • Matthew Weiss February 21, 2012 9:25 am Reply

      Jo,

      You can fill out the back guilty portion of the ticket and send it in. We urge you to send it in with some type of delivery confirmation and to make a copy for your records. The court will send you a letter with the amount of fine the fine that is due.

      Matthew Weiss

  225. Mina February 22, 2012 2:39 pm Reply

    I received a speeding ticket today for going 73 mph when the speed limit was 50. This was on the 295 in NYC. I had just taken a road trip from Florida two days before and did not realize that I was speeding since the speed limit coming up from Florida is normally 70. I have already pleaded not guilty and have a court date in August, which is almost 6 months away. First of all, is the Florida excuse even a good justification for the case? And secondly, wouldn’t the officer forget me 6 months later? What are the chances of my case for this situation?

    (PS. I was actually almost late to school, ironically I still made it on time to class after the ticket.)

    Thanks,
    Mina

    • Matthew Weiss February 22, 2012 11:04 pm Reply

      Mina,

      The “Florida defense” will not work. Ignorance of the law is not a valid defense anywhere in the United States.

      In regard to the officer, he or she likely has notes to “refresh” his or her recollection. I wouldn’t rely exclusively on beating this ticket on the lapse of 6 months.

      Matthew Weiss

  226. Frank February 23, 2012 9:36 am Reply

    Hello matthew, I received my 1st speeding ticket yesterday. I am 25 and have no points on my record. I was doing 76 in a 55. I drive a 1980 corolla and told the officer my speedomoter must be off cause it said I was doing 66 not 76. The officer gave me no break. Wrote it as a 76 in a 55 and even gave me a ticket for inadequate speedometer. There was no corrections paper with the ticket for the speedometer so how can I get that taken care of? And I figure I will take ur advice and pleadnot guilty and say I want to avoid a trial and want my previously clean record considered. also I have a conditional license and wondered if that will be affected? Thanks for your time andknowledge

    • Matthew Weiss February 23, 2012 1:07 pm Reply

      Frank,

      I don’t understand how you have a conditional license despite your license having no points. Please explain.

      In any event, you should plead not guilty and, on your court date, bring with you proof of repair for your speedometer. This documentation should be enough to get this equipment violation ticket dismissed (especially if you take care of the repair promptly).

      In regard to the speeding ticket, you likely will be able to negotiate a plea bargain to a lesser charge (like a 2-point disobey traffic control device ticket).

      Matthew Weiss

  227. Sina February 24, 2012 10:24 am Reply

    Hello Matthew, I am 23 years old and recently got a speeding ticket in Ambsterdam, NY doing 80 in a 65. I was driving back home from Buffalo, NY to Lowell, MA and I was going cruise control at 65 til I saw a sign 3 miles til rest area and decided to take it up a notch because 1 I was tired and needed a break after driving 5 hours 2 I really had to go and 3 I needed to pump gas. I’m going to plea not guilty because I have a clean record and in November I’ll become an experienced driver and have my insurance rate go down. What do you think the outcomes will be? Need your advice.

  228. Anand February 24, 2012 2:49 pm Reply

    Hello Matthew,

    I received my first speeding ticket after 15 years of driving on Feb 19th. I was pulled over with doing 73/35 near the Whitestone Bridge. From your website, I see this will result in a 8 points in my license plus ticket and surcharge fees totally close to $600. I am going to reply with a not guilty plea. Please advise on what should be my next steps. I have a clean driving record. I am going to start with taking the defensive driving class.

    Regards
    Anand

    BTW, I have a Florida license.

  229. Alan Bricker February 27, 2012 12:39 am Reply

    Hi Matthew,

    I recently received a speeding ticket doing 73 in a 50 from a state trooper on Palisades parkway s/b 7-6 in Orangetown, NY. I have a relatively clean record, excluding a minor changing lane violation 9 months back in Long Island (2 points). My license is from Illinois.

    I was hoping you could advise me on how to argue this charge. Based on your experience how often does a plea bargin work, and what could I expect he or she would drop the charges to. Also, how does the plea process work. And finally, would taking a defensive driving class prior to my plea be helpful.

    Kindly,
    Alan

  230. Justin February 29, 2012 7:34 pm Reply

    Hi Matthew,
    I was recently was pulled over doing an 80 in a 55 in the town of Seneca. This is my first ticket. I decided to fight the ticket to see if I could get it reduced to a lower speed and less points, also the officer said that I was on a completely different road than he had actually pulled me over. Tonight I had court and when I brought up that the officer wrote the wrong road they advised me to take it to trial. I was just wondering about what types of fees go with taking it to trial and also what you think my chances of getting it reduced may be?

    • Matthew Weiss February 29, 2012 11:17 pm Reply

      Justin,

      There is no extra fee for taking your case to trial. At your next court date, ask for a conference and see if what, if any, offer you can get. This time don’t mention the “wrong street” issue.

      Matthew Weiss

  231. Julian March 4, 2012 11:07 pm Reply

    Hi Matthew,

    I was caught supposedly doing 70 in a 35 zone. This is in NYC on the Henry Hudson NB just after it changes from a 50 zone. I think it slipped my mind that it dropped to a 35 zone, and by the time I had realized, the flashing lights were behind me. I didn’t think I was doing as high as 70.

    Anyway, the officer claimed he caught me by laser, but interestingly, I have a radar detector which also picks up laser, and it never went off. Obviously, I didn’t want to state this fact to the officer at the time!

    So I guess I have to go to court given my offense is over 31. One other complication is that I am using a UK license as I am over here as an ex-pat temporarily (in fact, I am moving to Chicago in about 4 months time).

    Do you have any suggestions for defense? Also, I presume I am still subject to the DRAF despite my UK license?

    Many thanks for this forum; it is a great resource.
    Julian

  232. Mary March 5, 2012 12:26 pm Reply

    I was stopped on a side road that I don’t usually travel doing 46 in a 30 in the Town of Colonie, NY. I have a clean driving record – never been stopped for speeding in 35 years! I was surprised when the officer took my license and registration “to check on it” that he came back with a ticket and didn’t give me a chance to talk to him after checking my information. I thought a warning was appropriate given that he knew that this wasn’t my normal route, particularly when he said the neighborhood was complaining about speeders. Heck, getting pulled over put the fear of god in me! Anyhow, plead not guilty by mail and see if they offer me a reduction OR show up in court and then plead guilty with an explanation? I’m confused!

    • Matthew Weiss March 5, 2012 2:31 pm Reply

      Mary,

      Plead not guilty. If you do, you likely can save points and avoid a possible insurance hike.

      If you were to plead guilty with an explanation, there is very little the court can do for you other than possibly giving you a brake on the fine. It is more important, however, to try and the points reduced and avoiding an insurance increase.

      Matthew Weiss

  233. J. Davenport March 5, 2012 5:27 pm Reply

    Matthew,

    Last week I was stopped doing 85 in a 65 zone on the NYS Thruwaty in Orange County, New York – Town of Cornwall. I have returned the ticket pleading not guilty. Am I right to assume, I will have a chance to conference when I receive a court date appointment in the Town of Cornwall Town Court. I have a completely clean record and have never got a speeding ticket in my life. I actually think the NYS Police may have made a mistake – as soon as I noticed the cruiser pulling out at the side of the road, I looked down and seemed to be going 65. Is this at all possible that they made a mistake with radar? Also, they got the color of my rental car completely wrong – they indicated it as black on the ticket when it was actually grey.

    Thanks for any information you can provide.

    • Matthew Weiss March 6, 2012 7:07 am Reply

      J. Davenport.

      Yes, you will have a chance to discuss a plea bargain at the Davenport Town Court.

      In regard to the wrong color of your car, this may help at trial but is not grounds for automatic dismissal. We recommend that you enter into plea bargain discussions rather than a trial (especially if this your only issue).

      Finally, in regard to the officer’s radar being off, this can be raised a trial but, of course, it will be your word against his at trial (and you can guess whose versions of events will more likely be credited).

      Matthew Weiss

  234. anthony solomon March 8, 2012 9:23 pm Reply

    Matthew, i am 17 and recieved a speeding ticket in buffalo, ny (71 in a 55)
    and am still in my 6 month probation period until april 16th. i went to plead not guilty online but it said that my ticket wasnt in the system. should i ignore and hope it never does or should i appear in person to plead? im hoping to aviod suspension of my license since its during my probation period.

