For many of us, a driver’s license is an absolute necessity. We need our vehicles to carry out basic everyday tasks, whether it is driving to work, taking the kids to school, or bringing home groceries. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that, on average, Americans drive nearly 30 miles a day.
However, driving privileges, as essential as they may be, can be revoked. They are a privilege, not a right. In New York, one way that this can happen is by accumulating too many “points” from speeding convictions. Regardless of the points, a motorist who accumulates three speeding convictions within any 18-month period is subject to a 6-month mandatory revocation.
The number of points you receive depends on how far over the speed limit you were traveling.
- 1-10 MPH over the speed limit = 3 points
- 11-20 MPH over the speed limit = 4 points
- 21-30 MPH over the speed limit = 6 points
- 31-40 MPH over the speed limit = 8 points
- 40+ MPH over the speed limit = 11 points
Further, according to New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1180(a): “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.” This means that, in certain conditions, driving at the posted speed limit could still be considered speeding. An unreasonable speed ticket carries 3 points.
In addition to a suspension, a person convicted of speeding also faces a fine, NYS surcharge and possible Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee. Finally, such persons could see their insurance rates raised and even (although rare) face jail time!
Therefore, it is always a good idea to contest your speeding ticket. To do so can be sometimes difficult and daunting. Fortunately, an experienced New York traffic ticket attorney can help you fight to keep your record as clean as possible and your life on track.
If you have any further questions or would like a free consultation, please contact us.