Want to Fight Your New York/NYC Speeding Ticket? Our Speeding Ticket Attorneys Can Help!
For many New York State and New York City drivers, speeding is simply a way of life. Unfortunately, for anyone convicted of speeding in New York or NYC, both residents and out-of-state drivers, the accumulated penalties of these violations can result in damaging consequences. To avoid fines, points, and increased insurance rates, it is usually best to put up a fight. Read on for more information and how Weiss and Associates can help.
If I Received a Speeding Ticket in New York, What Do I Do?
So, you’ve received a speeding ticket in New York, now what? During your traffic stop, it is well-advised that you remain relaxed and calm. The officer who pulled you over may ask you if you are aware of the reason for the traffic stop. It is important that the driver never admits to speeding (or committing any other offense) because this will almost always be used against you in traffic court.
Immediately following the traffic stop or as soon as is reasonably possible, review the information on the ticket and document as much information about the encounter as possible. It is wise to consult with a skilled New York speeding ticket lawyer as soon as possible instead of pleading guilty by paying the fine.
Your attorney can help you decide whether or not to pay the ticket. Unfortunately, a common mistake is to simply pay the ticket, but by doing so you would be admitting guilt and will have to deal with the consequences of a conviction. A driver’s chances of beating a speeding ticket are much greater with the help of an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of New York law and what to say in court. This is true if you’ve received your ticket on the New York State Thruway, Taconic Parkway, Long Island Expressway, Cross Island Parkway, Clearview Parkway, Meadowbrook Parkway, Cross Bronx Expressway, Belt Parkway, or any other major New York thoroughfare.
What is the Cost of a Speeding Ticket in New York?
If a driver is convicted of speeding in New York, the fines will range between $45 to $600. Depending on the circumstances of the infraction, your previous driving record, and the location in which the ticket was issued, speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit will cost $45 to $150 in fines, speeding 11 to 30 mph over the limit will be a $90-$300 fine, speeding 30+ mph over the limit is a $180-$600 fine and speeding 41+ mph over the limit is a $250-$750 fine. These fines are the best estimates and ultimately it is up to the judge to decide the precise fine within the allowed ranges.
New York also automatically imposed an $88 or $93 surcharge in addition to the speeding ticket fine, depending on whether the driver was in a city or not. A surcharge is essentially a tax on your traffic ticket fine.
New York points will be issued when you are convicted of a speeding offense. These points will stay on your driving record for a number of years and can result in a suspension of your license if you accumulate too many. The NY DMV will assess 3 points for speeding 1-10 mph over the limit, 4 points for speeding 11-20 mph over the limit, 6 points for speeding 21 to 30 mph over the limit, 8 points for speeding 31-40 mph over the limit and 11 points for speeding 41+ mph over the limit. These points remain current for 18 months from the date of the offense for DMV point accumulation purposes and 36 months from the date of conviction for auto insurance rates purposes.
It is important to note that drivers who receive 6 or more points as a result of violations occurring within an 18-month period will be responsible for an additional fine known as the Driver Responsibility Assessment, or DRAF. The penalty is $300 for the first 6 points and an additional $75 for each point after the 6-point mark.
Will my Insurance Rates Increase from a Speeding Ticket?
Insurance companies can increase a driver’s premiums based on the points that are assessed on their driving record. Just one 16+ mph speeding ticket conviction can cause your insurance rates to rise dramatically. There have been studies that have estimated that a high single speeding ticket can lead to up to a 30% increase in a driver’s auto insurance premium.
Are You an Out-Of-State Driver with a Speeding Ticket in New York?
New York State can suspend a person’s right to drive within its borders for failing to respond or pay a moving violation issued here. Out of state drivers can face the same consequences of points, insurance increases, and hefty fines associated with a conviction. For out of state drivers, New York will create a record for you here and keep count (just like a New York driver). Further, many states have reciprocity with New York State, meaning a New York conviction will also transfer to your driving record in your host state.