  235. Andrew Gackowski March 9, 2012 8:34 am Reply

    Matthew,
    I was recently caught speeding in Queens, NY doing 75 in a 50 mph zone. However, the cop told me in person it was 70, only to find my ticket was marked at 75. Anyway, I’m a 20 year old driver, NY resident, clean record, no accidents, and I’m tied in with my mother’s insurance.

    So should I fight this ticket? What’s going to happen to my insurance given my previously clean record, but relatively heavy speeding fine?

  236. James Miller March 11, 2012 12:16 pm Reply

    Just received a speeding ticket in the County of Chemung in NY from the Chemung CO Sheriffs Office. Stated 71 in a 55, so 16 over. What should I do? This is my first speeding ticket ever. Plea guilty and pay fine or what?

  237. George Wannamaker March 14, 2012 11:37 am Reply

    I recieved a speeding ticket going 40 in a 25 on a military base in georgia and I am a civilian. I am 21 years old and trying to get my CDL license, should I try to fight this to get it reduced or just pay the ticket?

    • Matthew Weiss March 14, 2012 11:39 am Reply

      George,

      You must contact a Georgia lawyer about this issue. I cannot give advice about this one especially given that your speeding ticket occurred on a military base.

      Matthew Weiss

  238. Rich March 14, 2012 12:20 pm Reply

    I was issued a ticket today on State Route 149 in Fort Ann, NY today for 70mph in a 55 zone. The Police Officer asked me if I knew why he pulled me over and I told him “I was probably going a little fast” and he said do you know how fast and I said about 67″ He told me I was going 70. This statement is on the ticket and it says that he verified I was going 70 by radar. I plan on pleading not guilty in an effort to get a reduced charge. Is it better to send in the ticket with a not guity plea or appear in court and make the plea there?

    Also, I was recently involved in an accident that was deemed no fault (weather related) and no ticket was issued. I was wondering are any points associated with this type of accident?

    • Matthew Weiss March 14, 2012 2:45 pm Reply

      Rich,

      You do not get DMV points for auto accidents. Your 70/55 speeding ticket, however, does carry 4 points. We recommend that you plead not guilty and try and plea bargain it down to a less serious charge.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

    • Matt April 4, 2012 3:21 pm Reply

      I got a ticket a few weeks ago on the same stretch of Rt. 149 as Rich. I was told I was going 66 in a 45 — but looking at Google street view confirms my suspicion that I was in fact in a 55 mph zone. I live 5 hours from Fort Ann so can’t really go to court in person. Trying to decide how to plea. Any advice based on your experience?

      Funny enough, I had almost the exact same dialogue with the police officer.

  239. Andrew March 14, 2012 9:36 pm Reply

    Hi

    I was recently driving back to Albany from Rochester via I-90 and was pulled over for doing 81/65. I was pleasant to the officer and since I had no prior tickets or offences he put it down as a 1110A. The area i was pulled over is in the Herkimer area and my court date is in a few weeks. Couple of questions: should I go to court (would appearing increase my chances of a reduction or elimination of the charges)? Should I plead not guilty? And lastly, since I haven’t received the fine in the mail yet (just the initial ticket at the time) should I wait and see?

    Just trying to be a little proactive to avoid any necessary hassle.

    Thanks!

    • Matthew Weiss March 15, 2012 9:11 am Reply

      Andrew, especially if you have an otherwise clean record, you may want to just pay this one. The cop already gave you a break by knocking it down to an 1110a ticket (only 2 points from 4) and, if you fight it, the court could amend it back to the original, more serious charge.

      Either way, you are required to enter your plea (guilty or not guilty) via mail or in person. A fine will not be assessed until after you enter a guilty plea.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Andrew March 16, 2012 7:46 am Reply

        Just wanted to add he was a State Trooper as well, forgot to mention that if it had any bearing on the situation. He also said I would get more information in the mail soon (not sure when) about more details.

        Thanks for the advice Matthew!

  240. Conor March 15, 2012 4:23 pm Reply

    Mr. Weiss, thank you for providing this forum of extremely useful information! I’m hoping you can provide some direction.
    My son received a speeding ticket the other day in the town of Gates, Monroe County. The State Trooper indicated that he was clocked at 78mph in a 55mph zone using RADAR. My son admitted that he was speeding (64) but did not believe he was going 78mph. He is a relatively new driver (no infractions). He was courteous to the officer but was obviously nervous and admitted he was speeding.
    Would it be in his best interest to obtain legal representation in reducing this offence? From reading several posts, you indicate perhaps pleading not guilty and possibly reach a plea deal. Can or should he do this on his own considering he already admitted speeding to the officer? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

  241. Matt W. March 18, 2012 10:45 pm Reply

    I was in Buffalo (West Seneca I believe) and received a ticket for going 70 in a 55. According to the officer, the speed limit did not change to 65 until 1 mile up the road. I’ve never had a ticket before. I have PA license.

    I’m concerned that a 4 point penalty could increase my auto rates. Any point in trying to get the penalty reduced or am I wasting my time? Any idea what the fine would be if I just mailed it in?

    • Matthew Weiss March 19, 2012 9:06 am Reply

      Matt W.

      If you plead guilty, you likely can get this ticket reduced to a less serious one. Contact your PA insurance company to determine whether a guilty plea to this ticket will hurt your rates.

      Matthew Weiss

  242. nat March 20, 2012 9:01 am Reply

    Hi, I got a speeding ticket in wurtsboro for 99/65 but the officer told me he clocked me twice. Once at 99 going in the opposite direction from me and then at 85 following behind me. I would have questioned him ticketing me at 99 when his radar would have last said 85 but my bf and I had just had the worst corrupt incounter with manhattan pd less than 2 days prior that I was uncomfortable saying anything. The officer said to just fill in my plea, mail it in and I wouldn’t need to worry about going to court at all. I’m from CA and was visiting NY so now that I’ve been back about a week I received a letter saying I have to appear in court. Looking up the points I’m not sure if I get the points from CA or from NY, NY is extreme compared to CA so that worrys me. I can’t go back to appear in court and was originally thinking of just paying the expensive fines, but now I’m not sure what to do. What would you advise??

    • Matthew Weiss March 21, 2012 9:42 am Reply

      Nat,

      You should definitely fight this 8-point NY speeding ticket. If you do, you likely can save NY points and the $450 Driver Assessment Fee. Further, because points transfer from NY to CA, there is a further benefit from fighting it.

      If you do not want to return to NY, then you can retain a NY traffic ticket lawyer to appear for you.

      Matthew Weiss

  243. shawna Chen March 21, 2012 2:34 am Reply

    Hi Matthew, in July 2010 I received a speeding ticket for going 82 on a 50 mph zone in northern state parkway going west in long island ny.. I know it’s my fAult for speeding but anyway my father hired a lawyer to fight for my ticket.. I mean what I got to lose and my job depend on it.. Well the court judge last week found my guilty and ordered me to pay $195 fine and my lawyer told me it wont deduct Any points from my record since it been so long.. But my job just email me stating DMV will prob deduct six points ? So what to do? Thanks shawna

    • Matthew Weiss March 21, 2012 9:31 am Reply

      Shawna,

      Have you asked your present traffic lawyer for advice? I’m surprised that he or she hasn’t already explained your options.

      If it has been less than 30 days since your conviction, you can try and appeal it. Otherwise, you can take an online Driver Safety Class which will deduct 4 points from your record and 10% off your insurance rates.

      BTW, the points only remain on your record for 18 months from the date of offense so your July 2010 points no longer count for DMV purposes.

      Matthew Weiss

      • shawna chen March 21, 2012 10:13 am Reply

        Hi mattthew,

        Thank you for writing me back.. My traffic lawyer is puzzled and didnt give me option because he kept stating that since my traffic ticket was dated back June 3, 2010 and the judge found me guilty March 12, 2012 ( since its two years ago) it shouldnt deduct any points from my license..I called dmv up and paid the ticket and they explained that since it wasnt in my record back in 2010 and the judge found me guilty it started the date the judge found me guilty…? soo confused!!!

