The Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee

208 Comments

On November 18, 2004, then-Governor George Pataki authorized a new fee called the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee (DRAF). As you will see below, the “fee” is more like a tax on drivers.

The DRAF is imposed upon motorists who accumulate 6 or more points in New York State (and Ontario and Quebec provinces). The fee is in addition to any fine, surcharge, suspension or other penalty imposed by the court, and is billed separately roughly 30 days later by the DMV. The DRAF is imposed upon ALL motorists, even ones from other states, as follows:

6 points = $300

7 points = $375

8 points = $450

9 points = $525

10 points = $600

11 points = $675

12 points = $725

13 points = $800

14 points = $875

For each point in excess of 14, add an additional $75. The DRAF can be paid in one installment or in three equal installments over 3 years.

For motorists who are convicted of a traffic violation that is alcohol-related, drug-related or involves the refusal to take a chemical test, the DRAF is $750.

The biggest issue that arises with the DRAF involves its payment. Many motorists (especially ones with out-of-date addresses with DMV) fail to timely pay the fee and wind up getting suspended. Often they first learn about the unpaid DRAF when they’re pulled over by a police officer. But, by then, they have a more serious issue – defending an additional charge of aggravated unlicensed (misdemeanor). Paying the DRAF is pretty easy as it can be done online at the DMV’s website.

We are regularly asked about the affect of the Driver Safety Program on the DRAF. While the Driver Safety Class removes 4 points from a motorist’s New York record, it will NOT help him or her avoid the DRAF. In order words, the class removes 4 points for purposes of possibly being suspended but not for purposes of whether you owe New York State money. Clearly, then, the goal of driver responsibility is secondary to its fiscal benefits.

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208 Comments. Leave new

  • How did one speeding ticket get me 6 points on my license?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      July 6, 2023 10:54 am

      Jenna Dunn,

      Any New York speeding conviction between 21 and 30 mph over the limit carries 6 points. It also subjects you to a fine, surcharge and $300 Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • I received a letter to pay a DRI even though I only had 5 points and the letter also started 5 points, Couldn’t reach someone to clarify and was on the due date already so I had to pay to avoid suspension, is there any way to ge the $125 back from the DMV?

    Reply
    • John Garzon,

      You can contact DMV to discuss the penalty and seek a refund.

      9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. weekdays (except state holidays)
      518-474-0904

      Good kuck!
      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Christine Archer
    June 16, 2021 12:16 am

    6/16/21
    I paid my DRA late but paid it before suspension. Recieved a letter that my license will be suspended by July 6 for failure to pay by the due date. the mydmv website changed their page and I couldn’t access the DRA link to pay It. I tried for weeks to figure it out to pay on time even tried to call DMV but just kept getting automated responses. It even says at the top of homepage website is having difficulty with payment options currently. This was my last payment so I knew how to do it previously on the website. I have paid it now, will my license be suspended on 7/6 or will they accept the late payment and not suspend my license?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      June 16, 2021 11:56 am

      Christine Archer,

      DMV should accept your payment as it was made before the due date. I think you are fine but (out of an abundance of caution), run your record on July 6th to make sure your license remains valid.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • I have a lot of points on my license. How can I knock them down. (Remind you, I have a lot of points) what is your best advise you can give me? I know about the drivers defensive class but I need more work than that.

    Reply
    • Mike D,

      Other than the NYS Driver’s Defensive Class, there is not way to instantly remove points from your NY license. With the passage of time (18 months from the date of each offense), your points will drop off for DMV purposes.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hi, I have a Ontario license. I glt ticketed in Ny and paid my ticket. I received a DRA nlw and says my driver privileges have been suspended in NY. Can this suspension be carry on to Ontario?? Do I have to pay it or is there an expiration date on it I wait out??
    What the worst thing if I don’t pay it??

    Reply
  • This is full robbery. Its like paying two tickets…how is this legal?

    Reply
    • Mike,

      It is actually like paying thee times. The fine, then the surcharge (which is essentially a tax on the fine) and finally the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee (which is essentially a tax on the points).

      You are not the first to make this credible argument.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • hi sir I have like 5 suspension of failure to respond and failure to pay how long does this suspension stays in record after cleared??? it has already been over 3 years and still there ?? thanks

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      July 20, 2020 10:00 pm

      Dawa,

      The suspensions likely will be immediately cleared once you address all five.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hi,

    In the event someone driving on a foreign license receives a traffic ticket, would they have to pay the DRA fee still?

