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
wait so if i plead guilty a mail is going to come saying im going to have to pay 400$ for the speeding 45/30 and the improper u-turn, PLUS the 300$ for drivers assessment?
what must i do to possibly bring down the 6 points and the fee because im a student and i cannot afford to pay for these fines.. do i plead not guilty and wen they assign me a court date, just show the judge some remorse and ask what i can do to reduce points/fine?
Willy,
Yes, you should plead not guilty and, on your court date, seek to have your cases reduced to less serious charges.
Matthew Weiss
I have looked through the questions and have not found anything pertaining to my situation. I was pulled over in Allegany County for going 75 in a 55. The state police officer first asked me if I knew why I was pulled over and then if I knew what the speed limit was. I was confused at first as I was following behind another vehicle and was not aware I was speeding. I should also tell you I was going up a steep hill to which there are two lanes and I used the faster lane to go around the slower traffic as people vehicles will bog down to around 40-45. The police officer stated he “visually estimated” that I was going around 75 and then stated he used his “Stalker Radar” and confirmed that I was doing 75 as I was coming down the other side of the hill. Usually when I crest the hill I will take my foot off the gas and coast mostly to avoid using my brakes constantly, but do use them if I coast down too fast as I am afraid of curves in the road on that hill. He must have been near the bottom of the hill at the pull off, partially hidden as I did not see him. He did not start his lights until I was almost into the next town. He stated to me that I was going the fastest out of all the cars coming down the hill. When he pulled me over I was going around 52 and was in the process to slow down to 45 for the town me and the other cars on the road were driving into.
In 2010 I had two tickets. One was for speeding April 2010 and the other was for failure to use designated lane in January 2010. The ticket for the failure to use designated lane was during the winter on snowy, slushy roads and I was using the passing lane on the four-lane on I-86 near Angelica, NY, as it was the one that was most cleared off of the snow and slush. No one else was in close proximity to me and I thought it was the safer thing to do at the time. Regardless, with these two things I received 6 points total on my license and have one more $100 payment to make for the driver’s assessment. Also during this time, my license was suspended for NOT paying the fee the first time, even though I called them as their website was down and I could not pay it online, but she told me she could not do it over the phone either as their system was down and to call back everyday until they were online again, which I did. It took two days for them to take my payment and then my license was suspended for those two day because of their system issues. It also was suspended another time as I paid the failure ticket, but the DMV never received notice I paid it, even though the judge gave me a paper to carry around to show my fine was paid in full. It took them a little over 6 months (after I found out it was suspended) before the judge finally got the paperwork to them and it was cleared. Multiple trips to the local DMV to get it off my record did nothing for me as they kept telling me the judge had to send in the information and Angelica’s court was famous for not getting their information updated to the DMV in Albany and I was not the only one who has had this issue. The insurance company did not care that it was not my fault even though I provided the paper signed and stamped by the judge (which he told me to carry around for 6 months to show) and penalized me for having my license suspended for that time.
My question is: Should I plead not guilty and hope to get a reduced ticket with no points or effect on my insurance or should I plead guilty? For the speeding ticket in 2010, the judge offered to let me go to a course on a Saturday which cost $200, If I did, he would dismiss the ticket when I provided him with the paper that I did so by a certain date. Do judges provide this option all the time? As much as I wanted to, it was not an option for me at the time and I made payments to the court for a few months to pay the fine. I was on workman’s compensation at the time and my funds were very limited. If I plead not guilty, will this option be given to me? If so, I would take it this time around just to have the ticket dropped, no points, and to not have my insurance rate raise!!
Elaine,
I definitely think you should have accepted the judge’s offer of a dismissal in exchange for taking the Driver Safety Class. That’s a great deal. I’m not sure if it will be offered again but certainly you should ask for it.
In any event, you should plead not guilty and, on your court date, attempt to negotiate a more favorable outcome.
Matthew Weiss
Thank you for the advice! I would have accepted it at the time but could not come up with the $200 dollars for the course in the time allotted to me as I was on W.C. and my checks did not come in as scheduled and at that time I was a month without one being sent to me at all. When I did finally receive one, being divorced and a single parent, it was more vital to keep a roof over my child’s head and food on the table. I had no one to help me with the cost and do not like to be in debt to any friends either, as in my experience, it ends up costing friendships at times. (I have loaned to friends before and never been paid back.)
I guess my next question is, I received the ticket yesterday, do I just send it in with the plea of not guilty today and then they let me know when my court date is or do I go on the date on the ticket still? I have never plead not guilty before as I own up to my mistakes always in the past. And will this adversely affect my insurance before the court date?
Elaine,
Yes, just send the ticket in with the plea of not guilty, and then the court will let you know when the date is scheduled.
Matthew Weiss
Hi,
I got a speeding ticket because I was doing 80 in a 55 zone.
I come from Europe and I am not familiar with the way speeding tickets work in the US. As the court place is far from the place where I reside, I was thinking of pleading guilty. Do you know how much the speeding ticket would be? Is the judge kinder if you plead guilty? Or should I rather plead not guilty?
As I am leaving the US in 5 weeks, I would like to solve this before leaving so I don’t have any problem to come back later.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Kind regards
Kam,
If you plead guilty, the fine will be roughly $200. Plus, you’ll have to pay a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it, you likely can save the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.
You should consider retaining a NY traffic ticket attorney who can make sure that this matter is properly and completely resolved.
