We are often asked the question: “How Much is a Speeding ticket in NY?”. The literal answer for a first conviction is that a New York state speeding fine costs between $45 and $600. For speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit the range is $45 to $150. For speeding 11 mph to 30 mph, the range is $90 to $300. Finally, for speeding 31 mph or more, the range is $180 to $600. For a second speeding conviction, the maximum fine can be increased by up to $150 and for a third, it can be increased by up to $375.
Of course, these ranges of fines do not include the $88-$93 additional New York State speeding fine surcharged imposed on all moving violations. Additionally, it does not include the Driver Assessment Fee that is imposed on motorists who accumulate 6 or more points on their licenses. This fee is $300 for 6 points and $75 for every point above 6.
However, there are many other NY speeding ticket costs. For example, it is not widely known (or enforced) but a judge can also impose up to 15 days in jail for a speeding 1 to 10 mph speeding ticket, and up to 30 days for 11+ mph speeding ticket.
New York Speeding Ticket Fines and Points
On the other hand, most of you know that speeding tickets result in points being added to your driver license. In the state of New York, a speeding ticket carries a total of 3 to 11 points. Below is an overview of NY speeding ticket points:
Speeding 1 to 10 MPH: 3 points
Speeding 11 to 20 MPH: 4 points
Speeding 21 to 30 MPH: 6 points
Speeding 31 to 40 MPH: 8 points
Speeding 41+ MPH: 11 points
Beyond the points, another speeding ticket cost is that it can result in a license suspension or revocation. Some judges will suspend a motorist for just one 8-point or 11-point speeding ticket conviction. Some will suspend for two speeding convictions. The DMV can suspend your license if you accumulate 11 or more points within 18 months (from speeding convictions or otherwise). Finally, three speeding convictions within 18 months will result in an automatic and mandatory 6-month revocation of driver’s license.
Another cost of a speeding ticket conviction involves your automobile insurance rates. By law, a New York insurance company cannot raise your rates for one speeding conviction of 15 mph above the limit (or less) if you have an otherwise clean record. For a higher speeding ticket or multiple convictions, however, your auto insurance rates can be hiked. The only option to address a hike is to take the Driver Safety Class that takes 10% off your insurance rates.
As you can see, there are many NY speeding ticket costs. You, therefore, should always be aware of speed limits and heed your speedometer. For 20+ years, our NYC law firm has helped thousands of motorists each year fight their traffic tickets throughout New York State and keep their licenses as clean as possible. Feel free to call us at 212-683-7373 or email us at lawyer@nytrafficticket.com for a free consultation.
2297 Comments. Leave new
Hello,
I am from Indiana and I was driving on a highway in New York (90). All of the cars around me were going 80 mph, so I thought the speed limit had increased (but it was still 65 mph). The car in front of me swerved a bit, so I sped up a bit and got into the passing lane. Then I saw the lights go on. He said that I was going 85 in a 65 and didn’t give me a chance to explain. I have never received a ticket before. Do you think I should fight it? I live far away and I’m a college student-what little money I have needs to go to college.
Beth,
Because you have a clean record, live far away and apparently cannot afford a NY traffic lawyer, I recommend that you just pay this ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Got a speeding ticket doing 78 in a 55 on SR-222 in Berks County Pennsylvania. The ticket states a total amount due of $167.00 and the officer said in PA this ticket is 4 points.
My questions are: Do these points transfer over to my NY license?
If so is it more than 4 points?
If I fight it what are the odds I would end up with no points and just a fine?
Also it states on the ticket that if pleading NOT GUILTY I must notify them in writing, sign and submit a portion of the ticket, AND send them the total amount due of $167.00 + $7.00 costs as collateral. What should I do?? I have 10 days to respond. Btw I have a clean license. Thanks in advance for any info.
John T,
Points from a PA traffic ticket conviction will NOT transfer onto your NY license. A PA conviction will be reported to NY, however, and therefore could negatively impact your auto insurance rates.
In regard to your other questions, I would feel more comfortable if you asked them of a PA traffic ticket lawyer. I do not practice in PA and, therefore, am unfamiliar with PA’s practices.
Matthew Weiss
hi
I was driving with family to Niagra falls from NY city on the highway in the county of Steuben, i was driving 95 on 65 and the officer gave me three tickets first over speed 95 mph on 4:25 pm and the other is 92 on 4:35 , the third is changing lanes without signals.
The officer gave me tow different courts for my tickets in diffrent cities. what would you recommend me to do and what are the consequences?
Thanks in advance
Eli
Eli,
Ouch! The officer really nailed you. I recommend that you fight these tickets as you are looking at 14 points, a lot of fine money and a hefty Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight them, you likely can save points and money.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew,
My wife got pulled over in Kingston NY. Officer claims he clocked her on radar doing 62 mph in a 45 mph zone. This is her first traffic violation of any kind. She would like to fight it somehow, but does not want to travel there for a court date.
1. Is it worth fighting it?
2. Do you know if Kingston tends to offer plea deals?
3. Is there any chance she could plead not guilty and then negotiate a plea deal via mail?
4. If not, is it worth hiring a traffic lawyer?
Thanks for your help!
Jon,
Answers follow each of your questions.
1. Is it worth fighting it? Yes (to hopefully save points and avoid a possible insurance hike).
2. Do you know if Kingston tends to offer plea deals? Yes, and they offer pretty good deals too.
3. Is there any chance she could plead not guilty and then negotiate a plea deal via mail? I do not believe so. Kingston requires that you (or your NY traffic lawyer) appear.
4. If not, is it worth hiring a traffic lawyer? Yes if you want to save points, etc.
I hope these answers help.
Matthew Weiss
Matt,
Thanks. This is extremely helpful. Can you recommend a lawyer who could represent us?