  244. Justin March 21, 2012 12:30 pm Reply

    I received a ticket 12 days ago, 1110A, failure to obey a traffic device. I have 15 days from the date of the ticket to answer. I went to plead and pay on the NYS DMV website and got the error that my ticket is not recorded in the system. I have a printed confirmation that proves that I requested notification by email once the ticket has been entered in the system.

    Should I continue wait for the notification by email? With only a couple days left for me to answer, I just don’t want to risk having my license suspended.

    • Matthew Weiss March 21, 2012 6:36 pm Reply

      Justin,

      Yes, continue to wait but keep checking regularly. Don’t worry about the 15-days. After 30 days, you should check daily.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Andy March 21, 2012 10:49 pm Reply

        I’m in the same boat, my ticket is due this Friday and dmv’s website gave me the same response, do they have the right to suspend our licenses even though we have attempted to plea?

        • Matthew Weiss March 21, 2012 11:39 pm Reply

          Andy,

          DMV will not you on the 15th day. You have actually have, at least, 30 days (if not more). Just keeping checking it regularly and, after 30 days, check it daily. It should “hit” soon.

          Matthew Weiss

  245. shawn March 22, 2012 1:41 pm Reply

    This is a great site. I got a ticket for a
    73/30 when he pulled me over I know I was doing 43.what should I do I have a clean record
    thanks

  246. Shawn. C March 23, 2012 3:27 pm Reply

    Hi, I have a clean record and received an on the spot reduction for a “speeding in a school zone ticket,” to a “no front license plate ticket” should i try and get it reduced or just accept it? I cant make it to court, because of school. do you know how much it will cost? it was in Marcellus ny

    Thanks,
    Shawn

  247. Crystal March 23, 2012 11:39 pm Reply

    I have a NJ license, I have a clean record, im almost 19, I got a ticket tonight for 43 in a 30 but the 30 mph zone was only like 20 ft long and by the time the cop even touched his breaks I was in the 35 mph zone. He wrote on the ticket 43 in a 30…should I fight this?

  248. Neil March 25, 2012 1:06 pm Reply

    Mr. Weiss,

    A few days ago I received a speeding ticket in Albany for 47 mph in a 30 mph zone. I believe this is a 4 point ticket. I haven’t had any other tickets in the last 36 months. I live three hours away, but I’m thinking I should drive back to Albany for my court date. What’s the best out come I could hope for? How would I go about trying to get it reduced once I get there?

    Thanks for your help.

    • Matthew Weiss March 25, 2012 1:53 pm Reply

      Neil,

      Plead not guilty. On your court date, you’ll have an opportunity to conference your case with the prosecutor. Given your clean record, you’ll likely be offered a 0- to 2-point ticket in exchange for pleading guilty.

      Matthew Weiss

  249. john March 26, 2012 3:42 pm Reply

    I just got a ticket for 72 in a 50. I asked the officer if he got me on the radar and he didn’t answer. On the ticket he left the arrest type field with a dash. There wasn’t any radar operator nameeither. I’m planning on pleading not guilty but does that dash in the arrest type field help my case. How could he tell I was doing 72. . I also have a clean record no tickets for anything.

    • Matthew Weiss March 26, 2012 3:52 pm Reply

      John,

      The dash does not help you. Unlike a parking ticket, these types of minor errors do not render a NY traffic ticket fatally defective.

      The officer will likely testify that he’s been trained to visually estimate moving vehicles and that, upon observing your vehicle, he estimated it to be +/- 72 mph. He will then likely add that he confirmed his visual estimate by using a radar or laser device.

      I hope this helps. Good luck fighting your New York speeding ticket.

      Matthew Weiss

  250. JEAN March 28, 2012 5:55 pm Reply

    I HAVE A TICKET FOR 51/30 BUT I WASNT RUNNING THAT FAST THERE WAS A CAR IN FORNT ME IN THAT LITTLE SPACE AND THE OFFICE WAS COMING FASTER BEHIND ME WITH THE LIGHT OFF AND I HEARD THAT WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING THE RADAR CAN ADD SPEED AND IT IS CALLED COSINE EFFECT. I HAVE A CLEAN RECORD AND IM SURE THAT I WASNT ON 51MPH..I THINK IT IS A CASE WHERE THE OFFICER TRY TO GET HIS REVENUES.. SHOULD I FIGHT IT BECAUSE IT IS VER Y HARD TO PROOF SOMETHING THEY ALWAYS HAVE THE REASON

  251. Anthony G March 30, 2012 11:28 am Reply

    I was driving today (3/30/12) on a road that had only 1 lane going in either direction and I was in the Eastbound lane and the cop was in the Westbound lane (mind you I live on this road and the incident happened less than 1 mile from my house). He was driving behind a school bus and in front of several other vehicles. As I approached and passed him, I saw him put his lights on and make a very aggressive and sudden U-turn. I continued driving thinking he couldn’t possibily be pulling me over but then approximately 1/4 mile down the road he pulled me over. I asked him what I did wrong and he said I was speeding. I asked him how fast I was going and he immediately said 64mph (in a 40mph zone). I then asked how he could have measured that being that he was travelling in the opposite direction and he said “because I am an expert in assessing vehicle speed”. I gave him my license and registration and upon his return I again insisted that it was not possible for me to have been travelling that fast but before I could even finish my sentence he said “I am not going to sit here and argue with you” and then he left. I feel like I should fight this as I have a clean record and his arguement doesnt seem to have much backing. Is this just a his word against mine case that I will never win?? Thanks for the help/advice.

    • Matthew Weiss March 30, 2012 12:44 pm Reply

      Anthony G,

      You should plead not guilty. You have nothing to lose. In fact, if you plead not guilty (and this ticket was issued anywhere except NYC, western Suffolk Buffalo or Rochester), you likely can negotiate a reduction to a less severe charge.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Anthony G March 30, 2012 2:35 pm Reply

        This ticket was given in Kent Lakes, NY (Putnam County). When I send in my plea of not guilty, there is a section that says that I “am entitled to receive a supporting deposition further explaining the charges,” should I request such a document? What does this document include? I feel like it couldn’t hurt but does it actually help? Also there is no place on the ticket that lists what the fine is, how do I get that information? Thanks

        • Matthew Weiss March 30, 2012 3:27 pm Reply

          Anthony G,

          The fine is determine if and when you are found guilty. If you timely request the supporting deposition and it is not send to you within 30 days of your request, then you can seek to have the case dismissed against you. Even if you get it timely, it will provide additional information about your case that may assist you in defending yourself.

          On the other hand, sometimes the court is less generous about a plea bargain when a supporting deposition is requested. Therefore, you will need to decide whether you want to request one (or not).

          Matthew Weiss

  252. Stevie March 31, 2012 8:21 am Reply

    Mr. Weiss,
    I got a ticket in upstate New York for cell phone usage while driving. I am almost certain that I was stopped at a red light when the officer saw me using my cellphone to change my music. My cellphone records will not help me because I did send a text message around the time of the offense (I had been driving for less than 5 minutes when I was pulled over). I already have a 4 point speeding ticket on my record within the last 18 months. I have a CT license and I am not sure how my NY violations transfer over or whether a safe driving class could help me avoid the Driver Responsibility Program fines. I would like to plead not guilty but I am worried that I have no case since it is in violation of the law to use electronic devices even when stopped at a light. What do you think I should do? Should I request the supporting deposition to get more information even if it might hurt my case?

    • Matthew Weiss March 31, 2012 8:26 am Reply

      Stevie,

      You should plead not guilty. A NY cell phone ticket carries 3 points and (with your prior 4 NY points) subjects you to a $375 Driver Assessment Fee (even as an out-of-state residents). While points from NY do NOT transfer onto your CT license, a NY conviction will be reported to CT and can be used by your insurance company to raise your rates. Further, NY will keep track of your NY points accumulated with your CT license,and can penalize you here (just like a NY driver would be penalized).

      With upstate tickets, you usually can negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge. On your court date, ask for a conference and, at that time, you likely will be able to get this ticket reduced.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

  253. Luis Roddi April 4, 2012 10:56 am Reply

    Hi Mr.Weiss.

    I got a ticket on Monday April 2nd 2012, on Taconic Parkway south bound, Town of Yorktown Heights Court. 85mph on a 55mph, it was a state Trooper and I was polite, did not confromt him. I have a clean license, never gotten a ticket on my record.
    What should I do?