    Reply
  • Charlie Pena
    June 14, 2020 10:10 am

    Hey, I have 8 points on my driver license and my payment is $450 when this is paid in full , how long would those points be clear?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      June 16, 2020 6:06 pm

      Charlie Pena,

      Points last for DMV purposes for 18 months from the date of offense.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hello. My father is 73 and he has a $875 driver responsibility assessment fee. He will never be driving again due to health issues. Should we pay this fee or should we disregard as there appears to be no penalty (other than suspension of driving license)?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      June 12, 2020 3:25 pm

      Mike,

      As long as he no longer drives, then I would ignore it. Keep him safe and social distanced!

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Does the assessment ever go away. How long does a person pay this fee? Is it until all points are gone. It seems it will never stop.

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      April 30, 2020 11:21 am

      Tracy,

      The Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee “goes away” after 18 months (assuming you remain conviction-free).

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hi Matthew,
    I had a 2 point violation on 12/14/12 and a 4 point on 6/02/14. I was given a $300 DRAF because they were within 18 months. I paid that $300 in full. Now I’ve been convicted for a 6 point violation that occurred on 11/23/15. Will I only get another $300 DRAF, or will they double dip on the 6/02/14 violation and give me a $600 DRAF for 10 points?

    Reply
  • I had a NYS driver license but relocated to Texas and surrendered my NYS driver license. I couldn’t fight some outstanding tickets ultimately got points and I guess pay a fine.
    I received a mail forwarded to me by the USPS from NYS DMV to pay Driver responsibility assessment fee 4 months after surrendering my license!
    1st should l pay it after l hard already surrendered my NYS license?
    2nd Assuming just pay–l can only pay the minimum but l notice NYS DMV online service doesn’t require me to submit my new address only the billing zip code! How could they bill me for the next year(s) if they don’t have my current address?

    Reply
    • Ghislain,

      You need to pay this fee even though you moved. You can log-in in one year and two years to pay the second and third installments.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • I recently received a Drag for a ticket I received in 2005. Is there a time limit? It was 14 years ago they should have billed me.

    Reply
  • I was a day late in paying my full DRAF and I am an out of state driver. However, I did pay the DRAF in full. What happens now?

    Reply
    • Morgan,

      You should check with New York DMV to see if your privilege to drive in New York has been suspended.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • So the purpose of the DRAF is to deter drivers from speeding or other driving type violations. Isnt that purpose of the ticket issued by law enforcement. If that is so then why could it not be considered double jeopardy? Tax “a compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on workers’ income and business profits, or added to the cost of some goods, services, and transactions. How can it be considered a tax when none applies to the DRAF. No service, goods or transactions have been rendered. What is the constitutionality of this “fee” could it not be considered excessive considering it is a double fee. One paid to the jurisdiction that issued the ticket and then fee paid to NYS

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      June 12, 2019 7:39 pm

      David Kirk,

      All interesting questions (some more than others). However, in my opinion, any challenge will be unsuccessful met by some form of justification.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • DRAF question, If I pay these fees do the points on my license clear or do the points stay? if they do what can I do to clear the points?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      February 7, 2019 7:21 am

      Panil, the points do not “clear” after you pay the DRAF. The only way to deduct points from your current total (up to 4) is by taking a NYS Driver’s Safety Class.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • DRAF question. I was just convicted in November 2018 for a ticket from March of 2016. I also had another ticket from 2015 that I was convicted in March of 2017. Why did I just get a DRAF bill after the November conviction if the age of the tickets was past 18 months and there would be no points on my license?

    Reply
    • Steve,

      You received the DRAF bill because of your recent conviction. Although the conviction occurred in Nov 2018, the points are added to your record retroactively … as of the date of offense (in March 2016). The age of the ticket does not matter due to this retroactive assessment.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • My foreign friend got a ticket for speeding while on vacation in the US. Because this friend was going back home to Europe before the court date, he pleaded guilty on the form and promptly paid the fine as soon as the court made a decision. There was no mention of points. Fast forward 3 months, and he received this DRA sent in the mail overseas, with 6 points and $300 to pay. Almost $350 was already paid to the court. Can anything be done to him as he is not a resident in NYS or the US? Is there any way to get these points reduced and have this overturned? It seems excessive as it is his very first violation of any kind not only in NYS, but in any state in the US.

