Motorists who receive traffic tickets in the State of New York are allowed to apply for payment plans for certain traffic fines. Filling out an application is free, and is limited to traffic-related fines, fees, and surcharges.
Unfortunately, the notifications mailed by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles can be vague and confusing, so please use this resource to clarify your doubts.
When NOT to pay your New York Traffic ticket. Click here.
Applications With the Traffic Violations Bureau Tickets
Tickets issued in New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island) are overseen by the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB). You will be able to apply for their payment plan if:
- You pled guilty to the traffic violation
- You were found guilty at a hearing
- A default judgment has been entered against you
You can fill out an application form online, and you will need to enter the following information:
- Name
- Phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Date of birth
- Ticket number
The ticket number is located in the upper left corner of the ticket. You can view a sample on the DMV website.
Tickets Received Outside of New York City
Traffic tickets that are issued outside of New York City are processed in court in the county, city, or town where the offense allegedly took place. Because their rules may vary from location to location, you will have to contact the court directly (which is specified on the ticket).
If you are not exactly sure of whether you were within city limits, look at the bottom right corner of your ticket. If it says Traffic Violations Bureau, you will be able to apply for a payment plan on the TVB online form.
What Happens If You Are an Out-of-State Driver?
Most states within the US will honor a traffic ticket received in another jurisdiction within the country. Therefore, you will want to take care of a ticket issued in New York to prevent facing additional fees, a default judgment, and/or a driver’s license suspension.
When filling out an application for a New York payment plan, you will notice that one of the questions on the form specifically states: If your driver’s license is not issued by New York, what is the license number? Use this field to enter the information the 9-digit ID number assigned to you by the NY DMV.
The payment amount will depend on your circumstances. You will need to fill out a Financial Disclosure Report for the court to determine the plan amount. In it, you will include information about your income and monthly expenses. Once completed, you can mail, email, or submit the form in person at the court location listed on your traffic ticket.
What If You Lost Your Traffic Ticket?
If you cannot find your traffic ticket, you can create a MyDMV account on the New York DMV website. Once you do, you will be able to get information about your driving record.
When signing up for an account, you will need your current driver’s license or non-driver ID, and the last four digits of your social security number.
Terms of Payment Plans
Once you set up a payment plan, you are required to make the minimum monthly payment every month. If your final balance is less than the minimum payment, pay the remaining amount in full.
You will also receive instructions on suspension termination fees, and other applicable fines and surcharges — including the Driver Responsibility Assessment free.
Failing to make payments can result in a driver’s license suspension.
Should I Fight My Ticket?
When you get a traffic ticket in New York, not only do you have to pay the cost of the traffic violation, you also have to pay related surcharges, possibly a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee, and worry about points being assessed against your driving record. In addition, your car insurance premium may also increase significantly for two moving violation convictions within 36 months (one if the conviction is for speeding 16+ mph).
Therefore, before pleading guilty to a ticket, speak first with an experienced traffic ticket attorney to see if you have any possible defenses. These can include:
- Mistakes on the ticket
- The police officer is mistaken
- If you could not see a speed sign due to an obstruction
- When you have evidence that you did not violate any traffic laws
- When you have enough traffic points against your driver’s license, that you would be exposed to a driver’s license suspension
A New York Traffic Ticket Attorney Can Help
At Weiss & Associates, PC we can provide the best representation you could receive at your hearing. We offer an initial free consultation, a flat fee, and experienced traffic lawyers who will show up on your behalf, so you do not have to waste time in court. However, we do not represent motorists with requests for payment plans. Those services are not within our offering.
Weiss & Associates, PC has extensive experience fighting traffic tickets in New York City and throughout New York State. We have a skilled team of lawyers who are ready to give you free advice on your available options. Call us at 212-683-7373, or fill out our online form today!