    Thanks

    • Matthew Weiss April 4, 2012 3:26 pm Reply

      Luis,

      Plead not guilty. If you do, you likely can negotiate a reduction savings points and money.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Luis Roddi April 4, 2012 3:32 pm Reply

        What about being a State Trooper, I thought no negotiation. and how is the York Town Court, do you know? is the prosecutor a reasonable person?

        • Matthew Weiss April 4, 2012 3:36 pm Reply

          Luis,

          In Yorktown, you can usually negotiate. So plead not guilty and, then, on your court date, you can likely work out a result that will save money and points.

          Matthew Weiss

  254. Kel April 6, 2012 7:55 pm Reply

    I just got a ticket for speeding, 45mph in a 30mph zone. The NYC officer told me to fight cause there is a good chance they will reduced it.

  255. Jimmy Mac April 8, 2012 5:39 am Reply

    On friday I received a ticket for doing 80 in a 55 zone on NYS 17. I dont believe that I was moving that fast, and I also think that I was in a 65 zone. My only other ticket was 2 years ago. I sent a letter in with my guilty plea and had the charge reduced to 4 mph over the speed limit.
    A. Should I plead not guilty and wait for the court date?
    B. Can I plea bargain via mail or do I have to appear at the court?
    C. Is there a way that I can find out how many points are on my license from the previous ticket?

    • Matthew Weiss April 8, 2012 8:57 am Reply

      Jimmy Mac,

      a. Yes, plead not guilty.
      B. Some courts plea bargaining via mail but most do not. Contact the court to inquire.
      C. Go to any DMV office to get your license abstract.

  256. mario g April 9, 2012 11:48 pm Reply

    I have to go to court tomorrow for a speeding ticket doing 82 in a 55 zone on the meadowbrook, I was on my way to school at 6:45 am when i got pulled over, the officer suggested that i plea not guilty for a reduced charge (which I am to do) any suggestion as to what i should say in my defense that may help?

    • Matthew Weiss April 10, 2012 9:04 am Reply

      Mario,

      It’s hard to answer this question without more facts. But if traffic was light, this may help. If you have an otherwise clean record, you should also mention it.

      Matthew Weiss

  257. Jay April 12, 2012 12:48 pm Reply

    Mr Weiss,

    Thanks for the informative thread. I am in a bit of a situation myself. I was pulled over on the BQE in NYC for going 22 over the limit (67 in a 45.) I spotted the police waiting as I made a turn on a big bend on the highway. There was NO WAY I was going 67mph at that area. Considering the road condition (pot holes and such) and the turn, I was definitely not going that fast. I’m not sure whether or not he got me with a radar, but I’m very skeptical. I’m also very angry because the different between being 22 over and 21 over is 6 points as oppose to 4.

    Anyway, I am aware that NYC does not have a plea bargaining system. How does one go about winning the ticket? It seems that the only way to win is for the officer to not show up? I’m 26 years old driving for 10 years with no prior moving violations.

    Please advise! Thanks!

    • Matthew Weiss April 12, 2012 4:52 pm Reply

      Jay,

      The cut-off from a 4- to 6-point speed is actually between 20 and 21 mph.

      In terms of fighting this speeding ticket, scroll through my earlier comments to find a link to an article that I wrote entitled “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau”. It will help you.

      Matthew Weiss

  258. Daniel Genest April 14, 2012 10:23 pm Reply

    Hello Mr. Weiss,

    I am from Montreal, Quebec, and was driving south to NYC yesterday on the I-87.

    I got a ticket for going 92 mph in a 65 zone based on the radar. I did not argue with the officer whatsoever, simply asked him to explain how the tickets works. He was very nice, explained everything to me in detail.

    The court I am issued to in Lewis Town Court in Essex County. As I have never had a speeding ticket before, is there any chance that sending a letter might lower the fine or points I will be issued? If I do send a letter, do I need to send in my ticket as well or can I do so without sending it in?

    Also, what kind of fine am I looking at? Do Quebec residents (or Canadians in general) have to pay the Driver Responsibility Assessment or does this only apply to Americans?

    Thank you for your time and your help,

    Daniel

  259. Ann April 15, 2012 11:38 pm Reply

    Help!! I was pulled over today for doing 90 MPH (!!!) in a 55 MOH zone. I know that this is very serious and could result in 11 points, a huge fine, and potentially the suspension/revoking of my license. I have no points on my license now and a totally clean record – would that help me at all or am I just out of luck? I am terrified of losing my license! I guess I need a lawyer, right? Thanks in advance for any advice/suggestions!

    -AB

  260. Allison April 16, 2012 8:00 pm Reply

    Hi,
    I am 16 years old and got my license in January. I took drivers Ed, passed and will get my senior license in May, but I just got a ticket today (4/16/2012) for going 56 in a 40. I have never gotten in any sort of driving trouble before and am normally a very good and safe driver. I have no idea what to do in regards to pleading guilty or not, and I don’t know what it will me for my senior lisence, please help, thank you

  261. Kevin n April 19, 2012 7:09 am Reply

    Mr. Weiss,

    I was recently pulled over on the I-90 for going 81 in 65mph zone and was given a ticket. I was contemplating fighting the ticket but am also facing time constraint issues. I have a CA license and am a medical student in CT and will be moving back permanently to CA in early June. So i dont know how pushing back court dates would help if i am no longer on the east coast. I am 28 and have no previous tickets or accidents on my record. I understand that 16mph over the speed limit is 4 points on my record. How does that affect my CA record? Will this affect my insurance? I had read that low speeding violations (15mph) may not affect your insurance.

    I guess another option is to plead guilty and ask for traffic school to keep the ticket off my record. How does that work? Do I plead guilty and write in the explanations section requesting traffic school?

    Please advise on my best option.

    • Matthew Weiss April 19, 2012 8:53 am Reply

      Kevin,

      A NY conviction will transfer onto your California license. In NY a speeding ticket that is 16 mph (or more) above the limit can result in your insurance rates being raised. I do not know California law on this issue, however, so you should contact your insurance company.

      Given your clean record, there are two schools of thought here (assuming you determine that this ticket will not affect your California insurance rates). One is to keep your license as clean as possible on the theory that you never know what will happen in the future. Obviously, this option favors pleading not guilty and attempting to obtain a more favorable outcome than the current 4-point charge (BTW, it is likely that you will be given some type of reduction and, if you do not or cannot attend court, a NY traffic ticket lawyer can appear in your place).

      The other school of thought is that, because I have a clean record and presumably are not prone to get many traffic tickets, you should simply plead guilty and pay the ticket. You do not have to provide an explanation with your guilty plea. You can then take an online Driver Safety Class which will knock the 4 points off your NY driving record. It will not help you in California, however.

      Of course, only you know which of these two options are preferable.

      Matthew Weiss

  262. Jon April 23, 2012 4:22 am Reply

    Mr. Weiss,

    I was pulled over in Broome County (Binghamton area) for going 76 in a 55 construction zone. I am a 21 year old student and have an otherwise clean record. I also have a Massachusetts drivers license. What am I looking at in terms of a fine and points since it was in a construction zone? And what can I do to reduce the charges against me?

    • Matthew Weiss April 23, 2012 7:38 am Reply

      Jon,

      Your NY speeding ticket carries 6 points, roughly a $400 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. Further, a NY speeding conviction can affect your MA license. We therefore recommend fighting this ticket. If you do, you likely can save points and money.

      Matthew Weiss

  263. Mike Lisenco April 23, 2012 3:29 pm Reply

    I received a summons for “disobeying pavement markings” entering the Gowanus from the Prospect Expressway in Brooklyn. I went online to plead not guilty, but am informed that the summons is not yet in the system. My 15 days have passed, the summons is still not in the system. I registered for online notification to plead when the summons is entered into the system. Should I continue to wait? Should I mail it now (late) with a not guilty plea? What happens if I get stopped for something else? (I have a clean record. I haven’t had a summons in nearly 30 years). Also, what happens to the summons after 180 days if it isn’t entered into the system? Is it voided?
    Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

    • Matthew Weiss April 23, 2012 3:33 pm Reply

      Mike,

      Yes, continue to wait but check the DMV system twice a week. After 30 days, check daily. It eventually will “hit” the system. If it does not, then re-post for further instructions.

