The first response that most people give when asked why should they fight their New York speeding violation ticket is points. Speeding convictions in New York State carry 3 to 11 points depending on how many miles per hour over the limit with which you are charged.
New York Speeding Ticket Chart
1 – 10 mph over speed limit 3 points
11 – 20 mph over speed limit 4 points
21 – 30 mph over speed limit 6 points
31 – 40 mph over speed limit 8 points
41+ mph over speed limit 11 points
The better response is that one should fight their New York speeding summons to avoid being suspended for too many points. In other words, it is the consequences of having too many points to which people are averse.
In New York State, if you accumulate more than 10 points, you can be suspended. Additionally, even with just one conviction for 31 mph (or more) over the limit, a judge could suspend your license.
Speeding Ticket and Insurance
The second reason for fighting your New York speeding ticket is auto insurance rates. Most people are aware that having a speeding ticket on your record (among other things) can raise your insurance rates. What many people do not know is that, if you have a clean record (no points or accidents) and you are convicted of one low speeding ticket, your insurance rates will not go up. For insurance purposes, a low speeding ticket is one where you are convicted of only proceeding 15 mph (or less) above the limit.
With insurance rates already high for drivers with a cleaning driving record, it is important to fight your New York speeding ticket to keep your rate as low as possible. Another thing you can do to keep your rates low is to take the driver safety class. This 6-hour class will take 4 points off your New York point total plus save you 10% off your auto insurance.
The last reason to fight your New York State speeding summons is money. The NYC speeding ticket cost is, at least, $90. Plus, New York State adds $50 to the fine making the cost of your speeding ticket $140 (or more). Moreover, for a 6-point speeding ticket conviction (21 mph over the limit or higher), the New York State Department Of Motor Vehicles will impose yet another fee called the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee of $300. This fee increases by $75 for every point above 6 on your NY motorist’s driving record. Therefore, a conviction to a New York State speeding ticket can get very expensive.
As discussed above, there are, therefore, three very good reasons to fight your NYS speeding ticket even if you have an otherwise clean record. If you have any questions about pleading not guilty to a speeding ticket in NY, or how to fight a speeding ticket in NY, try visiting our website for more helpful information.
921 Comments. Leave new
Hello,
I am a CT licensed driver and I recieved a ticket for speeding 103 in a 65 as well as Unsafe Passing and Lane Violation in Orange County New York. It is my understanding in total that is 14 points but since I am a first time offender the offer from the prosecutor at the initial conference was a reduction to 8 points and a parking ticket. At the time I was extremely flustered and under the impression that I would lose my license and have to pay a fortune so I requested a trial but on second thought and after some research I realized it might have been better to accept his offer. Would it be possible to take a defensive driving course ASAP and request another conference and hopefully get the 8 offered reduced to 4 points and a parking ticket instead? Or is my only option now trying to find a lawyer to represent me in court?
Godbody,
Yes, take the defensive driver class ASAP and ask for a conference at your next court date. You’ll likely be offered a comparable (if not better) offer.
Bring your certificate that you took the class to your court date.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Hi,
I received a speeding ticket in NJ for 82mph in 55mph limit. I have a NYS license. I understand the point doesn’t transfer. However, I have previously 6 points record from NY. Will my insurance goes up if I pay the fine?
Thank you.
Your NY insurance could go up because a NJ conviction will be reported to NY (and thus your insurance company could find out).
Matthew Weiss
I reside in NJ and have a NJ license. I received a ticket in Rensaeller (spelling?) county two weekends ago for going 72 in a 55. My record is completely clean. Sounds like this equates to a 2 point violation on my NJ record. I do not have time to go to court, especially in Rensaeller County. What kind of fine am I facing? Any recommendations? My inclination is to just plead guilty and pay the fine. Thanks for your time!
Douglas,
This speeding ticket carries 4 points in NY and 2 in NJ. The fine is around $200 if you plead guilty and have an otherwise clean record.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
Hi,
I was pulled over for supposedly driving 63 in a 45 rd.