Thanks,
Jon
Jon,
That is the easiest question that I have every gotten on this blog … we recommend Weiss & Associates, PC (my law firm). Since 1991, we have defended 1,000s of motorists with all types of vehicle and traffic law matters throughout New York State.
You can read reviews about us at Avvo.com, an independent website that rates lawyers.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
I was driving with family to Niagra falls, Buffalo from Illinois on 15th and was stopped going 85 in a 65 mile an hour zone. I have a IL license and have never been pulled over or ticketed before. I could not attend the court date in person on 18th but the officer had said that I can post mail as well if I cannot appear in person. What is my best course of action? Will the points get transferred to my IL license?
Thanks for you help.
MB,
A conviction to a New York moving violation WILL transfer to your Illinois license. Three moving violation convictions within one year in Illinois results in a suspension of an Illinois license (if under 21, then 2 convictions within two years can result in a suspension), and a New York moving violation conviction counts towards the three (i.e., the conviction transfers). We therefore recommend that you fight your NY speeding ticket.
You can retain a NY traffic ticket lawyer who can appear without you needing to be there.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew,
I am 17 and just recieved a ticket for doing 42 mph in a 30 mph on a city street in Amsterdam, NY. This is my first incident with the law and need some advice! Should I fight it or pay it? Should I get a lawyer?
Thanks,
Dillon
Dillon,
You should definitely plead not guilty to this NY speeding ticket. If you do, you likely can save points on your license.
Matthew Weiss
To Name it simply: Dated November 24th 2011, two (2) speeding tickets from Highlands New York (ongoing) dated posted after I pay misssed court date $ 100.00, subsequeently again: Two separate occasions from Verrazzano bridge 1) speeding ticket (hearing set July 6 for trial) together with recent 2) disobeying posted sign herewith crossing double line and written ii) ticket careless movement operation motor vehicle (e.g. two-ticket issued same day on Verrazzano toward brooklyn belt)
Total of five tickets total Highland (2) tickets; (1) speeding ticket [Verrazzano]; and (2) ticket[s] [Verrazzano] ” plead-not guilty to all tickets ” help received lincese last year 2011 call 347-246-3260 (P.S.: I really request assistance from anyone whom can assist me in this endeavour eventhough I am idigent can I work out a deal by your firm ?)
Paul,
Simply stated, you need to plead not guilty and fight these tickets. I recommend that you consult with a NY traffic ticket lawyer.
Matthew Weiss
I was stopped today going 82 in a 65 mile an hour zone in NY state. I have a CT license and have never been pulled over or ticketed before. What are the consequences of this, and what is my best course of action?
Thanks!
Matt,
This NY speeding ticket carries 4 NY points and roughly a $200 fine. A conviction will not transfer, however, as points on your CT license.
I recommend that you plead not guilty and fight this ticket. If you do, you likely can save NY points and get this reduced to a less serious charge.
Matthew Weiss
Dear Matthew,
Hello, hope you are doing fine. I’m 18 yrs old, and I’ve had my license for about 1.5 yrs. I was driving my mom’s car, and I was pulled over for going 52 mph on a 35 mph zone in Staten Island. I know I immediately slowed down when I realized I was going over 40, and am pretty sure I didn’t go over 50. Should I plead guilty, or not guilty? Since I don’t have any proof. And will the insurance hike up because of it? I’m assuming it’s a 4 point ticket based on the article. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
Al,
Beating a speeding ticket in New York City is very tough. Beating one in Staten Island is near impossible. This is a 4-point ticket and could result in your insurance increasing. You may want to take a Driver Safety Class to offset any increase. This class saves you 10% on your auto insurance rates.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matt,
I got pulled over this morning for going 82 in a 65 on route 81 in Broome County (Kirkwood). I’m from PA and this is my first violation in NY. I was on my way to my grandparent’s house for Father’s Day and going with the flow of traffic. The officer was hiding on the shoulder of the off ramp from the highway about 3 car lengths in from the edge behind trees, so you wouldn’t see him until you were right on top of him. My ticket says: In violation of – NYS V and T Law, section subsection 1180D. When asked if I knew why I pulled over, I said “I was speeding.” and it is noted on my ticket.
Questions:
1. Should I fight this?
2. What are the best and worst outcomes I can expect if I do decide to fight this?
3. I am currently an unemployed college student, will the court let me make a payment plan for my fine?
I appreciate any help you might be able to offer.
Kate H,
Answers follow your questions below.
1. Should I fight this? Yes.
2. What are the best and worst outcomes I can expect if I do decide to fight this? The worse outcome is guilty as charged. The best outcome is likely guilty to a reduced charge.
3. I am currently an unemployed college student, will the court let me make a payment plan for my fine? The court may give you time to pay but not a “payment plan”.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi ,
I have received speeding ticket at forrest ave / MLK expressway location for driving 65 in 45 mph zone by NYPD officer at staten island. I have few questions .
1) I am a NJ resident , so how many point I incur if I plead guilty.
2) Officer wrote 45 mph zone , how ever it NB MLK expressway is 50 mph limit zone. So I am not sure why he has written incorrect information.
3) Will matter be heard in TVB court , if yes then what are the possibility of getting bargain such as 2 points etc.
4) It says $195 as the fine , so are there any more charges on top of it .
5) If I plead not guilty and go to court , and found convicted will I be paying extra charges on top of my $195 .
Chandra,
Answers follow your questions below.
1) I am a NJ resident , so how many point I incur if I plead guilty. 4 NY points which transfer as 2 points onto your NJ license.
2) Officer wrote 45 mph zone, however it NB MLK expressway is 50 mph limit zone. So I am not sure why he has written incorrect information. If you are right, this error may help you defend this case.