      Matthew Weiss

  264. Jeff April 24, 2012 11:36 am Reply

    I received a ticket in Manhattan for speaking on a cell phone (I was only on the speaker phone, holding it away from my ear, but the officer said that was enough). I want to fight it in Traffic Court, but was wondering if there is a downside to pleading not guilty and going to court. Are there additional court fees that are assessed if this goes before the Administrative Law Judge?

    Thanks.

    • Matthew Weiss April 24, 2012 11:50 am Reply

      Jeff,

      There is no down side to fight your case. You get 3 points if you plead guilty or fight it and lose, and the fine is roughly $150 in either case.

      Good luck fighting it! Incidentally, it is not a valid defense that you were holding the device while in speaker phone mode. The law requires a “hands-free” device be used.

      Matthew Weiss

  265. Eric April 25, 2012 7:33 am Reply

    I just got a speeding ticket On I-87 south just before the twin bridges before exit 7. The speeding ticket is for 70 in a 55. To be honest yes I was doing 70 but I was slowing down. That is the spot when 87 drops from 65 to 55. So a couple of questions. The last time I had a speeding ticket was when i was 17 ( 20 years ago) so dont know what i need to do. Do i mail in a not guilty plea or do I go to court the date on the ticket( which is a month away)? Also how much is this ticket as it stands? If I go to court that day, what do i say? Thanks for any input you can give me!

    • Matthew Weiss April 25, 2012 8:45 am Reply

      Eric,

      Yes, mail-in your ticket with a not guilty plea and use some type of delivery confirmation. This ticket carries 4 points and roughly a $200 fine. On your court date, ask for a conference and explain how you have a clean record and would like to discuss a “plea bargain”. The prosecutor will very likely offer you a more favorable offer.

      Matthew Weiss

  266. Dan April 25, 2012 8:37 am Reply

    Hi – I was clocked by radar, pulled over and issued a summons for doing 48 in a 30 on Riverside Drive at 113th in Manhattan. I primarily live in Arizona and hold an AZ driver license, but work/spend enough time in NYC, LI & NJ that I keep a personal vehicle registered and insured in NY State that remains on LI for the convenience. I had a spotless driving record prior to this, and have not had a moving violation on my record in many many years. In AZ, you can generally have non criminal moving violations dismissed if you attend a court approved defensive driving class. They allow you to use this option once every two years, so if you have an infrequent “oops”, you can prevent it from getting on your record and not have it affect your insurance. Do I have any such option with this NYC violation? Seems crazy there would be no such program/option here, nor the option to negotiate a plea deal. Non CDL driving is part of my career. How will this violation affect me? What are my options? What should I do? Thanks!

  267. Erick April 26, 2012 10:30 am Reply

    Hey Matthew,
    i was clocked 2 days ago in washingtonville NY doing 90 in a 40 i know that is pretty much a suspension right there. is it worth hiring a lawyer you think, would they be able to spare my license?

    • Matthew Weiss April 26, 2012 12:47 pm Reply

      Erick,

      Ouch! This speeding ticket carries 11 points, a large fine and surcharge, a $675 Driver Assessment Fee and a possible suspension of your driver’s license. Given the seriousness of this ticket, we highly recommend that you plead not guilty and fight it. We also recommend that you speak with a New York traffic ticket lawyer. You may want to retain one to try and save your license.

      Matthew Weiss

  268. Cassie April 26, 2012 11:27 am Reply

    Hi Mr. Weiss,

    I was pulled over in Milan County on the Taconic Parkway. The Officer wrote in his disposition that I was “visibly going 70 MPH” in a 55 zone and that I was in a passing lane. I was in a passing lane, and he was on the island hiding around a bend as I came around. I was using cruise control for most of my trip, so I do not believe I was going 70 MPH at that time, but I was passing someone. He said in his explanation that I was visibly going 70 MPH, but above that it said he used Radar. Do you know if there is a fight to make there?

    Also, the court is 2.5 hours away from my house and when I called after receiving a pre-trial conference at 9am the clerk recommended that I waive my pre-trial conference because in her opinion nothing happens in them and I’d have to make a second trip for the trial. Is the pre-trial conference the best time to plead down the points/fine and give my side of the story? I’m 25 and this is my first time being pulled over and getting a speeding ticket, so I’m not familiar with the whole process.

    • Matthew Weiss April 26, 2012 12:50 pm Reply

      Cassie,

      A visual estimate is enough to establish speeding in New York. Here, the police officer also used a radar. So I don’t think that this will be an effective line of attack. I do recommend that you plead not guilty and explore the possibility of a plea bargain. You can do this at your pre-trial conference.

      Good luck!

      Matthew Weiss

  269. haneef April 29, 2012 12:53 pm Reply

    Hi
    I am from Canada. Recently I was ticketed for doing 20 mph above limits in New York state. Should I fight this ticket.
    Appreciate your feedback. Thanks

    • Matthew Weiss April 29, 2012 9:04 pm Reply

      Haneef,

      If you live in Ontario or Quebec, then you should plead not guilty and fight this traffic ticket. Points to these two provinces will transfer from New York.

      Matthew Weiss

  270. Maya April 30, 2012 2:19 pm Reply

    I got speeding ticket for 22miles in RICH county NY. I am NJ driver. Should i fight for this 6 point ticket even i will get 2 pt transfer to NJ. I have clean record. What chance to fight this ticket and what option?

    • Matthew Weiss April 30, 2012 2:51 pm Reply

      Maya,

      This ticket carries 6 points in NY and will transfer as 2 to NJ. It is VERY hard to beat a Staten Island speeding ticket but, on the other hand, you have little to lose by fighting it.

      Matthew Weiss

  271. Neuk April 30, 2012 4:48 pm Reply

    I’m trying to help my little brother get back on his feet and turn him into a responsible individual. As his older brother I have always felt obligated to set the right example and be a father figure for him since our father died in a car accident when I was 18.

    Basically he was pulled over and ticketed for driving without insurance and registration over 15 years ago. These fines are very hefty and they totaled up over $3500 over the years. They were never paid because we simply did not have the money and he was a very irresponsible teenager. Now a man in his early 30′s with wife/child he has been trying to right his wrongs. He has been seeking employment but it’s very difficult to get employed in NYC without a driver’s license especially when you don’t have post high school education and the only jobs available are driving trucks/delivery/UPS etc.. I really want to help him but I don’t know what the best course of action is to get the fines reduced. Advice please.

    Thanks.

    • Matthew Weiss April 30, 2012 10:18 pm Reply

      Neuk,

      Based on the facts as written by you, there is no procedure to reduce these fines especially after all these years. Someone just has to pay what he owes in order for him to be able to apply for a new license.

      Matthew Weiss

  272. Mike May 3, 2012 4:39 pm Reply

    Mike,

    I’m 18 years old and I was speeding 79 on a 55. I have a clean record. It was in Buffalo should i fight this ticket?

    • Matthew Weiss May 3, 2012 9:03 pm Reply

      Mike,

      Because this speeding ticket carries 6 points, roughly a $150 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee, I recommend that you plead not guilty and fight this ticket. As long as it is not to be heard in the Buffalo Traffic Violations Bureau, then you can likely negotiate a reduction saving points and the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Mike May 3, 2012 9:31 pm Reply

        It is in the Buffalo Traffic Violation Bureau so I’m going to plead guilty and pay the fine, For the driving course of the -4 points and the 10% insurance or does someone have to tell me I have to take it or can I do it on my own free will.

  273. Rach May 10, 2012 9:40 pm Reply

    Hi. Mr Weiss,

    Thank you for all the helpful advice you’ve offered on this website. I currently have 3 points on my license from a speeding ticket from last June. Just an hour ago, I was getting off the ramp of the LIE and was pulled over 100 feet away from the ramp doing a 62 in a 45. I agree I should have slowed down but there were three cars right behind going around the same speed and I worried that suddenly slowing down would result in a collision due to the momentum. Can I please ask your advice on this situation? I know youve told most to fight their tickets, but I’m confused about what I could say during the conference in this situation to help reduce my sentence so I can avoid having over 6 points.

    • Matthew Weiss May 11, 2012 9:10 am Reply

      Rach,

      Thanks for your kind words.

      This speeding ticket carries 4 points and roughly a $200 fine. Plus, because you have 3 prior points, so you’ll have to also pay a $375 Driver Assessment Fee if you are convicted.