The hgwy -jackie robinson is a very windy road and a about 30 seconds before i was pulled over a car cut infront of me because of upcoming commotion on the right side of the rd (pulled over cars with unmarked cop cars). The cop tagged-laser the car infront of me but he was going to quick to slow down on the highway-so therefore he pulled me over based on the laser of the car infront of me- and i was going slow enough to stop right away and pull on to the right side of the hgwy. I never got pulled over in my life, so i didnt know what i was supposed to do so I didnt say anything just gave him my information and he ticketed me.
I am a Connecticut resident. Should i plead and pay the fine? if i do will i get points transferred to my license? or should i fight and drive to nyc on the court date, if i do go to court-based on what happened would they drop the case or that doesnt happen in ny?
Thanks!
Sarat,
Points from New York do not transfer to Connecticut. The conviction will be reported however and can be used against you if you have issues with your CT license.
If you have a clean record and don’t get a lot of tickets, in your unique situation, I recommend just paying the ticket.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
Hello,
I received a ticket today on the Northway going 81 in a 65. The officer clocked me and a van in front of me with his laser. I am confused about the whole guilty/not guilty ordeal. I am 40 and have a spotless record. I would like to keep these 4 points off of my record. I know I was speeding….but don’t know if I was going quite that fast (neither does my husband). I was told to plead not guilty in order to get another court date, rather than appear on the court date already on the ticket…..to raise the chances of the officer not being there. It is for the Town of Bethlehem which I guess is pretty strict with these kinds of tickets…..Please advise….
Thanks,
Heather
Heather,
Plead not guilty to this New York speeding ticket. At the Bethlehem Traffic Court you can work out a plea bargain which will save you points and avoid a high speeding going on your record.
Feel free to call us for advice or help if you have any further questions. It would be our pleasure.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
I received a ticket for failure to obey a traffic signal/sign on my motorcycle (took a left at a light that I was not supposed to take a left at)…tried to enter my plea on-line within the two week time period and the ticket was not up. Now it has been 61 days, and I received an email stating that the ticket still was not posted, and that I probably entered the information incorrectly, which I double checked and it is correct. What do I need to do about this ticket? Will it ever show up, or is this something that will come back and haunt me if I get pulled over again (as I split lanes and am sure that an officer will eventually ping me for this as well, giving me 6pts on my license)
What are the next steps that I should be looking at?
Joshua,
You are correct in being concerned. I would recommend re-registering your disobey traffic control device ticket with the Traffic Violations Bureau. I also recommend visiting a Traffic Violations Bureau to double check in person.
Our office is check for, at least, 6 months before we “retire” the NY traffic ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Thanks…I’ll keep an eye out for it to show, then give your office a call if it does.
Hi. I received a speeding ticket in the summer for going 85/65 on route 17 in NY. I was driving a Mercury Sable ’96 which wouldn’t go faster than 50 while driving uphill. I was pressing hard on the gas, in order to keep up to the normal speed. After a couple of minutes, the highway went downhill and I was going 80. I immediately pressed on the brake to slow down, and right there, on the side of the highway, was the officer- on the lookout. It all happened so fast, and when he stopped me I was so nervous, so I tried to excuse myself. (After I got home, I read up all about speeding tickets and learned that I should have been quiet or acted dumb etc). So I admitted to him that I was going 80 (although he accused me of 85), since I was trying to explain to him that I was going downhill, especially after stepping hard on the gas to go uphill.. I hoped he would understand and let me go. But he didn’t and he gave me that ticket (with proof that I admitted to 80). Of course I pleaded not guilty as I don’t want points on my license. I received a pre-trial conference for next week.
My questions are as follows:
1. Can I hire a lawyer for the conference? Or is that only if I end up going to court? I am really nervous about this. I have never been to court before.
2. Should I bother fighting with my excuse (as I was not speeding the whole time- it just picked up speed going downhill)? Or should I just request a reduction? Can I give my excuse while asking for reduction? (Would that give me a better deal?)
3. The whole thing with the officer not showing up and the case being dismissed- is that only at court? Or also at the conference?