    Reply
    • Holly,

      This fee is what ANY motorist must pay when he or she accumulates 6 (or more) points in NYS. He can try and withdraw his guilty plea and fight the ticket. This is somewhat of a long shot. Otherwise, Ir recommend that he just pay the fee.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
      • Thank you for the prompt response. The salaries in his home country are much lower than in the US and this extra fee makes the total to almost $700. That’s a lot of money for this person, even with the possibility to pay over the course of 3 years, it’s very difficult. He feels taken advantage of because he’s foreign. Had he been able to stay in the US for the court date, and known about this DRA, he would not have pleaded guilty right away, and tried to get less points with the help of a lawyer. Unfortunately, this wasn’t an option. Is there a statute of limitations? If this person doesn’t drive again in the US for a certain period of time? 18 months? Or it just never goes away? If not, I’ll probably have to pay it for him at this point. Thank you again for your help.

        Reply
  • I got my NYS driver license on 03/25/2018 with probation period between was 03/20/2018 to 09/20/2018. During this period (between June and August 2018, I got 2 tickets:
    -Speeding ticket over speeding 22 MPH above posted limit of 50MPH (August 2018);
    – One way driving(June 2018)
    Both tickets are pending and hearings are scheduled for next 2019.

    If I get convicted of these tickets, what can i do for my license NOT to be revoked or suspended as my job requests continuous holding of a valid driver license?

    Reply
    • AK,

      Because you received both tickets while on probation, you should fight them both. If you are convicted of the speeding ticket, you will be suspended for 60 days. If you beat the one, the one-way ticket alone cannot will not result in a suspension.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • If have a commercial license from NY city they gave me a ticket in NJ while operating commercial truck will they add the points from NJ to NY license my violation was 19:9-1 4A moving against traffic. I have already 6 points in my license will i be receiving a letter from draf?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      October 31, 2018 7:54 am

      Leonard,

      A conviction in NJ will not transfer as points onto your NY license. However, NJ will create a NJ record for you and assign NJ points for you there.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hi my question is also about the dra. My husband is on last payment of that and I was wondering if there was a grace period before it gets suspended. A bill got taken right out of account today so we don’t have the amount to pay it for another week or two.

    Reply
  • if my liscense is suspended can I pay 100 of my driver assement fee and will that put my driver license in valid stauts couldn’t find answer?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      August 28, 2018 6:02 pm

      Kevin Miller,

      If you’re license is suspended for failing to pay the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee, then payment of this amount (plus possibly a $50 Suspension Termination Fee), will allow your license to be re-instated. Whether you can pay part of the DRAF is not likely at this point but a visit to the DMV would clarify this question.

      Good luck!

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hi Matthew,
    I was convicted on 03/09/17 for a 6 point speeding violation from 05/24/16. I was assessed with a $300 DRAF at that time and paid it in full ($300). Now I was convicted on 02/07/18 for a 4 point speeding violation from 06/02/2014 and I received another $300 DRAF. Does that make any sense? Thank you so much for your help!

    Reply
    • Daniel,

      It is probably correct as DMV rarely miscalculates the DRAF. You need to pull your complete record to confirm accuracy of this charge.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • What is the DRA” really? As far as I can tell, there is no assessment, and from what I am reading it is an additional fee that was undisclosed. Would this not be considered cruel and unusual punishment? I have received a fee for exceeding the speed limit, and then receive a second fee on top of that – or being fined twice for the same crime. I am puzzled how this could possibly be legal and has not been challenged. Has anyone challenged this?

    Reply
    • Out of Stater,

      It is in actuality a “tax”. So far, I have not seen any court decisions holding this “fee” as illegal.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
      • Robert bienenfeld
        June 21, 2020 2:38 am

        I think like Texas this dra will be repealed as it’s double jeopardy, ridiculous amount, insane fee, and probably illegal. I am on changes.org trying to get over 100k signatures on this dra act tax to be repealed. And I’m sure like Texas could be challenged in the courts. I will be sending out multiple letters to governor cuomo, head of dmv, attorney general and a few others. I would welcome going to court and challenging this act/fee. I will get over 100k signatures to get this dra act repealed.