Matthew Weiss
I moved to the Binghamton, NY area from NJ about 1 month ago. My drive to work is pretty much just one road, which alternates between 55mph and 45mph a few times. I passed a police officer traveling in the other direction, and a minute later he pulled me over for “57 in a 45.” The supporting deposition is a picture of my temporary NY license (waiting on my new one in the mail) next to the 57 displayed on the dashboard radar. When we were pulled over it was back in a 55 zone. I normally follow the speeds up and down, but since I don’t know the area that well yet I guess I missed one of the signs.
I guess I’m confused about the pleading guilty vs not guilty part (the process, what each implies, etc). What do you think I should do in this situation?
I’ll be taking the safe driver class regardless, now that I know about it. And thanks for the advice you’re giving everyone; it’s really helpful to read through these!
Derek,
I recommend that you plead not guilty. If you do, you likely can get this NY speeding ticket reduced to less (or possibly 0 points).
I also would wait on taking the NY Driver Safety Class. If your case is reduced, then you likely will want to save the class.
Matthew Weiss
I’m sorry I don’t have much/any experience with these things; what might the process be like if I plead not guilty? I have read that there would be a light negotiation with a prosecutor. Would I just explain the situation?
Derek,
Yes, plead not guilty. On your court date, you’ll have an opportunity to discuss the case with the prosecutor and likely negotiate this down to a less serious charge.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Thanks, it is scheduled for a few weeks from now. I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Is there a “reciprocity” between NY, NJ and FL? About year ago (2011) I got a ticket for speeding (92/65) on I 87 in NY State near lake Schroon. At that time I lived in NJ. The court hearing was postponed several times and eventually the ticket was negotiated down to 75/65 with $ 285 fine. I moved in the meantime to FL and got FL license. However, the notification to the court about the change of the address got lost. Will any points appear on my FL license? Also, I often drive through NY State to Canada. If I am ever stopped in NY State with FL license, would the trooper see the 2011 violation?
Thank you for your advice! Helen
Helen,
I assume that you paid the 2011 ticket. If so, this conviction will not impair your ability to drive in NY.
A NY conviction will transfer as 2 points onto a NJ license. It will also transfer onto a FL license. FL will assign whatever points that the conviction would have carried if the offense had occurred in FL.
Matthew Weiss
hey i just received a speeding ticket of going 45/30 AND a illegal u-turn at the same time and received two tickets at once. they dont have the price on the tickets so im assuming im going to have to mail it or go to court. im curious how much points ill receive and how much fine im going to have to pay altogether but.. is there a way where i can reduce the fine, but points especially as well.. thank you so much for your help
oh and one more thing, even if i do fight it, what do i have to do? just appear in court and tell judge some excuse? im not sure, and im 20years old wit first offense
Willy,
The NY speeding ticket carries 4 points and the U-turn ticket carries 2 points. If you plead guilty, the fines will be roughly $200 each plus you’ll also have to pay the $300 Driver Assessment Fee (assuming you have an otherwise clean record). I therefore recommend that you plead not guilty and fight these tickets. This is the only way that you can possibly save money and points.
How you fight it depends on the court in which you case is scheduled. In New York, there are two types of traffic courts and the approach to fighting is different in each.
Matthew Weiss
HI,
I got a ticket (violation 1180D) Aug 24th, 2012 for going 102mph on a 65mph in I-90 West Town of Pembroke NY, COunty of Genesee. I am from NJ – approx 5 hours drive to the assigned court house. What is the best approach for this situation?
I was given a choice to reply by email or appear in person before Sept 13th, 2012. The violation happened 2:41AM and this is my first traffic offense. I am hoping to reduce the fine and also avoid the points.
Thanks in advance
Dennis,
You MUST plead not guilty and fight this ticket. If you don’t, you can be suspended in NY and NU will honor that suspension. If you fight it, you likely can avoid a suspension, and save points and money.
Matthew Weiss
I was pulled over on I-15 in UT, the officer said I was doing 85 in a 65. I am fairly confident that I was not speeding more than 80. I had a previous ticket which was about to be dropped next month, and would not show up on my insurance. How much is the ticket going to cost, and what is the best way to reduce the cost for both the ticket and my insurance?
Christian,
I don’t know much about Utah traffic lawyers but I’d guesstimate the cost of this ticket will be around $250. The best way to possibly reduce the charge is by pleading not guilty and appearing in court to hopefully negotiate it down.
Matthew Weiss
I rencently received a speeding ticket 65 in a 45 in Lewiston NY 14092 on Pekin Hill. I was wondering if I should mail a copy of my ticket stating not guilty and ask for a pre trial hearing? Hire an Attorney? What would be my best option in getting a lesser charge/point reduction?
Jodi,
I recommend that you plead not guilty. If you do, you or your NY traffic lawyer can likely negotiate this down saving you points and a possible insurance hike.
Matthew Weiss
Here is a good one.
Got pulled over doing 42 in a 25
How big do the speed limit numbers have to be in order to be a legal speed limit sign.
Small sign with small letters/numbers.
Also on the supporting dep. it states that the officer asked why he pulled me over.
I acknowledged by saying I know. Should I have been advised on my rights???
I am unsure on fighting the ticket. Any advise would be helpful.
thanks
Miffed,
Standard speed limit signs are roughly 2×3. How large were the ones you are talking about?
The supporting deposition statement doesn’t help you.
