The COVID-19 pandemic brought a lot with it sweeping changes in all industries and homes across the country. And the New York Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) was no exception.
If you have recently received a traffic ticket or moving violation in New York, it is good to be aware of these changes and how they could affect your case.
For immediate assistance, please call our office at 212-683-7373 or email us a photo of your ticket to lawyer@nytrafficticket.com for a free consultation. We offer FREE advice!
Making Payments for NY Traffic Tickets and Violations
There are several ways to make a payment on a traffic ticket issued in New York:
- You can pay for a traffic ticket or violation online through the TVB portal.
- By mail, within 15 days of the date of violation, to the Albany address listed on the ticket.
- By phone, by calling 718-488-5710 during regular business hours. There is a long hold time, but one of the menu options lets you choose for the system to hold your spot and call you back when they get to your call. Be aware that they are not allowing attorneys to call and make payments on behalf of clients. You will have to call yourself.
- In-person at the TVB. However, if you choose this option, be aware that the TVB no longer accepts walk-ins. You will have to make an appointment.
Limitations on Who Can Enter New York Traffic Violations Bureau
Only motorists and attorneys who have hearings scheduled for a specific date (or an appointment) will be allowed to enter the building on that date to visit a TVB office.
Statements in Place of Personal Appearance
The TVB provides motorists with the option of completing a Statement in Place of Personal Appearance. This is filled out by people who do not have an attorney and do not want to appear at a hearing. You can explain why you believe you are not guilty, attach your evidence to the form, and submit it online to the TVB at least two weeks before your hearing date. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND USING THIS OPTION because we believe you have a much better chance in person or with attorney representation. Among other things, while this may seem convenient, it waives your right to question the police officer who issued the ticket. This would make it a lot harder to win your case since you would not be able to ask for clarifications, point out inconsistencies or omissions, or possibly refute anything the officer says. Therefore, you should always consult with an attorney for viable options to fight your ticket.
Virtual TVB Traffic Ticket Hearings in New York
Hearings are being conducted online, via the Webex platform. Make sure your browser supports it. If it doesn’t install updates or try a different browser (e.g. Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari). Make sure to test this well before your hearing date.
You will have to set up a user account and enter your ticket ID number, which you can find right on the ticket. You can then upload any evidence you have that would help your case. All evidence must be submitted up to one week before your hearing.
Also, you will have to log in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. If you are represented by a lawyer, they can take care of this for you.
Requesting To Reschedule Your Virtual Hearing
You can request to reschedule your hearing by asking for an adjournment. However, do keep in mind that there is such a long backlog of cases at the TVB, that judges are allowing fewer adjournments.
Pleading Guilty to a New York Traffic Ticket at TVB
If you are planning on pleading guilty, you will have to call the TVB at 718-488-5710. Walk-ins are not accepted. If you have an attorney, your lawyer must call to enter the guilty plea; as they will not be allowed to do so in Court.
However, be mindful that entering a guilty plea could have significant consequences. You could expose yourself to having points assessed against your driving record, a possible driver’s license suspension, hefty fines, a Driver’s Responsibility Assessment fee, and increased insurance premiums. And if you were pulled over for speeding in a school zone or work zone, the results could be even more disastrous. Therefore, always speak with an experienced traffic ticket attorney to discuss your options.
Even if you believe you could have been driving better, a traffic ticket lawyer may be able to find other defenses to help fight your case.
How a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Can Help
At Weiss & Associates, PC, we will zealously and competently defend you at your hearing. We can charge much less than lawyers that do not regularly fight traffic tickets because we pass along the savings that we can make by fighting thousands of traffic tickets per year. Another benefit of hiring us is that our experienced traffic lawyer will show up on your behalf, so you do not have to waste time in court.
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. We will listen to the circumstances of your case and steer you in the right direction in your attempts to fight a traffic ticket. Call us at 212-683-7373, or fill out our online form today!