3) Will matter be heard in TVB court, if yes then what are the possibility of getting bargain such as 2 points etc. Yes, almost all NYC traffic tickets are heard in the TVB courts. There is no plea bargaining or deals in any of the TVB courts.
4) It says $195 as the fine, so are there any more charges on top of it? Assuming you have an otherwise clean record, there are no other charges.
5) If I plead not guilty and go to court, and found convicted will I be paying extra charges on top of my $195? No
Good luck!
Matt ,
Thanks for your quick reply. Appreciate all your efforts in making all replies prompt .
Hi! I am from Quebec city. I just had a ticket in New York city while I was coming back. I was driving 84mph in a 65 mph zone. The police officer gave me a paper. I have to check either im guilty or not and send it by mail. Than they will send me my ticket. Well that is what I understood. I don’t really get it could you help me? Also I cant find the adress that I have to send the paper to. How much do you think it might cust? How much points will I loose?!… I am a little lost!!
Geneviève,
Because points from New York transfer to Québec, we recommend that you fight this ticket. We represent many drivers from Québec and are very familiar with your demerit point system. In NY, your speeding ticket carries 4 points and will transfer as 3 demerit points to your Québec license.
The fine for this ticket is roughly $200 and it can adversely affect your insurance rates.
Feel free to call me if you have any other questions.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
But the problem is that if I fight this ticket, I will have to go to new york again to go to court… i really dont have the time for that…and it would be very complicated because it is not my first language! I would prefer to pay it it would be more simple. But the only thing i dont understant is that i dont have an adress to send my paper that I have to check if i’m guilty or not!:S…
Geneviève,
You have two options. Plead guilty or not guilty. You enter your plea via mail. To find the court’s address, go to use our free New York Traffic Court directory.
The other option is to retain a NY traffic ticket lawyer who can appear for you. With a NY traffic attorney, you will NOT have to go to court, and you will likely get a better outcome than your current charge.
Bon chance!
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matt,
Yesterday I got a speeding ticket on Taconic state pky N just 2 miles before hitting I-90 (Chatham county). Radar got me on 76 in 55 zone. I have all clean record and this is my first violation ever. It was late in the night and was all alone on the road, there was a long slope (downhill) and I didnt notice when my speed went up, I immediately got it back in 60s but seems like the cop was standing right at the end of the slope. Since this is my first experience with this stuff ever, I am very confused. Your blog has educated me that I will have about $250 fine + 6 points with $300 assessment fee and my insurance will also go up.
So, what should be my next steps. 1) Shall I plead not guilty (ticket says that I have to inform them within 48 hours if I am pleading not guilty) 2) Do I have to call the court before I go there? 3) What does plea bargain means and whats the process? 4) According to you, what should be my best bet?
Sorry about asking too many questions. Thanks a lot in advance. Really appreciate your advise.
-IPS
IPS,
You should plead not guilty via certified mail, return receipt requested. The court will then schedule you for a conference and/or trial date. At that time, you likely can negotiate this speeding ticket to a lesser charge likely saving points and the Driver Assessment fee. A bargain is a deal when you plead guilty in exchange for a less serious harge.
Matthew Weiss
Thanks Matt. Just a quick question on your last comment about plea bargain. I have already sent the ticket back pleading not guilty, so does that means we wont be eligible for bargain since we need to plead guilty for that?
Also, where can we know about the lawyer charges for your firm to to make a case for getting rid of all points…Thanks!
IPS,
Actually, for a plea bargain, you need to plea not guilty. So you did it right. The court will schedule a court date and, at that time, you’ll ask for a conference. At the conference, you likely will be able to get an offer to a reduced charge.
A NY traffic lawyer will charge generally between $400 and $600 to handle a traffic case.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matt,
I pleaded not guilty to above ticket and received 2 letters from DA office. 1) Agreement to Plead Guilty and 2) Notice of DA Conference. I didnt sign the first letter at all. I just got my Driver’s Abstract and sent that along with a copy of the above documents.
Now, I have received a new letter from DA with a plea offer. The reduced charge says “VTL 1201 A. I searched on internet and it refers to some non-movable kind of ticket.
So, Can you please guide what are the implications and what does this mean to my case. Does that mean that if Judge signs it off, I will get 0 points? and a heavily reduced fine?
Thanks for your help and time.
-IPS
IPS,
This is a great offer. Take it and run!!
It carries 0 points and has no consequences on your license or your auto insurance.
The judge likely will approve it (but it is not a guarantee).
Matthew Weiss
I received a ticket for 44 in a 30 MPH zone. The Speed limit abruptly changed from 50MPH to 30 MPH going downhill. I had a tractor trailer truck not too far behind me and I didn’t want to slow down too quickly and cause him to possible hit me. I had my foot off the gas and was decelerating as I passed the police officer’s car. This was in Champlain NY. I have a clean record. Is it worth fighting this ticket. Do the points transfer to Ohio?
JJ,
I recommend that you fight this ticket to hopefully save points on your license and even avoid a speeding conviction all together.
Matthew Weiss
Do the Points in NY transfer to Ohio?
I just received a speeding ticket for doing 73 in a 40, while crossing the Triboro Bridge.and I’m kind of confused at to what to do next. The officer asked my for my license and didn’t even bother to ask me for my registration or insurance. I have a clean driving history with absolutely no tickets of any kind. Should I plead not guilty and if so what is the likelihood of getting any reduction on this? Any help would be greatly appreciated…thanks!
Arleen,
Ouch, this is an 8-point ticket, carries roughly a $300 fine and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. You should plead not guilty and fight this ticket. Pleading guilty is the only way for you to possibly get a more favorable result.