Matthew Weiss
Hello there,
A couple of days ago I received a ticket in Oneida County NY. Supposedly I was going 71 in a 55 zone. To be honest, I didn’t think I was going that fast! Thought it was more like 68 – was in desperate need for a bathroom at the time!
I have never received a ticket and I really do not know what to do from here. Worried my insurance will be hiked. Do I plead not guilty?? I do know for sure that I was over the limit but 71 seemed a little high when I looked at my speedometer.
From what I have read here, a lot of people plead not guilty – my question is why?? I am an Australian and have been living here for almost 6 years.
Do you know what my fine would be and is there anyway to avoid the driver assessment fee – which sounds like daylight robbery to me!!
Any advice, thoughts you could share with me would be so appreciated.
Thank you for your time.
Peta,
You should plead not guilty. If you do, you can likely save points and avoid an insurance hike. The fine will be roughly $200. You are not subject to the Driver Assessment Fee (assuming you have an otherwise clean record) because your ticket only carries 4 points.
Matthew Weiss
Well I plead not guilty – I go to court correct?? Will there be additional court costs??
Peta,
Yes, if you plead not guilty, you (or your traffic lawyer) will have to appear in court.
No, there are no additional court costs if you fight your ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Hi,
I am a Michigan Resident and on a vacation with family in NY and NJ state. Just got pulled over on Palisades Parkway S/B 11-10. I was in the left lane and supposed to take exit 9W to get back to Jersey city but there were vehicles in the right lane so stepped on the gas to come into the right lane in an effort not to miss the exit, But there was curve where the cop was hiding and as soon as spotted him I stepped on the brake and slowed down ,but I guess it was too late. The officer pulled me over and he said, I was speeding at 77 mph in the 55 limit zone and he asked me for my drivers licence and registration and didnt give me time to explain it . Now I am in a dilemma to decide in which way should I go ” Plea of guilty” or “Plea of not guilty” . I see there will be 6 points for being 22 mph over the speed limit and I cannot afford to come back and attend the court session. I think I last got a ticket in 2009 July.
Please advise about the consequences involved and safe way to play with this situation.
Ram,
I recommend that you plead not guilty and fight this NY speeding ticket because a NY conviction will transfer onto your Michigan license. If you do, you likely can maintain a cleaner license and save the $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you do not want to return back to NY, you can retain a NY traffic lawyer to appear in your place.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
Just got a speeding ticket for going 79 in 65 zone on I-90, Chautaugua County. I have a Maryland driver license and have a clean driving record. I don’t plan on going to court because it’s over 400 miles from where I live. Please advise what are my options in dealing with this ticket. Thanks.
Out-Of-State Driver,
You can plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, then you (or your NY traffic lawyer) will likely have to appear in court to answer this ticket. Because a NY conviction will NOT transfer as points onto your Maryland license, you may not want to fight it. You will have to make this decision, of course. I do recommend that you contact your auto insurance company to see if this potential NY conviction will negatively affect your auto insurance rates.
Matthew Weiss
Hi there,
I was recently issued a ticket for doing 80 in a 55mph zone in Seneca County, NY. I do not believe I was going this fast (ticketing officer states a visual estimate of 75 mph, but “steady” radar reading of 80mph despite his own speeding by me in the opposite direction).
I am an Oregon resident with no violations on my driving record (I was a NYS driver license holder for almost 10 years and I got issued one NYS speeding ticket >15 years ago and no tickets in any state before or since then).
My questions are the following:
1. Can I still plead “not guilty” via mail even thought it says it has to be mailed within 48 hours for these pleas (still have >25 days until my court date)?
2. What is the likelihood of them reducing the charge (and associated fines, points, etc.) if I plead not guilty at this time?
3. I won’t be able to fly back across the country for any future court appearances and don’t have a ton of money to hire a traffic lawyer to appear in my stead. What’s the general estimate for hiring a traffic lawyer vs. paying the additional fines and/or increased insurance premiums?
Many thanks in advance for your time!
Pete,
Answers below in bold following your questions:
1. Can I still plead “not guilty” via mail even thought it says it has to be mailed within 48 hours for these pleas (still have >25 days until my court date)? Yes, it’s not too late.
2. What is the likelihood of them reducing the charge (and associated fines, points, etc.)? If I plead not guilty at this time? In Seneca County, the likelihood is high that you’ll be offered a reduction. If you fight it, I would think that you can get this 6-point NY speeding ticket reduced to a 2 or 3 point ticket saving points and the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.
3. I won’t be able to fly back across the country for any future court appearances and don’t have a ton of money to hire a traffic lawyer to appear in my stead. What’s the general estimate for hiring a traffic lawyer vs. paying the additional fines and/or increased insurance premiums? A NY traffic lawyer will likely cost between $400 and $600. Because a NY conviction will transfer onto your Oregon license and because a NY traffic lawyer can likely save you the $300 Driver Assessment Fee as well as get you a less serious charge, I recommend that you hire one. If you do, you will NOT have to return to NY as he or she can fight the ticket for you.