4. The time for the conference is 8:30 AM in Wurtsboro, NY. I live in NYC. Do I need to come on time? Or is it one of those kind of times, that you can show up anytime that day? (I would have to leave at 6 AM!!)
5. Who should I go with? Is it better to go alone or with someone?
6. What should I bring with me (besides the letter they sent me in the mail)?
7. Should I try pushing off the conference? Would it help anything? If yes, what kind of excuses would they accept for pushing it off?
Any other advice you can give me, would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!!
RL,
Answers following each of your questions:
1. Can I hire a lawyer for the conference? Or is that only if I end up going to court? I am really nervous about this. I have never been to court before. You can hire a lawyer for the conference. Our firm has handled 1,000s of such conferences.
2. Should I bother fighting with my excuse (as I was not speeding the whole time- it just picked up speed going downhill)? Or should I just request a reduction? Can I give my excuse while asking for reduction? (Would that give me a better deal?) You should fight it even though your excuse is not a strong one. There is often a chance for a better result even if you are without a good defense.
3. The whole thing with the officer not showing up and the case being dismissed- is that only at court? Or also at the conference? A dismissal for a police officer’s non-appearance is usually only if the case is on for trial (not if it is on for conference). Further, even if the officer fails to appear once, the judge can still assign a new date to give him a second chance.
4. The time for the conference is 8:30 AM in Wurtsboro, NY. I live in NYC. Do I need to come on time? Or is it one of those kind of times, that you can show up anytime that day? (I would have to leave at 6 AM!!) You need to be there on time. 8:30 am is 8:30 am. Alternatively, you can hire a New York traffic lawyer to appear in your place.
5. Who should I go with? Is it better to go alone or with someone? Alone is fine.
6. What should I bring with me (besides the letter they sent me in the mail)? Nothing but dress reasonably nice.
7. Should I try pushing off the conference? Would it help anything? If yes, what kind of excuses would they accept for pushing it off? No, just get it over with. They’ll offer you a reduction which will not hurt you too bad.
Hi, I got a speeding ticket on route 17 few month ago in the summer for 74/55 limit. I experienced the exact downhill and the police were looking out. I will have a conference in Feb. I wonder how did your pretrial go. What kind of reduction they offer? I live in NYC too.
Also, should I apply the online pre-bargain which they offer or go to the court in person. Wonder if there is any difference.
Thanks so much!
Helen
Helen,
You likely will be offered a 2-point reduction. I would use the online program.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
I am a CT resident and this past weekend I got pull over going 76 in a 55 in Gallatin Town, NY on parkway 9. I have never been pulled over in CT or NY. At the bottom of the ticket I stated ” I don’t know how fast I was going” Let me know how much you think the ticket would be and if I should fight it. Thanks
Patrick
The fine for this ticket will be roughly $200 but you’ll also have to pay $300 for NY’s driver assessment fee. A conviction in NY will be reported to CT and your CT insurance company can use this against you. We therefore recommend fighting it.
Feel free to call us for guidance (or for us to handle it for you).
Best,
Matthew Weiss
I forgot to mention that this occured on a ramp in the Village of Lawrence, Nassau County in August 2010 in the morning, and I was charged with violating Section 1180D of the Traffic and Motor Vehicle Law (traffic infraction); a lazer was used.
Ola,
See my response to your other comment on this thread.
I plead “not guilty” to a speeding violation of doing 52 mph in a 30 mph zone at the pre-trial conference because I was unsure if I should take the plea bargain offered by the prosecutor (36 in a 30 mph zone and 3 vs. 6 pts). My trial date is set for tomorrow, Feb 1, 2011. Do you think the prosecutor will offer me the same deal again (I now regret not taking that deal)? Do you think my defense (trying to avoid an accident) will be plausible? What questions should I ask the officer that will help my case? (Btw I had a witness in the car). Sorry for the short notice questions, but please answer them ASAP. Thanks!