        Reply
        • Matthew Weiss
          June 22, 2020 10:00 am

          Robert Bienenfeld,

          Thanks for your advocacy! The DRA has been around in NY since 1994 and, with the state finances worse than ever, it will be an uphill battle.

          Matthew Weiss

          Reply
  • I got an operating a vehicle with electronic device in Oct 2016 which was 5 pts and another in Nov 2017, 5 points (10 total). I now received a driver responsibility assessment of $600/ or $200 per year for 3 years for the 10 pts…

    1) If I take the defensive driving course, will it knock this down to 6 pts and a lesser fine?
    2) I assume my points should go down to 5 pts in May 2018 (18 months since the first violation) will this reduce the assessment liability if I pay it yearly instead of all at once?
    3) If I had taken the defensive driving course after the first ticket, would it have reduced the assessment to a 6 pt, $300 assessment, instead of 10 pt, $600 assessment?
    4) If not, then of what benefit would it be to take a defensive driving course?

    Any help is appreciated.

    Reply
    • Marcus Kurtis,

      Answers in bold below:

      1) If I take the defensive driving course, will it knock this down to 6 pts and a lesser fine? It will deduct 4 points from your license but not help you avoid to reduce the Driver Assessment Fee.
      2) I assume my points should go down to 5 pts in May 2018 (18 months since the first violation) will this reduce the assessment liability if I pay it yearly instead of all at once? Delaying payment will NOT reduce your Driver Assessment Fee.
      3) If I had taken the defensive driving course after the first ticket, would it have reduced the assessment to a 6 pt, $300 assessment, instead of 10 pt, $600 assessment? The Driver Safety Class will NOT reduce your Driver Assessment Fee.
      4) If not, then of what benefit would it be to take a defensive driving course? The only benefits of taking the Class are deducting 4 points fem your license total and saving 10% off your insurance rates.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
      • MAURICIO M ARGUDO
        March 16, 2018 12:49 am

        Hi Mr Matthew I have 7 points all are over 2 and more years since 2016 they tell me the points are off that this affect any privilege to drive in ny 1 is for cell and other for wrong turn I already pay all fees my name is Mauricio

        Reply
        • Matthew Weiss
          March 16, 2018 8:04 am

          Mauricio,

          I’m not sure what you are asking but it sounds like you may owe a $375 Driver Assessment Fee. However, 7 points would not generally be enough for you to be suspended.

          Matthew Weiss

          Reply
  • Got a ticket in new york doing 40+ over back in late 2015. Postponed till mid oct this year, got convicted. Judge says I have 11 points and 1 more ticket my license will be suspended and in addition will need to pay the fee. I thought after 18 mo. the points no longer count towards the total? But will remain on the record. Truth in me having 11 points towards the running total?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Tim,

      Points do last for only 18 months from the date of offense. However, when you are convicted, the judge “looks back” to the date of offense and will measure how many points within 18 months of that date you have. So waiting or delaying 2+ years does not eliminate the points.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Arun Sajnani
    I have a DAT – Desk Appearance Ticket for January 8th in NYC to appear, for a DRAF assessment fee, that was sent to the wrong address, where I use to reside. It was for a cell phone violation, and I paid it, but was not aware of thr DRAF fee, which sent to the wrong address. The police took me into custody and held me there for 2 ours in Manhattan. I have valid NJ License. I went to DMV and paid the DRAF fee right away and made sure they corrected my information. They said they had 2 addresses in my name. They said I am goo to drive in NYC now, and the 6 points were removed. Why is the DRAF fee not informed to the individual right away? Also I have receipt to show in court that I am clear for my Desk Appearane Ticket. No why did I receive that?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      November 5, 2017 9:21 am

      Arun Sajnani,

      It sounds like you are being charged with Aggravated Un-Licensed based on the suspension. You did the correct thing by clearing your suspension. You likely can get this negotiated down to a non-criminal result and just pay a fine.

      Good luck!

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hi Matt,

    I was recently ticketed in Saratoga as I was driving 74 (I submit) in a 55MPH Zone. Officer had me @ 76. Seems all too convenient that’s exactly how many MPH over the speed limit I would’ve needed to be traveling, to be eligible for the DFAR but, what can you do.

    As I live several hours from there, and it was my first and only time driving through Saratoga, I paid the fine. Then, as is true for many, I received my DRAF not long after.

    I’ve spoken with several representatives in the NYS DMV over the last several days, and was finally informed that there is a “Form” I can fill out, and submit to the court in an effort to appeal the DFAR. Do you know of such form? And/Or what it’s called?