Hello Matthew,
I am so glad I found your website:) I hope to get some initial answers. We are from CT, my husband had previous two speeding tickets in CT resolved, but non in NY. My husband and I were coming back from Montreal this last Sunday and got stopped doing 90MPH in 65MPH zone on Hwy 87 Champlain, Clinton County, NY. It’s 25 MPH over the limit:( The officer said that he was driving behind us for a few minutes while my husband was going about 80-86 MPH, but stopped us when he reached 90 MPH at the time of passing the other car and that is only because my husband slowed down and noticed him in the mirror. The ticket states that if he pleas guilty to this charge it is equivalent to a conviction after trail and if he is convicted the penalty will apply as well as license and certificate of registration are subject to suspension and revocation as prescribed by law. Also, we are about 4.5 hr from the court , what your thought are about it? Should he show up fro the court or hire someone, what are the possible consequences? Should we request supporting deposition? Court was scheduled for 8/30. Highly appreciate any advice on how to proceed. It says to respond not guilty within 48 hr but the court date was already given so I’m not sure what to do? Thanks Anna
Anna,
Thanks for your kind praise. I really appreciate the kind words.
I recommend that your husband pleads not guilty and fights this ticket. If he does, he can likely avoid paying the $300 NY Driver Assessment Fee and save NY points. He also might avoid an insurance hike. While points from a NY ticket do not transfer onto a CT license, a NY conviction is reported to CT and can be used by your CT insurance company to raise your rates.
If your husband doesn’t want to spend the time traveling back, he can retain an NY traffic lawyer who can appear for him.
Matthew Weiss
Hi, I got a ticket 19 miles over speed limit but I forgot to mail my ticket in time. What will happen now? I have already mailed it but it will probably reach after the date that was on the ticket. please tell me what I can do. thanks
Ken Wu,
You should be fine. I recommend, however, that you call the court and let them know it is on the way.
Matthew Weiss
Hello, I’m 21 and I’ve been driving for probably 6-10 months now. I got my first ticket for speeding, which was originally supossed to be a 42/30 mph ticket, but the officer said he reduced it to a Disobeyed Traffic Control Device ticket the traffic control device being a speed limit sign.
Anyway….my questions are basically….Should I just go with it? I know I went over the limit, so pleading not guilty would seem well…stupid from my views. And would this affect my insurance? I know speeding tickets under 15mph dont but since he changed it would this make my insurance go up?
Albel,
If you have an otherwise clean record, one conviction for disobeying a traffic control device will NOT affect your auto insurance rates.
If you have an otherwise clean record and were NOT on probation when this ticket was issued, then you could decide to just pay it. In fact, if you fight it, there is a chance that the prosecutor will not reduce it further (you already got a break) and could even seek to have it amended back up to the original charge.
Matthew Weiss
Hello, this is such a great site, thanks for your answers.
I am from ON and got a speeding ticket on my recent trip to NY. I was caught doing 92 in a 65 zone BUT the officer was nice to me and gave me ticket for 84/65 instead. This is my first ticket ever and seems it is 4 points. It should be around $200 from the other posts. Can you please tell me if there will be any other fees?? I plan to please guilty since I don’t have time go to court or hire a lawyer. Also is it possible to get the exact amount before mailing the ticket. Thank you!
Sam,
Thanks for your nice praise.
If you plead guilty, there will be no other fees. The exact fine will not be determined until it is set by the judge. However, the $200 estimate is a good one.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
I got pullover at Clinton town, NY for speeding 70 in 55. Do you know how much is the total fine for this location? This is my first speeding ticket and i have clean record. I live in Queens, NY. Does the first speeding ticket affect the insurance right away? If I plea bargain, how likely and what I will get from the reduction in Clinton court?
Thanks,
Ryan
Ryan,
The fine for this ticket is roughly $200. This ticket will NOT affect your insurance because it is under 16 mph and you have an otherwise clean record.
If you plead not guilty, you very likely will be offered a reduction. My best guess is that you’ll be offered, at least, a reduction to a 2-point disobey traffic control device ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Hello,
My father got pulled over by Monticello Raceway in Sullivan County and was clocked at 62 in a 45 zone. He thought the speed limit was 55mph which is it further up the road. We forgot to show PBA cards which the cop later saw and said he wouldn’t have given us the ticket. Dad lives in Queens so about a 2.5 hour drive from the point of ticket. Is it worth it to fight the ticket in person? What are the fines? He would have to take time off of work for two days to go to court. Thank you.
Aimee,
This ticket could negatively affect your father’s insurance rates. Therefore, it may be worth fighting. The fine will be roughly $200 if he fights it or not. The value in fighting it is to get less points and avoid an insurance hike.
If you father doesn’t want to drive back to Sullivan County, then he can retain a NY traffic ticket lawyer to appear for him.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matt,
I am a Quebec resident and got ticketed on I87 going 70 mph in a 55 mph work zone. I got pulled over and was asked for my papers. I mentioned that I was following traffic but the trooper advised me that I was doing 70 in a 55 zone and the traffic ahead was doing 60. He returned with the ticket explaining that I had til 20 August to send in my plea. He further mentioned that there was no leniency when speeding is involved in a work zone. Nonetheless he did not stop any of the cars ahead of me doing 60!!! My question is what would the fine be if I pled guilty, and, if I do not pay nor attend any court date what would the consequences be? Thanks for comments and insights.
Gerry,
This speeding ticket carries 4 points and will transfer as 2 demerit points on your Quebec license. The fine will be roughly US$400 for this ticket because it was issued for speeding in a work zone.