      How you can fight this ticket depends on whether this speeding ticket was issued in Suffolk or Queens counties, or Nassau County. In Suffolk and Queens, there is no plea bargaining while in Nassau you can make a deal. What you can say to get a deal depends on your own situation. Some examples of discussion points of whether you’ve recently taken a driver safety class and how your record is otherwise pretty good.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Rach May 11, 2012 9:53 am Reply

        I received the ticket on exit 35 in Nassau so a plea bargain is an option. Is it likely that I could talk myself into only getting charged for 2 points rather than 4 so I can stay below the 6 points and avoid the driver assessment fee? I was also told yesterday to try to postpone the hearing for 6 months (if possible) so my other 3 points would be cleared by then. Finally, do you suggest that I should take the driver safety course before going to court to fight this ticket? Thank you Mr. Weiss for your time and assistance.

  274. Sara May 17, 2012 1:23 am Reply

    Hi Matthew,

    Thanks for all the good advice on here… Last weekend I was pulled over in upstate at 1:00 am for a supposed failure to stop at a stop sign, although I did actually stop. I was pulled over about 3-4 blocks away. I believe I may have been pulled over because I was a young female, driving alone at 1:00am, with college parking stickers on my car (I am a graduate student), and on the last day of classes. I believe the officer stopped me to see if I was intoxicated, which I was not. He then gave me a bogus ticket for a failure to stop. I honestly pulled over because I thought he was trying to get around me to get to an emergency. I did receive a cell phone violation last June when I had first moved to the state, but I’m not sure if I ever got any points for that. Is there any recourse in fighting this failure to stop ticket? Thanks!

    Sara

    • Matthew Weiss May 17, 2012 12:22 pm Reply

      Sara,

      Thanks for your kind remarks.

      I recommend that you plead not guilty. If you do, you (or your NY traffic lawyer) can likely negotiate a reduction to less or no points.

      BTW, a stop sign violation carries 3 points and roughly a $150 fine.

      Matthew Weiss

  275. Roberto Irizarry May 18, 2012 3:13 pm Reply

    Hi,

    Matthew. Yesterday night my GPS fell off its mount. So I was trying to put it back in place. I was doing about 51mph in about a 35mph zone. I was a swerving a little trying to multitask. Anyway a police stopped. He only gave me a ticket for violation of 1110a? He didn’t give me any speeding ticket or any ticket for the swerving. Should I plead guilty or not? Would that raise my insurance cost? My record is clean. BTW I’m from the Rochester region.
    Thanks,
    Roberto

    • Matthew Weiss May 18, 2012 3:24 pm Reply

      Roberto,

      It seems like the officer gave you a break by charging you with only a VTL 1110a charge (disobey traffic control device ticket). If you fight it, the officer can amend the case back to the original more serious charge. On the other hand, if you fight it, there is a chance that you may be able to get it reduced further. You have to decide if you want to take the risk (or not) of fighting it.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Roberto Irizarry May 18, 2012 5:43 pm Reply

        Would 2 points affect what I pay in my car insurance?

        • Matthew Weiss May 18, 2012 5:50 pm Reply

          Roberto,

          Two points will NOT hurt your auto insurance rates if you have any otherwise clean record (no convictions or accidents within 36 months of your disobey traffic control device ticket).

          Matthew Weiss

  276. rakesh May 19, 2012 1:06 pm Reply

    hi Matthew,

    Last saturday (12th May) I got my first speeding ticket. It was for 71mph in 50 mph zone. And its a TBV ticket.

    1) With a lawer, what are my chances for win?

    2) Many place i read that, for TBV is not possible to get point reduction or any type of bargain? is it true? if yes then will hiring a lawyer will help?

    3) I am checking my ticket status on “http://www.dmv.ny.gov/pleadandpay/default.html” but it still says that my ticket is not yet in system? is it normal (its been full 1 week)? is thr a possibility that officer forgot or got my information wrong? i only have 15 days to pay or fight? but if this information doesn’t appear on thr system in 15 days then what shoud I do?

    Thanks in advance.

    • Matthew Weiss May 19, 2012 5:19 pm Reply

      Rakesh,

      It is impossible to predict your chances for success. The best I can write is that it is unlikely that you’ll get a dismissal but, with a NY traffic ticket lawyer, you likely can get the speeding ticket reduced from 6- to 4-points.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Rakesh May 19, 2012 9:22 pm Reply

        Thanks Matthew,

        Can you also comment about 3rd point?

        Have you seen in past, ticket information still not available in DMV website after 1 weeks?

        If it is still not available after 15 days?, can it be used as a reason for dismissal ? as 15 day is what DMV gives us to pay for ticket?

        Thanks

  277. Vince May 19, 2012 11:23 pm Reply

    I was pulled over near Liberty NY on NY-17 by State Trooper. I was charged with speed 81 in 65 zone. How much fine (include court fee) is that if I plea guilty? Is it possible that I can get a reduction if pleading guilty?
    On the other hand, if I plea not guilty, is the State Trooper able to offer a plea-bargain deal on court? I heard that they are not allowed to do so any more.

    • Matthew Weiss May 20, 2012 5:31 am Reply

      Vince,

      If you plead guilty to this NY speeding ticket, you will be given 4 points and roughly a $200 fine (assuming you have an otherwise clean record). If you plead not guilty, you likely can save points, and avoid an insurance hike. You can plea bargain cases at the Liberty traffic court. The fine will likely remain roughly the same.

      Matthew Weiss

  278. Brian S. May 29, 2012 2:48 pm Reply

    Hello:

    Recently received a NYS speeding ticket in the town of Bedford Hills, NY (Westchester County) for going 82 in a 65MPH zone. I recently (November 2011) received a ticket for cell phone use in Brooklyn, so I am wondering if it would be worth fighting this speeding ticket. I hold a CT state driver’s license as well. Thanks.

    • Matthew Weiss May 29, 2012 3:57 pm Reply

      Brian S.,

      Your speeding ticket (82/65) carries 4 points and the cell phone carries 3. I recommend that, at the least, you fight the Bedford speeding ticket. If you do, you likely can save points and avoid the $375 Driver Assessment Fee.

      Of course, you may want to fight the Brooklyn cell phone ticket too but that one would be harder for you to get a more favorable outcome.

      Matthew Weiss

  279. Peter Malone May 29, 2012 2:55 pm Reply

    Hi Matt-

    I appreciate the honest responses you’ve provided above and was hoping you could help me. I received a speeding ticket this past weekend (May 26th) on NY Route-27, heading eastbound, right where the road turns from a highway into a county road (CR-39) approaching Southampton. The officer said he had me clocked at 74mph (but acknowledged that I had “slowed down to 64mph” by the time he pulled me over.) This point I dispute, I believe I had been going no more than 64mph, and only reached this speed why trying to change lanes to comply with the recently constituted “Move Over” law in NY State that says you should change lanes to give a pulled over officer clearance to attend to a pulled over vehicle (had to speed up to safely change lanes). This is a large difference in terms of the severity of the transgression. The speed limit on the highway is max 55mph, minimum 40mph…and he says the infraction occurred on the County Road portion of the highway, so the speed limit is only 35mph. He filed the ticket saying I was going 74mph- 39mph over the limit on the county road. I have compiled more notes on the incident and would like to consult with you further if you have time. Obviously, the goal is to limit the points incurred from this incident, and also to try and lower the impending fees as much as possible. Note, that this violation was deemed to have occurred in Southampton, so from reading above, it doesn’t sound like a plea bargain is in play here. Please either respond here, or give me a call when you have a chance, your receptionist has my number.

    Thanks,
    Pete

  280. KK May 29, 2012 3:08 pm Reply

    Hi Matthew

    I have a NJ license and I was travelling to Niagara last week. I got a speeding ticket driving at 85 in 65 miles zone. This is my first ticket. My record has been clean ever since I started driving in US. The time I was pulled out I got nervous due the first time and agreed to driving at 85, although I think I was not that fast. The traffic was very less so I was a little over I guess.

    The court is 4 hours away from my place and I don’t think I can travel. Since I don’t have any points on my license, I was thinking of pleading guilty and then probably take the driver assessment test to remove the 2 points I get on my license. But after reading the posts above I am not sure what should I do. Can you please advice me accordingly. Also if I take your services, how much will it cost me?