    For what it’s worth, my intent is to argue that I was unaware of the consequence of DFAR when initally pleading guilty, and would also question the accuracy of the instrument used by the office on that day. 1MPH less, and this goes away. I would venture to say the % of variance on the instrument, in a rain storm, at the very least enteratins the possibility that the instrument could’ve read incorrectly.

    Lastly, they sent the orginal fine to the current address on my license, but then the DFAR to my previous address? Anything there?

    Thanks in advance for you input!

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      October 26, 2017 9:12 pm

      PW,

      I have never heard of a right to appeal the DRAF. As far as I now, you cannot.

      The DRAF was sent to the address on file for you. You do not benefit from moving and failing to notify DMV.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Jeremy Durant
    October 16, 2017 2:59 pm

    I received a ticket for speeding in Oct. 2008. Then received a ticket for following to closely in 2010. Both fines were paid points no longer on my license as they come off after 18 months from date of violation yet 2 weeks ago in Oct. 2017 I receive a letter from DMV stating I owe an assessment fee. How is this possible and is there anything to be done about it? It has been over 9 yrs. I have never been contacted before for this. Always change my address when I move.

    Reply
    • Jeremy Durant,

      You must pay the fee. The DRAF is due because you accumulated 6 or more points within 18 months. The 9-year delay is unusual but not un-precedented. This happens from time-to-time and there is not time limit for such things. Sorry.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • hi i got a ticket on August 20 and i pay for it and now i got another mail about driver responsibility assessment statement, do i have to pay even those i don’t live in the state and what is driver responsibility assessment statement anyway??

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      October 4, 2017 11:59 pm

      Saw Tutu,

      Yes, you must pay the Driver Assessment Fee even thought you do not live in New York State. This fee is imposed on any motorist (NY or out-of-state) that accumulates 6 or more NY points. If you do not pay it, New York will suspend your privilege to drive here and your host state will (eventually) also suspend you until NY’s suspension is cleared up.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
      • thank you for reply, but EVEN THOSE I LIVE IN CANADA i still have to pay and why do i lose point in other country?

        Reply
        • Matthew Weiss
          October 9, 2017 10:48 pm

          sawtutu,

          Anyone who gets 6 or more points in New York State (even out of state drivers) is subject to the Driver Assessment Fee. New York points will transfer onto a Ontario and Quebec license but no other parts of Canada (and no other countries).

          Matthew Weiss

          Reply
          • if i pay will i get the point back.?

          • Saw Tutu,

            You are billed for a Driver Assessment Fee because you have 6 or more NY points. You do not get extra points when you pay it.

            Matthew Weiss

  • No Faith in The NYS Laws
    September 10, 2017 8:16 pm

    This is horrific! This past June 30, 2017, the Friday before 4rth of July weekend, I eas in traffic, as 1/4 if NY drivers were going south and east from tbe Bronx to Queens, LI, Hamptons, Grand Central Parkway, LaGaurdia and Kennedy airports; and I was melting in my car doing 10 miles per hour on tbe Whitestone bridge. Finally off the bridge an opening to my left where that exit had no traffic…a black Honda peels out from behind me. Me in my black Hyundai is “clocked at 65” is what that jerk cop said to me after he makes me and pulls me over. He couldn’t catch that guy, so he gets me. I couldn’t dight it in court, and so I paid tbe fine, get 6 points iff my license, and now tbis scam if an assessment. What should I do? What choice do I have?

    Reply
    • No Faith in The NYS Laws,

      Not much you can do now. If it is less than 30 days since you plead guilty, then you can appeal your guilty plea arguing that you didn’t understand its consequences. Otherwise, you’re pretty much stuck. You can take the NYS Driver Safety Class as that will take up to 4 points off your total.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • I have a conviction from 2/4/17for 2 points and another form 8/29/18 for 4 points. Its technically more than 18 months. Why do I still have to pay the draf?

    Reply
    • Kelly,

      The DRAF is likely due because your two convictions occurred within 18 months of one another (even if you were convicted much later in time). The date of offense is what controls so a delay so not avoid a DRAF.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • I currently have a DRAF that is due soon.. I have recently moved out of state and will getting a drivers license in that state. Do I still have to pay the DRAF since I wont be driving in NYS anymore?