Matthew Weiss
Good morning. I would like to get some advice on a ticket That was issued to me by a state trooper as recently as Tuesday night in Bedford, N.Y. For driving 80 in a 65 miles paper hour zone. This is my first ticket ever, I’ve been driving for almost ten years with no prior convictions. Im not sure if I should plea guilty /or not guilty. I really need an honest opinion on the matter at hand. Im a stay at home mom of three as well as married, so funds are limited. Please can some give me some sound advice ASAP on what I should do regards to this speeding ticket thank you for listening……
Lashan,
You should plead not guilty and fight this ticket. If you do, you likely can end up with less than 4 points as part of a plea bargain deal. You could do this without hiring a traffic lawyer.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matt,
On 7/20 I was given a ticket for 77 in a 55. In Colonie/Latham on the Northway (i believe around exit 5 or 6) I am from NJ. I understand the 6 points would transfer as 2 points on my NJ license. It is way past the 48 hours to enter a “not guilty” plea… Court date set for 8/27, but I just started a brand new job and there is no possible way for me to take off work.
My parents are friends with a retired state trooper and he suggested I call the Colonie court house and ask to speak with the District Attorney that will be there 8/27 and tell him I can not make the court date and see if I could get a reduction over the phone. However, on Colonie’s website it states that since the town sees so many traffic violations (the troopers love to sit there because it is right after coming off the 65 mph thruway) that local attorneys handle traffic court, not a DA. Any advice on what to do here?
I am willing to pay the 200 ish for the ticket, as well as the 300 Drivers Assessment if I need to… Am just curious about my insurance rates. This is the first time I have ever been pulled over. Will insurance change over the NY 6 points or the NJ 2 points? Also would taking the NY defensive driving course help me at all in this situation? Would it eliminate Ny and NJ points? Or just NY points? If I enter a guilty plea will they notify me on how to take the defensive driving?
Courtney,
You should plead not guilty and fight this ticket. If you do, you likely can avoid save points and the $300 Driver Assessment Fee. Even thought it is past the 48 hours, you most likely can still file a not guilty plea. Call the court today and overnight your ticket with your plea.
In regard to your insurance, you should contact your insurance company to inquire about whether this ticket will affect your rates. In my experience, if you fight the ticket and get it pled down, you likely can avoid an insurance hike.
The NY Driver Safety Class will knock 4 points off your NY record (but it will do nothing for your NJ record).
Matthew Weiss
Matthew,
First, you have a great resource for information. Wonderful site.
I recently was pulled over in Rye, NY for doing 73 in a 55. What is the likelihood of getting the points reduced? Is Rye plea-friendly? How much money is this going to cost me? I have a completely clean driving history.
Thanks,
Grace
Grace,
Thanks for your kind praise. It takes a lot of time so it’s always nice to be appreciated.
The Rye traffic court is plea-friendly. Your speeding ticket carries 4 points. In my experience, you’ll likely be able to get this reduced to a 2-point ticket. Not only will this save you 2 points but it will also allow you to make sure you avoid an insurance hike.
Matthew Weiss
Matt…I just got home from camping in Allegheny State Park..On my way back to my campsite from an afternoon at the Cattaraugus Fair I was pulled over for doing 40/25 zone..the speed had just changed from 35 to 25 the Officer advised me..The officer asked why I thought he pulled me over and I said my headlights were to bright or I was speeding,,he said yes you were speeding..doing 40mph in 25 zone..I said oh sorry…as I looked at my speedo and tried to see what 25 was in metric…yes I am from Ontario Canada…I have a spotless record…I was given a fax type copy of a ticket? no mention of a fine..what does 15 mph over carry? do I plead not guilty..with a reason or?
Ken,
Because points from New York transfer to Ontario, we recommend that you plead not guilty and fight this ticket. This ticket carries 4 NY points and 4 Ontario demerit points. If you fight it, you likely can save or avoid points. The fine will be roughly $200 either way but fighting it will likely help keep your license clean and possibly avoid an insurance hike.
Matthew Weiss
Hi, I was recently given a ticket for going 32 miles over the speed limit (87/55) in Philmont, NY with a Florida license on my way to MA. By reading the posts above I can already tell that I will have to pay a lot. I was wondering if it is worth pleading not guilty? In the deposition the officer wrote that I said “I was going 20 over. the speed limit is 55” which is not true, because I thought the speed limit was 65. If I plead not guilty, will they use that against me?
Anonymous, you definitely want to plead not guilty. If you do, you likely can save money and points (NY and FL points).
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
First of all really appreciate you taking time to answer these queries.
I live in New Jersey and recently received a ticket while driving towards Rochester, NY for speeding 81/65.
I want to talk to you in more detail regarding this, but just out of curiosity i would like to know if a Red light violation on camera will show up on my records as i recently have one of them, but i wasn’t driving it and my wife was, i simply paid it. Does it still hold a violation on me because it’s the same car? Is that the same case for parking tickets as well.
Thanks for all the information in advance.
Regards,
Rahul Bafna
Rahul,
Thanks for your nice comments.
A red light camera violation will NOT show up on your license. It is akin to a parking ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Thanks a lot for the answer, problabily i’ll come back in the next years as a tourist but i’ll never more rent a car!
Angelo
Angelo,
My pleasure. I still recommend that you pay this traffic ticket.
Matthew Weiss
I’m from europe, i got a ticket few days ago in NY state (speed limits 82/65) and the policeman said me to mail the ticket to BRUTUS TOWN COURT. Have i to plea guilty and what is better to write in the ticket optional explaination statement? I’m back in Europe now, and i haven’t the chance to meet the court. How much i’ll problably have to pay?