I recommend that you read my article entitled “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau” to learn more about how one fights a NYC speeding ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Hi, I was ticketed last week on I-90 in the Town of Brant NY. I was going 78 in a 65. It is my first offense. I am from PA and I was wondering if I should plead not guilty to this and if I would have to go to court for it. I am a full time college student and I work 3 jobs to pay for my own schooling so I really don’t have the money for a spike in my insurance because of the points, although I am willing to pay the fine. Would there be any way to have a decrease in the points?
Kurban,
If you plead not guilty, then you can likely save NY points. Keep in mind that points from a NY conviction will NOT transfer onto your PA license. I do recommend that you check with your insurance company before you make your final decision as to whether to fight it. Given your clean record and that this is a NY speeding ticket, your insurance rates may not be increased if you are convicted.
Matthew Weiss
I was just ticketed last week for going 60 mph in a 40 mph zone. It’s my second speeding ticket but only my first within the past 18 months. I’m very nervous about meeting infront of a judge. How many points and how much am I looking at in terms of this ticket? I also have 1 parking ticket on my record. I live in Amherst, New York. Also, am i better off pleading guilty or not guilty? Ive been told to plead not guilty even without a strong plea. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Joey,
This NY speeding ticket carries 4 points and roughly a $200 fine. You should definitely plead not guilty. If you do, you likely can negotiate this down to a less serious offense.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew,
I was pulled over on the meadowbrook parkway by the NYS police doing 76 in a 55 with a laser. I have a clean record. I would give you the reason but know it doesnt hold its weight in court. What would be the fine associated with this and would there be points assessed? Does it make sense to chance and show up in court in hopes the officer does not appear? How likely would they reduce the fines/points if I was moving out of the way of a tailgater since i had my daughter in the car?
Thanks
John,
You should plead not guilty. If you do, you (or your NY traffic ticket lawyer) can most likely negotiate this to a less serious offense and even save you the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.
Matthew Weiss
Got a speeding ticket for a 77 in a 55 in Town of Deerfield (Oneida County) on 12/26/11. Spoke with judge who said I should plead not guilty and write the DA. Had things come up in life and completely forgot to do this. Just received a notice of suspension to take effect (in two days from now) for failure to answer summons for the ticket. Not sure if I should plead guilty to avoid suspension of license or if there is a way I can contact the DMV and delay the suspension date until I speak with the DA. I have no speeding violations on my record, but do have a ticket for leaving the scene of a property damage accident in June 2011. Would appreciate any advice I can get. Thanks.
Jordan,
Call the court tomorrow, and try and work it out.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
I got pulled over yesterday on I90E by a NY State Cop leaving Syracuse. I was heading home to Jersey City, NJ from a trip to Niagara Falls Canada. He got me with laser passing someone at 88 in a 65. I had my license since 1995 and I never got any kind of ticket so my record is clear and clean so now, I don’t Know what is the best way to resolve this problem.
How much would I expect to pay for this ticket pleading guilty by mail? or What is your email to scan the document?
Thanks in advance.
Fer,
If you plead guilty to this NY speeding ticket, then you will get 6 NY points (which will transfer onto your NJ license as 2 NJ points), roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it, you likely can save points and the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
First of all, thanks for this wonderful website. This is really very useful and help a lot.
I got pulled over yesterday on GSP traveling south in Rock land county by a NY State Cop. He got me at 84 in 65 zone and gave ticket under section 1180D (Speed in Zone). He asked if I knew how fast I was going and truthfully said probably around 76 which he wrote on the bottom of the ticket. This is my first ticket ever.
I am from CT, and was going to NJ. Should I plead guilty or not guilty? If plead guilty, how much fine and points I am going to get? If I plead not guilty and fight the ticket, is there a possibility that I would get points and fine minimize (I am guessing this is a 4 point violation)? Are the points going to be transferred to my CT license and effect my insurance?
Thanks for any advice,
Raj
Raj,
Thanks for your kind remarks.
If you plead guilty, you will be given 4 NY points and have to pay roughly a $200 fine. The good news is that a NY conviction will not transfer as points onto your CT license. Such a conviction, however, will be reported to CT and your CT insurance company can use it when determining your rates.
If you fight this ticket, you likely can get this matter reduced to a less serious charge which will reduce the NY points and possibly help you vis-a-vis your CT insurance company.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
I got a ticket doing 75 in a 55 on Southern State, i didn’t admit to speeding i just told the cop i was keeping speed with the people in front of me. From what I’ve read on the responses i guess i should just take it to court to plead guilty to the lesser charge.
Erik,
If your NY speeding ticket was issued in Nassau County, you can likely can save NY points by fighting the ticket and entering into a plea bargain.
If it was issued in Suffolk County and its returnable at the Hauppague Traffic Violations Bureau, then it is a tougher situation. In this court, there is no plea bargaining. It is therefore “all or nothing”. I still recommend fighting it for points and insurance purposes. It is just that your likelihood of a favorable outcome is much lower.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
I got pulled over yesterday on I90E by a NY State Cop leaving Syracuse. I was heading home to Rhode Island from a trip to Toronto for a couple Red Sox games. He got me with laser passing someone at 80 in a 65. He asked if I knew how fast I was going and truthfully said probably around 78 which he wrote on the bottom of the ticket. I haven’t had a ticket in 7 years, and that was expunged due to good driving record.
It’s a good 5-6 hour drive out there for me to Dewitt Town Court. I don’t know if it is worth pleading not guilty. How much would I expect to pay for this ticket pleading guilty by mail?
Thanks for any advice.
Dan RI,
Points from a NY conviction will NOT transfer onto a Rhode Island license. It will be reported to Rhode Island, however, and therefore you should check with your insurance company as to whether a NY conviction of this type will affect your rates.
If it doesn’t affect your auto insurance rates, then you may want to just pay this NY speeding ticket to avoid the time and effort of returning to Dewitt (or hiring a NY traffic ticket lawyer).