    Reply
    • Maria,

      Out of state drivers still make pay the DRAF. If you do not NY will suspended you and then notify the other states who will, in turn, honor the suspension.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • The DMV sent my assessment to an old NY address (where I haven’t lived for 6 years) instead of my current address (in a different state), which was the one listed on the ticket I received (the whole point of me receiving an assessment fee in the first place, but we all know NY, so I digress). I didn’t receive the assessment until it was already a month overdue. I paid it immediately, but I’m wondering how long it will take for them to lift the suspension that I assume is now put on my NYS driving record for out-of-state drivers who receive a ticket? Also, the notice that they sent mentioned nothing about a suspension termination fee, nor did it mention anything like that when I went on the DMV site to pay the assessment fee. Do I need to pay that, as well? If so, how do I pay that?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      August 25, 2017 12:31 am

      LMarie,

      DMV sends these notices to the last address that you provide. If you moved without informing DMV, then you won’t get those notices and cannot blame DMV. You can lift the suspension immediately by paying the owed Driver Assessment Fee and the Suspension Termination Fee (which you must pay to end your suspension).

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Last year I forgot to pay a DRAF installment, apparently my license was suspended (6/25/2016) until I was notified via email and I immediately paid the fee online and the suspension lifted (7/1/2016). My driving abstract now lists as a Suspension/Revocation, how long will this be there? Is there anything I can do to have it removed?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      August 6, 2017 1:07 pm

      Sue,

      The not cleared “Suspension/Revocation” is part of your

        permanent

      record. However, after 5-6 years, it will no no longer be visible on your Driver Record Abstract.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
      • I’m on my final payment of a dwi draf. So I’ve paid my final 250 of the 750 that is due. However I’ve been told that because this happened in 2013 and finalized in 14. I’m going to have to pay this fee again. Is this true if so it’s b.s. I understand what happened after four beers at a brewery but I’ve done everything I’m supposed to and over paid ALOT had the interlock took the classes saw the shrink went to cares which by the way is way understaffed and they really can’t keep track of things. So do I have to pay another 750 on what’s supposed to be a one time deal? First time misdemeanor

        Reply
        • Justin,

          Once you pay off the full DRAF, you will not be billed or owe for another DRAF for the same incident or event.

          Matthew Weiss

          Reply
  • Hi Matthew,

    I, like Alex N in this comment section, received 6 pts in 17 months from 2006-2008. Eight years later I am just receiving a notification that I have 1 month from the date they printed the letter (not even from when I received it) to produce at least $100 minimum payment. From what I’ve read it looks like there is no recourse, you just pay and wallow in your anger… Having to pay a penalty eight years later doesn’t make you a safer driver. I don’t have any violations since 2008, but paying the penalty now doesn’t make me a safer driver in the past… it would have been effective if I had gotten a notice after the first 4 points, or even after it was too late in 2008 with 6 points. What office or government official would be appropriate to address a letter to about the DRA program/policy? If they feel like the point system and traffic tickets are not enough, why not stiffen those laws? Why add a fee that they can send you at any point in your life going forward for something that may have happened a decade or more ago?

    Reply
    • Taylor H,

      Answers in bold.

      What office or government official would be appropriate to address a letter to about the DRA program/policy? DMV, the Governor and your local state politicians.

      If they feel like the point system and traffic tickets are not enough, why not stiffen those laws? It’s really a tax to help NYS collect more money.

      Why add a fee that they can send you at any point in your life going forward for something that may have happened a decade or more ago? It wasn’t designed to be billed so belated. Your case is an example of inefficient enforcement.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Eleven years ago, (2005) I received six points on my license for failing to signal, not turning my four ways on and . I paid all fees and attended traffic school for the point reduction. I understand that the point reduction does not apply to this fee. However, why is it that they are charging me this fee now? This matter was closed 11 years ago, and as far as I know, a NYS driving abstract is only supposed to count points up to 36 months. To put this in perspective, I was a newly licensed 16 year old when I received the ticket, I am now almost 28 years old.

    Reply
    • Alex N,

      You are not alone in receiving a DRAF bill belatedly. Unfortunately, there is not statute of limitations for this fee. Further, if you do not pay it, your NY drivers license or privilege will be suspended.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hi,
    I am Spanish and with Spanish residence and driver license. During my visit to USA I was stopped for speeding.
    Some days later, I received in Spain a letter with the fine (which I have already paid) and also another letter with the DRAF (not paid yet).
    There is any consequence for foreigners if we do not pay this DRAF fine?
    Or only affects to American drivers? Any consequence if I come back to drive in USA or NY?
    Many thanks for your help!