Thanks
Angelo
Angelo,
The fine for this ticket will be roughly $200. Because you live in Europe, there’s not much reason to fight this ticket (unless you plan on moving here). If so, just plead guilty and pay the ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Hello. I am from Ontario and had just entered New York (Finger Lakes) with my family. I was 17 over in a speed trap, quick zone change — no leniency or write down of speed. When we returned to Ontario, I attempted to phone the court to discuss submitting a not guilty plea — but they are available only on Wednesdays (and I was advised it might be difficult to reach someone). Because my hearing date is fast approaching, and I’m relying on international mail, I elected to plead guilty and mailed in the ticket. My question regards suspensions: in a worst-case scenario, if my ticket/plea does not arrive before the hearing, am I looking at an automatic license suspension? Is there anything I can do now to ensure that does not happen? Or is there typically a grace period and/or warning after missing a hearing?
Ben,
Because points from New York transfer to Ontario, we recommend that you fight this ticket. Your speeding ticket carries 4 NY points and will transfer as 4 demerit points in Ontario. I doubt that you’ll be suspended for being a few days late. Call the court tomorrow (Wednesday) and let them know that it’s coming.
Matthew Weiss
On 07/22/2012 at 9:49 pm, my husband got a speed ticket in a rental car, when we were near Albany, New York. The speeding ticket said we must plead by mail to the local Court. It doesn’t mention how much I must pay.
We Live in south América is The first time he got a ticket, we have this questions:
– we just sign and send by mail. I Will Like to wrote in The space of explanation in The ticket that is optional, that we Were not sure of The speed limit in that place, we are tourist for The first time in New York, and cars around us were so hurry….its godo of not:.. Is just The truth.
– which adress we must put on, ours in Colombia and maybe other of a friend were we are Now in Toronto till next 08/ 6
– how much it Will cost and how we can paid it if we are not here to paid
Thanks a lot
Ana Maria
Ana Maria,
Because you live in South America, I recommend that you plead guilty and pay the ticket (unless you plan on moving to New York or the US in the near future). Use an address where you’ll receive notice about any mail from the court.
The ticket will cost around $200 (unless you were speeding 21+ mph in which case it will be much more).
Matthew Weiss
I am a resident of Ontario and on a recent camping trip in Wellesley Island State Park I rec’d a 1180 D ticket for doing 43 in a 25 zone. I did not realize the 25 mph limit applied to the main two lane road of the park. Once I saw the posted sign I did start to slow down but not quickly enough……I have never had a speeding ticket in my 25 years of driving. I plan on sending a not guilty plea, as you adivise most people to do. the court clerk recommended I send a letter with the ticket form. What do you recommend this letter contain? Can you tell me approx how much the fine would be ? Also can all of this be resolved by mail ? I start a new job in September and it will be difficult to get time off. Can my husband go in my place ? Thanks so much for your website full of good information .
Wendy,
Because points from New York transfer to Ontario, we recommend that you fight this speeding ticket. In your letter, you can write why you should be treated leniently including your exemplary driving record. The fine will be roughly $200. You must ask the court about a plea via mail and whether your husband can appear in your place. Each court has different practices.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
I received a ticket yesterday for 87 in a 55 in Washington county. I was speeding; however, I was in the middle of legally passing a truck with a trailer hitch and I was trying to get around him as quickly as I could due to the unexpected appearance of oncoming traffic. I live 4 hours from here and the court date they assigned is several weeks away, so it’s not practical for me to come back for it. However, I could appear in person if they could move up the date, as I’ll be in the area for a couple of weeks. Is it worth going in person (or rather, will going in person help me get this reduced/dismissed), or will I need a lawyer to get this reduced? Thanks!
Andrea,
This is a serious speeding ticket. It carries 8 points, roughly a $300 fine, and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. I therefore recommend that you retain an experienced NY traffic ticket lawyer to help you (especially because you live so far away from the court).
If you fight this ticket, you likely can save fine money and points.
Matthew Weiss
I was pulled over for doing 75 in a 55 on the taconic state parkway by a Columbia county sheriff. The ticket does not state the fine associated with it. I will be away at school so I will not be able to appear in court if I try and fight it. This is my first violation so I am not sure how to go about resolving this
Doug,
If you plead guilty, the fine for this speeding ticket will be around $200. If you fight it, the fine will be roughly the same but you can likely save points and avoid an insurance increase (assuming your license is otherwise clean).
Matthew Weiss
I got a speeding ticket coming back from Bear Mountain NY yesterday. I was doing 101 on a 50 zone. I would like to know how much and how many points will I get for this! I read an article giving me a range but not sure if its correct. I believe it said 6 points but don’t know the amount that I have to pay. Thanks ahead of time! BTW first ticket ive ever gotten.
Jonathan,
A NY speeding tickt for 101/50 is a very serious ticket. It carries 11 points, roughly a $350 fine, a $675 Driver Assessment Fee, a likely auto insurance hike and likely suspension. Therefore, you should definitely plead not guilty and fight this ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Matt, I received a speeding ticket on westmorefield, for travllling at 83Mph on 65Mph zone, this is my first offence and my driving record is clean, i stay 275 miles away from the court, should i fight this case.? will i get points added to my record, I have a CT drivers license and MA registration.
Prasad,
This speeding ticket carries 4 points and roughly a $200 fine. It will not transfer as points onto your CT license, however. I recommend that you check with your insurance company to see if it is worth fighting. If will adversely affect your rates, then you should fight it (or hire a NY traffic lawyer to appear in court for you).