Matthew Weiss
Thanks for your immediate reply ,Matthew .
a) Do yo know how much expense i will incur if i hire a traffic lawyer in Albany, NY. ?
b) What is a driver assessment fee..?, What should i do apart from paying the fee..?
Advance thanks for your answer.
John,
a) Do you know how much expense i will incur if i hire a traffic lawyer in Albany, NY? A NY traffic ticket lawyer will charge roughly $400 to $600.
b) What is a driver assessment fee? I wrote this article about the Driver Assessment Fee.
c) What should i do apart from paying the fee? Actually, you should pay the ticket or any fees. You should plead not guilty. If you (or your NY traffic lawyer) enter a not guilty plea, you likely can save points and avoid the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.
Matthew Weiss
I find this website very useful, My case is below…
I got a speeding ticket in I-90 (near Albany) a week back, 77 in 55 mph zone. I do not think that i traveled that fast. But i don’t know how to prove that.
My questions are,
1) I have MA license. This is the first time i’m getting a ticket. How many points will i get transferred to MA licence?
2) Should I plead guilty (I do not have any proof) or non guilty (but 48 hours is already over)?
3) If I plead guilty how much amount much I pay? Do I need to take any course as I read in some websites (this is my first speeding ticket)?
4) Is it worth it to hire a lawyer and plead not guilty, so that lawyer can appear in behalf of me and reduce the points and monies?
5) Any other option?
John,
Thanks for the nice words.
My answers follow your questions below.
1) I have MA license. This is the first time i’m getting a ticket. How many points will i get transferred to MA license? Points from a New York conviction WILL transfer, in part, to your Massachusetts license. The Massachusetts DMV will assess you 2 points for New York moving violation as long as Massachusetts has an analogous violation.
2) Should I plead guilty (I do not have any proof) or non guilty (but 48 hours is already over)? You should plead not guilty. Definitely.
3) If I plead guilty how much amount much I pay? Do I need to take any course as I read in some websites (this is my first speeding ticket)? You will pay roughly a $150 fine plus a $300 Driver Assessment Fee if you plead guilty. If you fight this ticket, you likely can save points and the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.
4) Is it worth it to hire a lawyer and plead not guilty, so that lawyer can appear in behalf of me and reduce the points and monies? Yes, especially since you would have to travel from Massachusetts. If you hire a NY traffic lawyer, then you will not have to appear in court and he or she likely can save you points and the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.
5) Any other option? No.
I hope these answers help.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
I just got a ticket for going 60 in a 40 in Durham ny… I was coming into the town and slowing down. I did not even reach the second speed sign.. should I fight it?
Danyelle,
Yes, you should plead not guilty and fight this 4-point NY speeding ticket. If you do, you likely can save points and avoid a possible insurance hike.
Matthew Weiss
I was stopped for a radar reading of 82 in a 65 mph on I-90 in CHAUTAUQUA, DUNKIRK TOWN OF – 0757, NY. This is my first ticket in New York State. I reside in Memphis, TN and do not have any tickets for speeding since I started driving the car (almost 3 years). It was around 6 AM early in the morning and I had elderly persons sitting along with me in the car who had to use rest area. So I was driving fast to get to the closest rest area.
Is it worth showing up to a court date? I really don’t see that I have any defense other than explaining the same as stated above, but I heard that showing up and pleading no contest can sometimes reduce the fine/points. Is this true or will I probably be getting the full fine anyway? What is the full amount that I needed to pay? I just want to make sure there are no points added to my license and additional driver assessment fee is not included. Since I made a mistake I am ready to pay just the fee.
Since I live in Memphis, TN, I may have to spend on flight and hotel stay in NY. Is it worth to attend the court or pay the fine. I am afraid I will end up spending more than I would save on fine by traveling from Memphis to attend the court. I am also worried if the policeman does not show up, I may have to travel again second time.
Please can you guide me on this?
Krishna,
A conviction to a New York moving violation WILL transfer to your Tennessee license. The Tennessee DMV will assess you the number of points that would have been assessed if the New York violation had occurred in Tennessee. An adult Tennessee driver who accumulates 12+ points within a 12-month period can be suspended by the Tennessee DMV. We therefore recommend that you fight this ticket.
It makes no sense to spend all that money to return to New York, when you can retain a NY traffic ticket lawyer to appear for you. They will charge between $400 and $600 for their service.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
I was pulled over doing 70/55 on a rural road in Colden, NY in Erie County. I have a clean driving record with no previous speeding tickets and I was just wondering what you suggest I do. How likely you think it would be that the charges get reduced? Will my insurance rates go up if the charge isn’t reduced?
Thank you!
Ashley,
Your insurance will not go up if you get this case reduced. In fact, because you have an otherwise clean record, your insurance cannot go up even if you just plead guilty. With that said, I recommend that you plead not guilty. If you do, you likely can negotiate this NY speeding ticket to a less serious charge.
Matthew Weiss
I had been pulled over for driving 78 in a 55 on I787 in menands village (Albany County) in NY. I was wondering what the fine would be, and if it would be worth it to take the ride back up there from North Virginia. I am having a clean driving record and no tickets in past. What is the best I can do to avoid/reduce points? plead guilty, or plead not-guilty? can I do plea bargain via mailer instead of going court? Your expert suggestions and advise please.
Harry,
Points from a New York conviction WILL transfer to your Virginia license as demerit points. The Virginia DMV will assess the amount of demerit points that would have been assessed, if any, if the violation occurred in Virginia. We therefore recommend that you fight this NY speeding ticket by pleading not guilty. If you do, you (or your NY traffic ticket lawyer) can likely negotiate this ticket to less serious charge saving you points and money.