    Thanks

    • Matthew Weiss May 29, 2012 4:46 pm Reply

      KK,

      This speeding ticket carries 4 points in NY and will transfer as 2 to NJ. If you fight it, you likely can save points and possibly avoid your auto insurance rates increasing.

      Because the court is 4 hours away, you may want to retain a NY traffic ticket lawyer to handle this matter. We generally charge a flat fee of $500 for a ticket in Niagara. You will not, of course, have to appear in court.

      Matthew Weiss

  281. Matt F June 1, 2012 12:08 pm Reply

    Hey Matt,

    This is a really helpful forum, thanks for starting it. I have a similar situation to many others. In late April I received my first speeding offense in New York State for going 40 in a 30 mph zone. I missed my appearance date because I was visiting family in NYC. On my way to the city I was hit with my second driving offense in New York State, going 51 in a 30.
    I am worried that I will receive complimentary fines and what not because the two incidents were so close together (approximately 20 days). Is it worth it/possible to fight in court even if you have missed your court date? Also, how does the preceding ticket affect my more recent offense. Are there radical insurance repercussions?

    Thanks
    -Matt F

    • Matthew Weiss June 1, 2012 12:12 pm Reply

      Matt F,

      Thanks for your nice remarks about the forum.

      You can likely still fight the first speeding ticket if it hasn’t been too long since your missed the date. The length of time you have depends on the court in which this case is pending.

      The two are inter-related and there very well could be a good strategy as to which case to handle first. You should call us to discuss as I would need a fair amount of details to properly and fully answer this question.

      Matthew Weiss
      212-683-7373

  282. Sam riv June 1, 2012 10:12 pm Reply

    Hi Matt,

    I was clocked by laser going 73mph in a 50mph zone on i95 in the north Bronx. This is my second infraction of speeding in the same area. The first offense was the same 73mph. I did not fight it and got the 6 points and paid huge fines. I know for a fact that I was not going this fast the second time and there were cars in the way when he claims he caught me with a laser. I definetly want to fight this ticket. What are my chances of getting the ticket reduced and possibly not having my license suspended.

    Thanks

    • Matthew Weiss June 3, 2012 9:41 am Reply

      Sam riv,

      I cannot provide your odds for success. In the Bronx Traffic Violations Bureau, there is no plea bargaining or deals. Therefore, if you fight this NY speeding ticket (which you definitely should do), then it will be “all or nothing”. Every cases rises and falls on its unique facts and the officer’s presentation.

      Read some of my other comments on this thread for helpful information.

      Matthew Weiss

  283. Mr M June 7, 2012 1:10 pm Reply

    Hello Mr. Weiss,

    Thank you for helping ticketed drivers with your site. It’s a generous, great resource.

    To summarize: In late January I received a TVB speeding ticket for doing 60 in a 30 in Brooklyn (speed trap/transition off of the Prospect Expressway). It was my first ticket in my 22 years of driving. I decided to plead online, but the ticket was not and still has not been found in the TVB system over 4 months later. Normal or not normal?

    Some additional details: In May (3 months after the ticket), I successfully renewed my driver’s license, my car’s registration and insurance — which would seem to confirm that the ticket isn’t in the system.

    The ticket did have errors. 1) The officer wrote my old address from the front of my license on the ticket, even though I’d previously updated my address with the DMV and had the correct address on my insurance and registration. 2) The tickets arrest-type was blank so I don’t know how he obtained my speed. 3) In the speed box, the officer wrote 60 for mph, but in the description box, he had 55 circled (seemed contradictory, unless the 55 meant something else). 4) His handwriting was difficult to read (very scratchy).

    Could these errors have led to the ticket being lost or thrown away? Should I take any further action, aside from continuously checking the plea site to see if the ticket hits the system? And, if it does hit, will I be further punished even though I signed up for the email alerts and have been checking the site regularly? Thanks for the help!

    • Matthew Weiss June 7, 2012 10:33 pm Reply

      Mr. M,

      Thanks for your kind words.

      Four months is a long time. This is good news for you, however. If it fails to “hit” the TVB system, then you essentially have won the case. This does occur (although rarely) when the ticket gets lost somewhere along the way. Keep checking. We recommend to check for 12 full months to be safe. There is nothing to do in the meanwhile.

      If this ticket is entered belatedly, you will usually be given more time or notice of its entry. However, we always say to check it regularly (at least once per week) to protect yourself.

      In regard to the errors, none of them are grounds for a dismissal. However, the 60 mph vs 55 mph may be helpful if you were to take this case to a trial.

      Good luck!

      Matthew Weiss

  284. RS June 7, 2012 11:06 pm Reply

    Hi Matthew

    I have a NJ license and I was travelling to NY last week. I got a speeding ticket driving at 85 in 65 miles zone. This is my first ticket.

    The court is 5 hours away from my place and I don’t think I can travel. I was planning to plead not guilty but I recently saw that the ticket has incorrect address. Actually it has my old address, although my license had my correct address at the back. What are the consequences of this. If I mail the not guilty plea, how can I make sure I get all communications at the right address.

    Thanks

    • Matthew Weiss June 8, 2012 12:04 am Reply

      RS,

      When you enter your not guilty plea, you should include a cover letter advising of the correct address. I would also follow-up with a telephone call to the court to make sure it has your correct address.

      Matthew Weiss

  285. shreetam June 10, 2012 5:30 pm Reply

    Hey I am an international student and do not have a NY driving license. I was caught at a speed of 96m/hr in NY state at a 70m/h zone with an international driving license. Should I fight it??

    What would be the fine for such an action?

    • Matthew Weiss June 10, 2012 9:05 pm Reply

      Shreetam,

      The fine for this NY speeding ticket is roughly $200 plus a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it, you likely can save the $300 and some points. If you are planning of doing any more driving in New York, then I recommend that you fight it by pleading not guilty.

      Matthew Weiss

  286. Steve June 13, 2012 1:07 pm Reply

    As I was heading home, I was driving on the Harlem River Drive today 6/13/12, I reached the end of the highway, which is 10th Ave and Dyckman St, right in front of Public School 5 Ellen Lurie. As I was waiting for the light, an officer was waiting right behind me, then he turns on his flashing light, then I decided to move over on Dyckman St so he could pass me, until he told me from his truck (Tahoe) speaker that he was pulling me over, then I pulled over and he came up to me and says: “if there is any reason for you to be speeding this morning” and I told him no, then he says that I was going about 89mph (50mph zone) on 139st and Harlem River Drive, which is where I was stuck in traffic due to all the car that was trying to get on the George Washington Bridge and it’s about 3.9 to 4.3 miles away from where he’s stopping me. It was raining so the traffic was slowing down every second. I know he got the wrong car; I was guessing that it was someone with the car like me. He also says that he caught me on a radar gun, the humidity for the day was about 67% and the wind was about 10 to 15 mph, so the rain could affect the range of the radar gun and other weather conditions such as humidity, which they all will dump particles into the atmosphere that creates a “barrier” for the microwave emissions of radars. Rain would refract it, much like looking at a pencil in a glass of water. Flat object will reflect back a bigger portion of the signal. For this reason, I know that the car closest to the radar unit may not always be the one recorded. I have not gotten a ticket since 2009 and I just took my defense driving class last month to erase 4 point from my license and also to save money on my car insurance. I don’t think that I have a great case so I know for a fact that I will lose since I can’t prove that the officer got the wrong car. I feel that I might end up paying for someone else mistake. This is a serious ticket for me since my license could get suspended. How can I fight this ticket???

  287. Kallie June 13, 2012 4:09 pm Reply

    I got a speeding ticket today with a 1180D. In the description/narrative section all it says is “SPEEDING”. At the bottom & to the right there’s something that looks like “C/L” I think. What does that mean? He didn’t write anything in the section where the “mph” go or the “in mph zone”. Can I fight this ticket since it doesn’t clearly state how fast I was going? He did tell me I was doing 76 & speed limit is 50 but it’s not anywhere on the ticket. Also by the time I had passed him I know I wasn’t going that fast, maybe 55-60 at most. I don’t know if that matters, just hoping the fact that the actual speed & speed limit are not on it that I can get out of it.

    • Matthew Weiss June 13, 2012 8:34 pm Reply

      Kallie,

      The omission of the speed and limit is one of the few defects that could render this ticket fatally defective. Do not plead not guilty via mail. Do so in person or online.