Matthew Weiss
Matt, I received a speeding ticket today, 83 in a 65. I am a Chauffeur and had two passengers in a Town Car. I have a class B license. Never had a speeding ticket or any other in 50 years. The court is 2 hours away. Should I fight this charge even though I was speeding? Will that Driver Assessment Fee apply here? This happened in Chautauqua County in the Town of Pomfret, NY. I live in Buffalo, NY and how will this affect my insurance? Where do you find NY Traffic Lawyers?
Sandy,
This speeding ticket carries 4 points and roughly a $200 fine. The Driver Assessment Fee does not apply because you have an otherwise clean record and your speeding ticket only carries 4 points. A conviction to this charge can affect your insurance. It depends on your insurance company but, because it is 16+ mph over, they can raise your rates for this one ticket. Therefore, we recommend that you fight this speeding ticket.
Finally, you ask where do you find a NY traffic lawyer. That’s easy … me/us. Call our firm on Monday and we’re happy to provide a free consultation. We cover the entire State of New York and regularly handle cases in Chautauqua County.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
I was pulled over for going 48mph in a 30mph zone in Jamestown, NY and I live in PA which is 3 hours from the courthouse and the police officer told me if i cant make the hearing which is scheduled for Aug. 1st at 9:30 am to choose my plea and mail it to the courthouse. I already sent in my plea as guilty because I dont want to have to drive up and appear in court
Am I going to have to appear in court at sometime or will they mail me the ticket price and i can mail them the payment? Also how much do you think its going to cost?
Erin,
If you’ve changed your mind, then contact the court immediately. Hopefully, you can un-do your guilty plea. Otherwise, you will likely not have to appear in court. With a guilty plea, generally you just receive a bill in the mail. I estimate that your fine will be around $200.
A NY traffic lawyer can go for you and you won’t have to appear.
Matthew Weiss
will the points carry over to my PA license?
Erin,
Points from a NY conviction will NOT transfer as points onto your PA license.
Matthew Weiss
I received a speeding ticket for going 70 in a 55 on Route 374 near Plattsburgh (about 45 miles from where I live). I mistakenly thought I was in a 65 mph zone and admitted to the officer that I thought I was driving around 7omph. Unfortunately I am out of town on the day I am to appear in court. Should I try to fight this? Is it possible to change a court appearance date?
Thanks so much for your help!
Kelly,
Yes, call the court and ask for a new date. You should be able to get one. If not, you can always retain a NY traffic lawyer who can appear for you.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew,
In early June, I was pulled over for speeding in Walton, NY (Delaware County) and issued a summons–doing 56 mph in a 30 mph zone. Unfortunately enough, I lost sight of the summons and forgot to mail it back before the appearance date. I did mail in a guilty plea shortly thereafter. I just received a letter that predated when the guilty plea would have gotten to the courthouse with a rescheduled date of the hearing. The problem is that I live in NYC, quite a ways away from the courthouse and my internship would likely not allow me to go up there to handle it. So a few questions.
1. Would it be possible to just call them when they’re next open (this Thursday) to confirm a guilty plea and not have to trek back up to Walton?
2. Would they likely be amenable to rescheduling the hearing date again?
3. Do you think that even though they received my guilty plea after the first appearance date, they’ll accept it and resolve this without my having to go up there?
4. How much do you think the fine will be?
Thanks.
George,
Answers to your questions in bold.
1. Would it be possible to just call them when they’re next open (this Thursday) to confirm a guilty plea and not have to trek back up to Walton? Yes, this is possible although the court will need something in writing.
2. Would they likely be amenable to rescheduling the hearing date again? It is very possible. We are often able to get a second re-schedule.
3. Do you think that even though they received my guilty plea after the first appearance date, they’ll accept it and resolve this without my having to go up there? Again, this is possible but you’ll have to ask the court.
4. How much do you think the fine will be? Roughly $200.
Matthew Weiss
Dear Matthew
I am a california driver and was on vacation in NY State . While i was driving on 390 S , headed toward Corning , I got a traffic ticket for going at 81 on a 65 .
– Do you suggest me to “plead guilty ” or fight it ?
– If i plead guilty , does the points transfer to California ?
Thanks,
kumar
Kumar,
Because a NY conviction will transfer as points onto your CA license, I recommend that you fight this speeding ticket. If you do, you likely can get this ticket reduced to a less serious charge.
Matthew Weiss
Hi I was pulled over a little over a week ago and got a ticket doing 85 in a 55 this is my second ticket in almost two years and the officer told me to plea not guilty. I was just wondering if it is possible that I could get a reduction in points and/or fines. I dot this ticket in irondequoit in Monroe county
Tim,
Yes, it sounds like you could plea this ticket down to a less serious charge if you plead not guilty.
Matthew Weiss
Thanks. Will I end up paying the 300 dollar driver assessment too? Because I had to pay that for my last ticket. Also the officer said that he most likely wouldn’t be in court on my scheduled day. Is that right? Finally, would the last ticket I received and this recent one add up to 11 points? It’s been over 18 months since the last one was issued.
Tim,
If you accumulate 6 or more points on your NY license within 18 months, then you must pay the Driver Assessment Fee.
The officer will generally not be in court on your initial court date. He only comes when a case is actually scheduled for trial and, in most courts, this does not occur on the first date.