This ticket carries 6 NY points, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it, you likely can save the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
I got a speeding ticket on I-88 (Milford, Otsego County) May26,2012. I held a MA driver license and my rented car was registered in NH.
The cop said my speed was 81 while the limit is 65. My record was clean for the past two years.
My questions are
1) How much do I need to pay if I plead guilty?
2) If I plead non-guilty, I must appear in the court, right? Writing a letter to explain the situation won’t work, will it?
I live in MA. Going to the court in Otsego will take me approximately 5 hours…I think the cop also noticed my non-NY plate when she captured me since another car passed me even faster without the cop’s heed at all.
LY,
The fine for this NY speeding ticket is roughly $200. If you plead not guilty, then you (or your NY traffic lawyer) likely will have to appear in court to answer the ticket. I recommend that you call the court to see if it will alternatively handle it via mail.
Matthew Weiss
I got pulled over yesterday for doing 41 in a 25 zone in Monroe, NY. I’m not even so sure I was doing 41. I have a court date for another ticket I got in NYC for talking on my cell phone. Can I fight the speeding ticket? Will my insurance rates go up because of me having the cell phone ticket?
Jack,
You can fight this 4-point speeding ticket. If you plead not guilty, then you (or your NY traffic lawyer) can likely negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge. A conviction to he speeding offense alone is enough to allow your insurance company to raise your rates. Therefore, you definitely want to fight this tone. I also recommend that you fight your 3-point cell phone ticket.
Matthew Weiss
I had been pulled over yesterday driving 80 in a 65 on I-90 in Seneca County (Town of Junius) in NY. I found that there are 4 point to the license, but I was wondering what the fine would be, and if it would be worth it to take the ride back up there from Boston, MA. I am having a clean driving record since my driving in US ( moved to US recently and driving little over an year). What is the best I can do to avoid/reduce points? plead guilty, or plead not-guilty? can I do plea bargain via mailer instead of going court? Your expert suggestions and advise pl.
Thanks
Sojuar,
The fine would be roughly $200 if you plead guilty to this NY speeding ticket. If you fight this ticket, you can likely get it reduced to less (or no) points.
You need to contact the court to learn its procedures about plea bargaining. Different courts have different rules.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi-
I was pulled over in upstate NY over memorial day weekend for going 71 in a 55. I am wondering what this is likely to cost me, and how this will affect my insurance. I am a VT resident/ have a VT license. Since I am not local, showing up at court would be a significant cost (driving + time off work, or hiring someone…). I imagine it might not be worth it to fight it, but I am not sure about the points system or total costs of the ticket.
Thanks!
Dl,
As to convictions in NY, VT will treat them as occuring in VT for purposes of points, etc. (or the most closely analogous violation). Therefore, it is worth fighting this ticket.
In New York, this speeding ticket carries 4 points and roughly a $200 fine. If you fight it, you likely can get this reduced to a less serious charge (possibly with no NY or VT points).
Matthew Weiss
Hey there guys,
I am in need of some help at the moment. I am a Canadian citizen but while visiting Cortland, NY, i got a ticket today by radar for going 85 in a 65 zone. I was going 20 over as the police officer said and do not know what to do. I am a new driver and he gave me the sheet to Plead Guilt or Unguilty and mail it off to an address which was on the sheet. What should i do? Any suggestions? I really did not mean to speed and it’s my first ticket..I reside in Toronto,Canada
Bob,
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. Your NY speeding ticket carries 4 NY points and 4 Ontario demerit points. If you plead not guilty and fight this ticket, you or your NY traffic ticket lawyer can likely negotiate this charge to a less serious offense.
Matthew Weiss
Thank you . Your advice has been very helpful.
Thanks Matthew. Just two other questions: Are you familiar with the court in Taghkanic, and can I do myself any additional harm by trying to fight it?
Steve,
Yes, we are familiar with the Taghkanic traffic court. In fact, we represent many clients in almost all of the Columbia County traffic courts.
If you fight it, it is not likely that you can do more harm. The one exception would be if the officer already gave you a “break” when he pulled you over by reducing the actual charge (aka a “roadside plea”).
Matthew Weiss
I received a speeding ticket today on the Taconic Parkway doing 80 in a 55mph. It is retainable at Taghkanic Town Court in Ancram, NY. I have a clean record, and drive about 30,000 miles per year. What was odd about the ticket is that I do not believe I was speeding, in addition, there was another car in front of me in the left lane and we were each passing a car in the right lane. The trooper was in the divider to the left and ended up pulling me over, not the driver in front of me. When I asked the trooper how he could tell it was me speeding and not the car in front of me, he said his radar could pick that up. When I asked him if I could see the reading on the radar, he said he did not save it. Then he said, he doesn’t need the radar to give me a ticket, and from his experience can tell whether someone is speeding just by looking at someone drive by? Isn’t this my word against his? When he asked me how fast I thought I was driving I said I was not sure and he said that in of itself is enough to give me a ticket? Does that make sense?
Steve,
A police officer is not required to show you the radar reading. Further, he is correct when he said that he can get a speeding conviction just on his visual estimation. Nevertheless, because this ticket carries 6 points, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee, we recommend that you plead not guilty and fight it. If you do, you likely can save points and money via a plea bargain.
Matthew Weiss
I was driving down I-87 Town of Woodbury in NY. I was pulled over for doing 82 in a 65, I had just came from a wake as my family member had passed away. I have never had a moving violation, or driving ticket in my life. The time was about 10:30 at night I have a clean driving record. I do not own a car or have car insurance as when the gave me this ticket I was in a rental car. Any advice as to what to do? Fight it or just pay?
Sean,
I am sorry for your loss.