      At your hearing, you can argue in favor of a dismissal given the lack of notice of the charge in the ticket.

      Matthew Weiss

      BTW, C/L likely means “center lane”.

  288. Allison June 18, 2012 4:08 pm Reply

    Hello, I was pulled over on my motorcycle in Manhattan at a police checkpoint. I hadnt realized that my motorcycle permit had expired. I recieved a ticket for operating out of class as I only had my valid license. I was told by the officer that I can go on the DMV website – enter in the ticket and my license information and I can see how much the fine/points are.

    I have entered my ticket number in multiple times and it cannot locate anything. I’ve also just submitted my license number and there are no tickets against my number. I have 15days from the date ( June 9th) to respond and i’m not sure what to do as there is no direct fine for this on back of the ticket. I see something for “Un-licensed” but that doesnt exactly match the description of my offense.

    Also I’m wondering if I should plead not guilty and see if I can fight the ticket. Any advice would be great! Thanks!!

    • Matthew Weiss June 18, 2012 7:29 pm Reply

      Allison,

      You should definitely keep checking the online system. Often it takes 30 days (or longer) for some tickets to be appear. Just keep checking.

      In regard to beating this ticket, I didn’t read anything in your post that makes your prospects hopeful. Because your permit expired, it seems like your ticket was properly issued.

      Matthew Weiss

  289. Emin June 25, 2012 9:22 am Reply

    Hi, I just goy my first speeding ticket in NY 81mph on 55 mph area. I pleaded not guilty. What should I expect, my driver license is clean, never had any speeding ticket or points.

    Thank you

    • Matthew Weiss June 25, 2012 2:05 pm Reply

      Emin,

      You will receive a court date in the mail scheduling you for a date. On that date, you will likely have an opportunity to conference the case with a prosecutor. At that time, you should be able to negotiate a plea bargain to a less serious charge.

      Because your 81/55 NY speeding ticket carries 6 points, I would expect the prosecutor to offer a 2-3 point ticket in exchange for you changing your plea to guilty.

      Matthew Weiss

  290. Brian June 27, 2012 4:39 pm Reply

    Hey so yesterday I got pulled over by a state trooper he got me on a radar going 87 on a 55, I honestly thought I was going around 65 something like that but im not sure if its just me but when your on an open road you don’t really realize how fast your going but anyways I’m enlisting into the marines and now I’m worried that this might effect me from being excepted this is my first ticket still 17 I turn 18 next month and I have no idea what I should do please help me out thanks
    -brian

    • Matthew Weiss June 27, 2012 9:23 pm Reply

      Brian,

      You should plead not guilty and fight this ticket. If you do, you will be scheduled for a conference and, at that time, be able to plea bargain your speeding ticket to a lesser charge (saving points and money).

      Matthew Weiss

  291. Sally June 27, 2012 8:12 pm Reply

    Hello,
    I was pulled over in upstate NY (Delaware Co.) for going 79 in a 55mph zone. The officer reduced the ticket to 1110A. I have a CT license with no previous offenses. Should I plead not guilty and try to get this reduced further? How much is the fine for a 1110A ticket and is it worth the 3 hour drive to fight it?
    Thank you.

    • Matthew Weiss June 27, 2012 9:12 pm Reply

      Sally,

      Given your circumstances, I recommend that you accept the “roadside plea” and plead guilty to the 1110a charge. Points from a NY conviction will not transfer onto your CT license.

      Matthew Weiss

  292. Rafat July 4, 2012 8:34 pm Reply

    Hi Matthew,
    So I recieved a speeding ticket march of 2011 in brooklyn, and have had to delay the court date twice due to being away at college. I have my court date later this week and I was wondering what course of action to take. I know that in NYC you cannot bargain. Since the ticket is for speeding over 20mph (72 in 50 zone) I am really worried about the hefty fines, which as a college student, I am not sure I can afford. Furthermore, I still remember the day I got the ticket and telling the officer that there was not a chance I was going over 70 (I really believe that and I dont think he recorded the speed in a radar). I only have two other tickets neither of which cost any points. So my questions is how can I best fight this? Will I get a chance to see the officers notes before appearing in front of the judge? Also is there anyway to confirm that the estimate was not based on a radar? I was also hoping to make the argument that i had just gotten out of traffic and therefore may have appeared to be going fast due to the acceleration. Will that fly?

    Thanks a lot,
    Rafat

  293. Abby July 4, 2012 10:01 pm Reply

    Hi Mr. Weiss,

    I got my very first ticket today, after 10 years with a license. I was told I was driving 14 miles over the speed limit. The small town I was pulled over in is 4 hours from where I live, so going back for a court date will be somewhat difficult. Would you advise contesting it anyway? The officer suggested calling the court to see if it could be reduced because of points, but would I still then need to go to court? I am a little clueless and stressed out since this is my first time dealing with this. Thank you!

    • Matthew Weiss July 4, 2012 10:49 pm Reply

      Abby,

      Don’t stress out. The good news is that a conviction to this speeding ticket will NOT result in your insurance rates increasing (given your good record and given that it is less than 16 mph over the limit).

      If you do not want to appear in court, then you can retain a NY traffic ticket lawyer to appear for you. However, because this ticket is a relatively minor given your circumstances, you want not want to fight it.

      Matthew Weiss

      • Abby July 5, 2012 7:25 am Reply

        Thank you so much. That makes me feel a lot better! So, if they can’t help me reduce it over the phone, you’d recommend just paying the ticket via mail? Thanks again.

        • Matthew Weiss July 5, 2012 8:05 am Reply

          Abby,

          Yes, in your unique circumstances, I believe that this would be okay. Of course, others prefer to leave no “stone un-turned” in keeping their record as clean as possible. You’ll have to make the ultimate decision.

          Matthew Weiss

  294. david July 5, 2012 10:09 pm Reply

    I got pulled over in upstate NY for doing 76 in a 55 zone, and I plan on pleading not guilty. Is there anyway I could fight the whole ticket or at least not get any points?

    • Matthew Weiss July 5, 2012 10:21 pm Reply

      David,

      A 76/55 carries 6 points, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. You should therefore plead not guilty. If you do, you’ll likely be able to negotiate a reduction to a less serious charge saving money and points.

      Matthew Weiss

  295. Bobby J July 9, 2012 4:43 pm Reply

    Hello Mr Weiss

    I was pulled over on NY thruway last weekend for going 80 in a 65 speed zone. It happened 10 miles from the connecting ramp out of Syracuse NY.

    I know that I was not driving 80 MPH.

    1. I live in CT and have a clean driving record except for a parking ticket 6 yrs ago.
    2. This is 4 points in NY. How many points in CT?
    3. What is the best way to enter no guilty. By mail or in person. In person is little difficult due to conflict with work schedule and 5 hr drive. Its not impossible.
    4. what is the best way to minimize the points in NY and CT, as well as any damage to Insurance profile. What is the worst outcome as far as Insurance hike is concerned.
    5. I have a clean record and would like to keep it clean.
    6. I am little flustered by the exaggeration of speed that I am cited for. But I stayed quiet and did not ask officer any question. He also kept it nice and professional.

    Please advice

    Bobby

    • Matthew Weiss July 9, 2012 4:50 pm Reply

      Bobby,

      A conviction to this ticket will NOT transfer as points onto your CT license. It will be reported to CT and, therefore, your auto insurance company can use it in determining your rates.

      If you are going to enter your not guilty plea via mail, then do so with some type of delivery confirmation.

      The best way to minimize points from this ticket is by pleading not guilty. Then, on your court date, you or your NY traffic lawyer can negotiate a plea bargain to a less serious charge. By the way, if you retain a NY traffic lawyer, then you will NOT have to appear in court.

      Matthew Weiss

  296. Seaton July 10, 2012 5:37 pm Reply

    Mr. Weiss,
    Hi I am 19 years old from Long Island. I’ve been driving since I was 16 and have a clean record until today when I was pulled over and ticketed for going 78 in a 55. On the ticket was written something about 577 feet. I’m not sure what that means. Anyways I was on my way to a doctors appointment because I bruised my right calf muscle and I’ve been having trouble walking. Judging by your past responses I assume that I should fight it, however, do you think I should mention the injury as an excuse or at all? Thanks for your help.