You only aggregate tickets that are issued within 18 months of one another basing the 18-point period on the dates of offense.
I hope this helps.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
I was pulled over Sunday and told I was doing 79 in a 65. I live out of state. I assume it makes the most sense to just plead guilty and wait to see how much my fine is since it’s too far to come back for court? If so, do I write any sort of explanation on my ticket where it provides the space to do so? This was my first violation in 22+ years of driving.
MK,
What state are you licensed in? This will make a difference as to whether you want to fight this speeding ticket.
Matthew Weiss
I am licensed in OH.
Thanks!
MK,
Points from a NY conviction will not transfer onto your Ohio license. I still recommend that you check with your auto insurance company before pleading guilty. If it can hurt your rates, then you may want to fight this traffic ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew,
Firstly, the volumes of responses you provide are impressive… Here is one for you… I just received (today) notice in the mail that my “driving” privileges in the State of New York are “suspended” for an unpaid ticket from Nov 11th 1993… 75 in a 55. (Obviously the County is in dire need of cash…)
It then asked me how I wished to “plead”. I am a Canadian resident, was one at the time of the infraction and have remained one since. The suspension has little to NO effect on my life here, but life and business have me throughout the states. With all that, any recommendations on what to do? I have to wonder if the Trooper that issued the ticket is EVEN working for the State Police any longer, which I assume would be an issue if I chose to plead “Not-Guilty”.
Thanks,
Trevor.
Trevor,
Thanks for your kind compliment.
In regard to your speeding ticket, I’ve seen courts find old ticket, but a 1993 one is extraordinary. I doubt that the police officer is still on the force and, even if he is, that he still has his notes from your ticket. Of course, it would take time on your behalf (of that of your NY traffic ticket lawyer) so it might not be worth taking this one to trial. It really depends on what type of plea offer the prosecutor will make. My advice, therefore, is to plead not guilty and see what you can negotiate. If you do not want to appear in court, then you can retain a NY traffic lawyer to appear for you.
Matthew Weiss
I just got a ticket on the I90 just past Batavia heading east (Stafford Town Court). I was ticketed for doing 83 in a 65. I have no prior tickets. What do you recommend. If I plead not guilty do I have to physically go to court? If I plead not guilty what will the fine be?
Jim,
I recommend that you plead not guilty. A conviction to a NY speeding ticket that is 16+ mph can adversely affect your auto insurance rates.
If you do fight it, you likely can negotiate this down to a less serious charge. I you plead not guilty, you or your NY traffic lawyer will have to appear in court.
Matthew Weiss
I was pulled over doing 71 on a 55 zone. There were two cop cars pointing the speed radar at oncoming traffic. I was a in a group of cars and i and another car were pulled over out of the pack. What are my chances of not getting too badly fined? I was in westchester county.
thanks.
F
Frank,
I recommend that you plead not guilty and fight this NY speeding ticket. If you do, you likely can negotiate it down to a less serious charge. A 71/55 carries 4 points and roughly a $200 fine.
Matthew Weiss
Hi, I was wondering if I can plead not guilty to a speeding ticket i got in a workzone on the 4th of July, i was going 70+ on 55mph zone, the arrest type is laser. This took place in monroe county, NY on Hwy 390. The officer said he was reducing my speed to 70, I’ve had a clean record up to this point. How many points will this put on my license and how much would the fine be, do you think it can be reduced? Thank you
Terence,
A 70/55 NY speeding ticket carries 4 points and roughly a $200 fine. In a work zone, the fines double, however. I recommend that you plead not guilty and fight this ticket. If you do, you likely can save points and/or money.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
I got a speeding ticket on 07/02/12 at Bolton town, new york, on the I 87. the ticket says I was doing 90 in a 65mph zone. this is my frist speeding ticket. my driving record is clean. but I am going to Immigration court on 09/12/12.
Will this affect me?
Should I mail the ticket in or go to traffic court?
well am not guilty that what am going to say.
Courtney,
This speeding ticket could affect your immigration application. I don’t handle this area of the law but have been told that traffic tickets must be disclosed and often resolved before the INS will make a determination. Check with your immigration lawyer on this one.
I recommend that you plead not guilty. If you do, you likely can save NY points and money.
Matthew Weiss
I have a court date next week for doing 81/65 on interstate 87 by Woodbury. Then today, the idiot driver I am literally got an identical ticket in the same area. The trooper today was really friendly and said “you havent had an violations in 5 yrs so if you choose to plead not guitly theres a high chance it will be reduced to a parking violation” He was clearly hinting to me to plead not guilty and I guess my other ticket doesnt show up on their end yet? So now i meet with the Woodbury DA next wk and I have no idea what to do. I have to mail the ticket i got today by july 31st. Ive clearly learned my lesson today about speeding, i should probably slow down.
Ally,
I recommend that you plead not guilty to both speeding tickets. If you do, you likely can negotiate them both down to less serious charges.
Matthew Weiss
Hello,
Over a month ago on May 23rd I received a ticket for going 82 in a 65 mph zone. I pleaded guilty on the ticket and sent it to the indicated address in Rensselear NY. Currently I am still waiting on any sort of response from the court. Does it normally take this long? Unfortunately I neglected to make a copy of my ticket so I do not have any sort of reference number
Calvin,
It can take 2 to 6 months for a court to schedule your case. Meanwhile, I recommend that you call the court to confirm that it received your not guilty plea.
Matthew Weiss