Each state handles a New York speeding ticket differently. Some examples include:
- New Jersey – A NJ licensed driver who is convicted of a New York speeding or other moving violation will get 2 points on their New Jersey license per NY conviction.
- Connecticut – Connecticut license holders will not get points for a New York conviction.
- Other states – Drivers licensed in any of the other 50 states can contact us at 212-683-7373 to learn whether a conviction to their New York traffic ticket will transfer to their state’s driving record.
Types of Speeding Tickets
A New York speeding ticket can:
- Require you to pay a large fine plus surcharge
- Require you to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee
- Add points to your license that could lead to a suspension
- Cause insurance rates to soar
- Stain your driving record for a long period of time
There are various speeding violations in New York state that could result in a ticket. Some of the most common speeding tickets include:
Speeding in a Work Zone in New York
Under NYS VTL 1180(f) a “work zone”, also referred to as a “work area” or “construction zone” is defined as a location that is used or being occupied for road work in which workers, vehicles, equipment, materials, supplies, excavations or other obstructions may be present.
A work zone is typically marked by orange barrels or cones as well as a work zone speed limit sign in orange. Actual construction work does not need to be in progress for the area to be considered a work zone.
Fines are doubled when convicted of a work zone speeding ticket. A New York speeding in a work zone ticket costs roughly between $180-$300 depending on the mph over the limit. In addition to the fine, speeding in a work zone comes with a mandatory state surcharge. This will also result in 3-11 points being added to your license, more depending on the mph, the motorist was going over the posted speed limit. See above.
Speeding in a School Zone in New York
Speed limits in New York school zones are typically 10 mph slower than the standard speed limit of the stretch of road before and after the school zone. The resulting fines from a school zone speeding ticket can cost twice as much as regular speeding tickets, anywhere from $180-$1,200 depending on the mph over the limit. If convicted, motorists will get at least 3 or more points on their license, depending on the mph over the speed limit. See above.
Racing Tickets
Racing poses a threat for serious injury or even death, which is why it is illegal to stage unauthorized races, exhibitions, or contests of speed in New York. Participating in a street race in New York is categorized as a class A misdemeanor offense, punishable with a fine of anywhere from $300-$525, 5 points, and possibly incarceration.
Extreme speeds can lead to serious and often lethal accidents and a racing ticket related to an accident expose offenders to civil liability in a lawsuit.
Speed Not Reasonable and Prudent
Under VTL 1180, motorists may receive a speeding ticket even if they are going at or below the speed limit. This is because an imprudent speed alleges that the weather or other roadway conditions made the driver’s speed unsafe, regardless of the posted limit.
The penalties for a New York imprudent speed conviction include fines of $45-$525 depending on the number of offenses, 3 points, surcharges of $88 or $93 depending on where the ticket was issued, potential DRA fees, and auto insurance increases.
New York Uber & Lyft Driver & Speeding Tickets
Drivers from Uber, Lyft, Via, Gett/Juno, or any other ridesharing business must abide by a contract agreement in order to retain the right to be a registered driver for one or more platforms. These agreements being violated may result in being dropped as a driver.
It is unclear if and how companies discover convictions for speeding tickets or other infractions of their drivers. However, both Uber and Lyft state clearly that drivers with more than three moving violations in three years may be denied.
How Do I Fight or Challenge My Speeding Ticket in New York?
Fines, surcharges, and insurance increases from a speeding conviction can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars. In most cases hiring an experienced New York traffic ticket attorney to fight a speeding ticket and get the violation reduced or dismissed will save you a great deal of time and money.
If you have received a ticket for exceeding the speed limit in New York, Weiss and Associates, PC can help you plead not guilty to a speeding ticket. Call or contact New York Traffic Ticket today to discuss the specific details of your case and learn more about how we reduce speeding tickets to lesser violations for the vast majority of our clients. Such reductions can lower or even eliminate the impact on your driving record and auto insurance rates.