When you get pulled over, you feel the dread that comes with knowing that it’s going to cost you money. But in addition to the actual ticket cost, you may also be liable for mandatory fees, penalties, and other associated costs.
Knowing what you are potentially facing can help you better prepare — both financially and to make an informed decision as to whether you should fight your ticket.
To get a more accurate assessment of whether you should fight your traffic ticket, feel free to email a photo of the front of your ticket to lawyer@nytrafficticket.com and include your phone number. Or call us at 212-683-7373 for a free consultation.
Actual Ticket
Traffic tickets in New York are among the most expensive in the nation. Depending on the reason for receiving one, they could range between $45 and $750. For example, if you were speeding between 1 and 10 mph, a ticket would be on the lower end of the spectrum. The faster you go, the higher the ticket. And if you were speeding in a school zone or speeding in a work zone, the fines are doubled. Other reasons for getting a ticket include failing to yield, improper turns, tailgating, running a red light, or any of the reasons listed on the DMV site.
Additional Fees
One of the reasons New York traffic tickets are so expensive is because motorists convicted of a New York moving violation have to pay a surcharges in addition to a fine. New York imposes mandatory surcharges to traffic tickets. It works pretty much like a tax on your fine, and the amount can range between $88 and $93, depending on where in the state you were pulled over. Therefore, it is possible for a surcharge to be higher than the cost of the ticket. It will not be reduced because your actual ticket was lower.
Driver Responsibility Assessment Fees
Another reason New York traffic tickets are so costly is due to the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee. If you are assessed 6 or more points within an 18-month period, you will have to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee. This fee also applies if you are convicted of an alcohol or drug related driving offense, or if you refused to take a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC).
The amount of this fee will vary depending on the number of points in your driving record. If it was based solely on 6 points within 18 months, you will have to pay $100 for three consecutive years, for a total of $300. If you have more than 6 points, you will have to pay an additional $25 for each extra point for three years (total $75).
If you are assessed this Fee because of an alcohol or drug related offense or if you refused to take a BAC test, the fee is $250 for three consecutive years, for a total of $750. In the alternative, you can pay it in one lump sum.
Suspended Driver’s License
A driver’s license can be suspended for several reasons. These include accumulating 11 or more points on your driver’s record within 18 months or not paying child support. But the most common ones are failing to answer a traffic ticket, forgetting to pay a fine, or failing to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee. Critically, in New York, driving with a suspended license is a crime.
As if that were not bad enough, once you deal with that issue, you have to pay a suspension termination fee to reinstate your driving privileges. This additional fee may vary between $50 and $100 depending on the circumstances.
Driver Safety Class
The New York DMV has a Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP). Under this program, you can take a 6 hour driver safety course to get points deducted from your driving record. Once you finish, you will get 4 points deducted from your total (although the convictions remain on your record). Regardless of the course you choose to take, you will have to pay enrollment costs that vary depending on the service provider.
For transparency purposes, please note that our law firm is in an affiliate program with the linked Defensive Driving course. You can find additional approved courses on the New York DMV website but we recommend this one for its educational and entertainment value.
Increased Insurance
Your auto insurance premium can increase after being convicted of a traffic ticket — especially if you were involved in an accident and/or your driver’s license was suspended. The increases are significant and will continue for 36 months from the date of conviction.
Time Missed From Work
Depending on where you work, you may get paid an hourly wage or a salary. And often, hourly employees do not get paid time off. If this applies to you, this means that a day you do not go to work is a day you do not get paid. Even if you are salaried and do get paid time off, sometimes it can get denied. So in addition to the stresses that come with getting a ticket, you may also have to deal with how taking time off to fight it may affect your paycheck.
Traffic Attorney’s Fees and Cost: How Much is a Traffic Ticket Lawyer?
Attorney’s fees may vary depending on whom you hire to represent you. At New York Traffic Ticket, we understand that this is a stressful time and the last thing you need is to have to worry about a surprise bill from your lawyer.
When you hire us, we charge a flat fee to fight all traffic cases. Starting fees currently range between $350 and $500, but we will let you know upfront the exact amount that applies to you. Factors that are taken into account include entering a guilty or not guilty plea, scheduling and rescheduling (if it is necessary to do so), and representing you at the hearing.
The best part is that you will likely not have to appear in court, so you may not even need to take time off work.
How Can Weiss and Associates, PC Help?
Since 1991, Weiss & Associates, PC have made fighting your traffic ticket as easy as possible. You do not have to appear in court, for instance We offer an initial free consultation where we will discuss your case at length. Our flat fees eliminate surprises. Our experienced traffic lawyers will vigorously defend you. Call us now to discuss.
We have extensive experience fighting thousands of traffic tickets in New York City and throughout New York state; and 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!