Your New York speeding ticket carries 4 points, and roughly a $200 fee. Since you have a clean record and do not pay auto insurance, you may want to just pay this one. However, if you are worried about future tickets or simply want to keep your license as clean as possible, the plead not guilty and fight the speeding ticket. If you do, you (or your NY traffic ticket lawyer) can likely negotiate this down to a lesser serious charge and save you points.
Matthew Weiss
I had been pulled over today doing 80 in a 65 on 17e in Suffern County in NY. I had another car speeding up behind me so I changed over to the right lane and slowed down to let him pass. This car flew passed me and I stayed in the right lane. A little less than a minute later we were both being pulled over from a Trooper behind us. I was not close to 80 when I was in the right lane as I was being pulled over. I live out in eastern long island and it is about a 4 hour ride just to get back out there. I found that there are 4 point to the license, but I was wondering what the fine would be, and if it would be worth it to take the ride back up there..
Thanks
Steven,
If you have an otherwise clean record, then you may want to just pay this one. As know know, this New York speeding ticket is 4 points. It carries roughly a $200 fine and will NOT hurt your auto insurance rates (assuming you have an otherwise clean record in the last 36 months).
On the other hand, if you are worried about future tickets (or have some other blemishes on your record), the we recommend fighting it.
If you do not want to drive 4 hours, you can retain a New York traffic ticket lawyer to appear for you. Traffic lawyers cost roughly $400 to $600.
I hope this help.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew, great advice and information here. I was pulled over last Sunday (Mother’s Day, of all days! Despicable!!) for doing 75 in a 55 work zone, in Albany. Sadly, I had noticed I had dropped well behind everyone else, just cruising along listening to the Yankee game, and was just speeding up a bit with my cruise control, when the cop pulled out and pulled me over. I have a fairly clean record (I don’t think I’ve had any NYS tickets in at least 5 years), should I try to plead this one down?
Nancy,
Thanks for your kind remarks. Yes, you should plead not guilty and fight this NY speeding ticket. If you do, you likely can save points and avoid an insurance hike.
Matthew Weiss
So I live in Vestal, about 2 hours from Albany. Can I plead not guilty successfully through the mail or on the phone?
Thanks again.
Nancy,
If you plead not guilty, then you (or your NY traffic ticket lawyer) will have to appear in court. You cannot fight it without someone appearing in court.
Matthew Weiss
Matt, once again, thanks for your advice. If I ever find myself in need of a traffic attorney (or know someone who does), I will be in touch! Fortunately, I received a dismissal in the mail this morning, saying the ‘Return Date was a Court Holiday.’ I guess the officer scheduled me for Memorial Day! Does someone upstairs like me or what??? (I think I’ll buy me a lotto ticket today. If I win, I will share.)
Nancy,
That’s great! I’ve seen this mistake before but not often. You certainly got lucky.
Matthew Weiss
My husband and I just got pulled over in Putnam County NY for 81 in a 65 zone. We saw the police car and I asked my husband how fast we are and we were 66 mph. Then the officer stopped us and said we drove 81 mph – believe it or not but that is not true. I just can’t think of a reason why a police officer would do this, he must know he is lying. We looked when we saw the police car and we drove 66 mph. But courts will always side with police so we won’t have a chance … right?
Marcia,
Definitely plead not guilty. If you do, you (or your New York traffic ticket lawyer) can likely negotiate a plea bargain to a less serious charge. This will save you points and possibly money.
Matthew Weiss
thank you very much Matthew. We will definitely take your advice and we will also demand to know about HOW he used the laser gun, where he stood, how far away, what model of laser gun it was and when it was last calibrated… I think we will really need to fight with all we have.
Marcia,
Good luck fighting this one.
Matthew Weiss
thank you Matthew
hello ,
i got stopped and received a speeding ticket for going 90mph by “direct observation and and verified by radar”… in fishkill, town of 1455.. i live in chicago, and the officer issued the ticket to the wrong address. i was wondering what would happen if i plead guilty, and how much would it be in fines. also my license its from another country.
thanks in advance for your help.
Enrique,
Wow, 90 mph is a very serious speeding ticket. You can be suspended in NY for this ticket and Illinois will honor a NY suspension. Assuming your ticket was issued in a 55 mph limit, you are looking about roughly a $400 fine plus a $675 Driver Assessment Fee. Therefore, you definitely want to fight this NY speeding ticket by pleading not guilty. If you do, you likely can avoid a suspension, save money and NY points.
Because you live in Illinois, you may want to retain a NY traffic ticket lawyer so you won’t have to return to New York.
Matthew Weiss
Thanks again for your time and responses.
Thanks Matthew, sorry for the long winded post. I meant to type not guilty. Will the fact the trooper was traveling and the reference to “estimated” speed and clean record give me any chance at reduction via a plea by mail (should they give me that option). It looks like i could be fined ~200 plus the 300 assessment fee, is that correct?
Charlie,
Your clean record will help you with the plea negotiations and, yes, you are looking at roughly a $200 fine for your speeding ticket. You are not subject to any Driver Assessment Fee because your speeding of 75/55 carries only 4 points and this fee only kicks in at 6 points.
Matthew Weiss
I received a ticket in Hamilton county, town of Long Lake for going 75 in a 55. Ticket states a 1180B sub section violation. The NY State Trooper stated to me and wrote on the ticket that he “estimated” my speed to be 75 mph using his radar. The trooper was traveling in the opposite direction and was not parked using his radar (not sure if that makes a difference in the accuracy). I do not believe I was going over 70 mph. I live in south west CT and have not received a ticket in NY or CT in over 10 years. I’d like to avoid going all the back to Long Lake, NY. If I plead guilty and provide the the above details in the optional statement segment will they take that into consideration or just hit me with the full points and fine for going 20 mph over. Will this show up at the CT DMV. (Also the trooper got the color of the car wrong on the ticket, not sure that matters). Is this worth fighting?