    Reply
    • Jo Mor,

      If you do not pay the DRAF, your right to drive in New York will be suspended and most of the other 49 states will honor this suspension. Therefore, I recommend that you pay it.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hi, I got 6 point speeding ticket last yr in Aug,2015 in NY but my license is from TX. I received the court fine after 1 month that i paid immediately. But I didn’t receive yet DRA notice from NY dmv for $300.
    I was trying to pay online on NY DMV site but they were asking for NY license. How I can pay DRA fee asap to NY DMV to avoid any penalty.

    Reply
  • Aaron M Henry
    July 1, 2016 12:24 am

    I am in the process of appealing a terribly inappropriate failure to yield ticket which put me at 8 points (I had 5 before). The officers notes were full of mistakes and he even got the street, direction, and turn direction wrong and he said he didn’t remember my turn but the judge was in a hurry and upheld. I’m appealing, but my DRA is due before I can finish my appeal. If the ticket is vacated will I get my money back? If I don’t get these 3 points then I will only have 5 points. It seems very presumptuous to asses the fee before an appeal has been heard.

    Reply
  • How is that in 2005 I received 3 tickets that amounted to 7 points but I am still being sent driver assesment fees in 2016!? I paid me assesment fees off in 3 years. What is going on here?? I’m Getting my lawyer on the phone asap.

    Reply
  • Mr Weiss,

    In July of 2014 I was pulled over (in NY where I reside) for speeding and fined (first fine/time pulled over). Not thinking much of it, I went online and payed the 200 dollar fine. A month or two later I get a letter (which I know to be a DRA). I read up on it, and decide not having any other options, pay the initial 100 dollar installment. Fast forward to last week (June 2016), I get pulled over in Maryland Driving up from Virginia in a radar surveillance area. To my surprise the officer notes that I am driving with a suspended licence and am issued a “must appear”. The officer lets me off with a warning for the speeding but the suspended license violation stands.

    Although I must say that I should have remembered to make the subsequent payments, I never received any further notices of my remaining payments (as stated I would in first notice) or any notice of my license being suspended ( I would never have driven had I known!) I had moved prior to getting the first ticket, but for some reason the initial notice was forwarded with the rest of my mail but not any subsequent notices.

    Should I immediately pay the remainder of my DRA fines and get my licence reinstated in NY, or should contact someone in the state of Maryland and first note the process down there before taking any action that might later hurt any potential arguments I could make?

    Many thanks,
    John D.

    Reply
    • John D,

      In my opinion, you should pay what you owe NYS as soon as possible. Make sure you also pay the Suspension Termination Fee which is a NY fee that is imposed to actually lift the suspension in NY (as well as any monies that are owed in MD or VA). This way your license will be restored.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • I received a ticket three years ago, which I legally delayed until this week. It’s 6 point violation (speeding).

    My understanding is that points only stay on my record for 18 months from the date of violation. If I am convicted this week, will I be charged a DRAF? Seems like I should not, given that I will have no points on my license.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jesse,

      If you are convicted this week, you WILL still be billed the DRAF. DMV will restrictively count your points based on the date of offense and, then, bill you for having the six (albeit retroactively).

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • I forgot to pay my draf and my license is now suspended … If I pay it will the suspension be lifted and also if I get more points while I’m already paying a draf … They are simply going to require me to pay more money or are there worse consequences

    Reply
    • Young Guy,

      If you pay the Driver Assessment Fee and a Suspension Termination Fee, then that suspension will be lifted off your record. If you get any other convictions within 18 months of your existing conviction(2), then you will be billed $75 per additional point.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Denise Tredway
    May 21, 2016 10:38 am

    I just received a bill for the driver responsibility assessment and my tickets were from 2008 and 2009. Isn’t there some sort of statute of limitations on this? It’s now 7 years later and they are just billing me? Is this legal?

    Reply
    • Denise Tredway,

      Unfortunately, there is no statute of limitations for the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • just another way to make money they say this is a assessment but if you have a clean record after this assessment will they give your money back no. what they need to assess is those cops who give tickets to make there quota

    Reply

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