Thank you
Charlie,
The only way to save points is by pleading not guilty and appearing (or your NY traffic ticket lawyer appearing) at the Long Lake traffic court.
Because a conviction to speeding 75/55 can negatively affect your auto insurance rates, we recommend that you plead not guilty and fight this New York speeding ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Five months ago i got a speeding ticket on NY 90. I pleaded not guilty and got it reduced to a loud muffler. Today I was passing a car and was stopped for going 82 in a 65 I plan on pleading not guilty but i have a few questions. For one will they be able to see that i was given a ticket for speeding before or only for the muffler? And what do you think my chances are for getting it reduced or lowered to a non moving violation?
thank you for your help
Jennifer,
The court will only be able to see that you were convicted of a loud muffler ticket. It will not know what the nature of the original charge
Your chances are high for a reduction given your pretty clean record and that fact that this is a relatively low speeding ticket
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
Two days ago, I was ticketed for doing a 79 in a 45 on the I495. The officer did not turn on lights/sirens to pull me over until I was in a 50 mph speed zone and I also am positive I could not have been travelling at 79 coming off a ramp. This is my second speeding ticket ever (the first was committed in Hartford, CT). I should note that this ticket is a Traffic Violations Bureau. How should I plead?
Thank you in advance!
Alex
Alex,
This NY speeding ticket carries 8 points, roughly a $200 fine and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. Further, you could be suspended for this infraction. I therefore recommend that you plead not guilty and fight this ticket.
The Traffic Violations Bureau is a very tough venue and, thus, you likely will want to retain a New York traffic lawyer. An experienced NY traffic ticket attorney can help maximize your chance for a successful outcome.
Matthew Weiss
Hey Matthew,
I know this is out of place, but I am in need of some quick information. I recently got a ticket for failure to disobeying a no right turn sign. Do you have any idea what kind of penalties are involved in this ticket (fines / points / etc?)? Thanks in advance!
Michael
Michael,
Your ticket was likely written up as a violation of VTL 1110a (a disobey traffic control device ticket). Such a ticket carries 2 points and roughly a $150 fine.
Matthew Weiss
Thank you very much, Matthew. Out of curiosity, if I go to court and plead not guilty (perhaps by simply admitting to not seeing the sign, which is what happened), what do you think the potential reduction will be? Do they usually reduce the fine and remove points, or simply one or the other? As an aside, I got a ticket four months ago for going 35 in a 30, which was reduced to Parking on the Pavement of a Highway (no points, $150 fine).
Michael,
Because a disobey traffic control device ticket carries 2 points and NY does not have 1 point violations, any reduction would have to be to a 0-point ticket (ex., seat belt, equipment ticket, parking ticket).
In regard to the fine, that won’t be reduced. If anything, you may have to pay a little more because you got a “break”.
Matthew Weiss
First off, thanks for being helpful to everybody who stopped by here.
Now my (sob?) story. My wife was recently issued a ticket doing 84 in 65 zone on I-90 near Phelps, NY. Her license is from NC and she is moving to NY. On advice from a colleague of mine, I pleaded not guilty through mail and got a reduced 1180(d) charge for 74 in 65. This saves her license from being suspended. So one problem solved.
She will be changing her license soon to a NY license. So my question is once her license is changed will that clear her driving records? The reason I am worried is we are non-resident aliens in US and would not like this speeding ticket to affect our future visits to US compromised. Would you have any idea on that?
Thanks,
Rajeev
Rajeev,
When your wife surrenders her NC license and obtains a NY one, her NY record will transfer onto her NY license. DMV doesn’t want loopholes which allows people to “clear” their record by moving in-state (or out-of state). With that said, sometimes the system does not “mate” up the record but, for your purposes, assume that it will.
Matthew Weiss
i was stopped about a week ago at roughly 10:30 am heading to work. i came up to a T in the roadway. i was making a right turn, the turn is more like a bend to the right in the road. the cop was sitting to my left. i stopped and even noticed him there. needless to say as soon as i completed my turn he pulls up behind me and pulls me over when my traffic light that i’m waiting for turns green.. says he pulled me over because my wheels didnt come to a complete stop. they stopped/paused/stopped then i went. but to make a long story short he wrote me a ticket for failure to yield right of way at stop sign. “not” failure to stop or running the sign. this happend on 5/2/12 in rome ny.
now on 5/10/12 im out having chat and coffee with a couple of buddies and leave to come home and wasnt paying any attention. a cop that is hidden in the dark pulls me over for speeding 45 in a 30. i thought i was doing 35-36 but anyways. this is all in the same city and i havent even when to court for the first ticket yet. and the ticket i just got is written for a court date of memorial day. which we know courts are closed that day. any suggestions on what i should do. being i got the 2 tickets almost back to back if i should just hand it to a lawyer and in hopes to get the two of them reduced. otherwise i have a clean license minus some window tint tickets and a ticket for opening a door unsafe in traffic. which was reduced from speed about a year ago. ty for the advice in advance. not that i have the money for a ticket or lawyer but my jobs requires a license and the cleaner the better
also can both of these tickets be handled at the same time even though they are 2 seperate court dates. even if i was to just go in and represent myself? i’am also leaving for a week to go out of state and dont really wanna be tied up for court dates.and cant actually with prior plans “yes i know stop speeding” but things happen. ty for the help matt.
Roger,
You should plead not guilty to both tickets. I recommend that you visit the court in-person so you can ask for both cases to be heard on the same date. They should accommodate you.
On your court date, you likely will be able to negotiate a favorable reduction like you did with your prior speeding ticket. If you are too busy to appear in court, then you can retain a New York traffic lawyer to appear in your place.
Matthew Weiss