Ola,
This is a 6-point speeding ticket so the 3-point offer is a decent one. If you take it, you will also save the Driver Assessment Fee of $300. Therefore, I would take it. Definitely ask for a conference and the prosecutor will likely offer you the same deal. I doubt they want to conduct a trial and would be happy to resolve it through a plea bargain.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Thank you so much for your helpful advice! I just learned that it will be a different prosecutor at the trial today, but I will seek him out for a conference and hopefully he will be willing to offer the same plea bargain. I’ll keep you posted!
Hello Mr. Weiss,
I got a speeding ticket back in Sept. 2010 for going 45 on a 30 in Lawrence, NY which I believe is a 4 point ticket. I have never gotten a speeding ticket before. I have pleaded ‘not guilty’ and got a letter back stating the court accepted my ‘not guilty’ plea & now I’m scheduled for a pre-trial conference tomorrow. I just need your advice – I’m under my parent’s insurance policy. Is there any way I can get the fine reduced and save my points?
Appreciate your time. Thank you!
Lauren Y,
Tomorrow, ask for a conference and speak to the prosecutor. He or she will likely offer you a lesser charge. This will save you points and possibly reduce the fine.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
I got a speeding ticket on I-87 in new york before the tappan zee bridge. It was given to me for going 76 in a 55. I was traveling in the Right center lane and traffic was pretty heavy that day. The two left lanes were moving faster than i was. I also had my cruise control set at a lower speed than he said i was going. I pleaded not guilty because i truly feel that I’m not. I also have an NJ license so i know i’ll only get the two points in NJ but the $500 fine that seems to be what you say i’ll get is not really something i can pay. Plus any insurance rate increase. Any Ideas?
Mark,
When you go to court, as for a conference. The prosecutor will likely offer you a reduction. This will save you New York points and the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Hey, I got pulled over in New York City today going 80 in a 50mph zone. I believe it’s 6 points and the 300$ assessment fee but if I plea not guilty, how are my chances of getting it reduced? And should I plea not guilty?
Thanks,
Kevin
Kevin,
This New York speeding ticket carries 6 points and subjects you to a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. We recommend fighting it even though there is no plea bargaining in New York City.
I wrote an article entitled “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau” which should help you fight it. Alternatively, call us to discuss how a New York traffic lawyer can help you.
Matthew Weiss
Hello Mr. Weiss,
Last night I was pulled over for driving in the HOV lane southbound on the NJ Turnpike during the restricted hours. Whoops. The cop pulled me over and said I was following too close and driving in the HOV lane etc. He let me slide on the following too close but he issued me a summons for the HOV lane infraction.
Now I carry a NYS drivers license… I was just wondering if my insurance will be affected by this. Also will this infraction remain on my license for NY police to see as well if I were to ever get pulled over in the future? and if it does, will it be there forever?
Lastly I don’t want to bother going to court so I was also wondering if you know how much a HOV infraction ticket will cost me.
I am not concerned about points because I know NY doesn’t accept point penalties from NJ.
Thanks for all your help and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Michelle
Michelle,
If you have an otherwise clean record (i.e., no accidents or other moving violations within 36 months), then a conviction to this HOV charge will not affect your insurance. It will be reported to New York but, as you wrote, no New York points will be assessed on your license. It remains on your license for 5 years. I am not sure how much this New Jersey ticket costs but I’d estimate about $100 to $150.
Best of luck.
Matthew Weiss
hi,
i was pulled over for going 80 in a 65 and i am from ontario. since my car is in km/h and has very small mph (20-40-60-80 etc) its sometimes hard to tell if you are doing the speed limit. well this time i was pulled over and i was going down a light downgrade on I81 between watertown and syracuse (Ellisburg NY)
i got a letter telling me they needed a plea from me 4 months later, but i thought i was waiting for a dollar amount for the ticket( like it is in ontario) so then i thought OMG i better send my plea in, then get my ticket amount to pay. i pled guilty and the fine was only $100 which is not too bad, but the i notice a $85 surcharge + something called a scofflaw fee of $70 (total of $255)
i was wondering you had any suggestions on what should i do, and what should i expect from my insurance company if anything to happen?
i would rreally appreciate your thoughts on this
thanks
mike
Mike,
We can try and vacate your guilty plea. If successful, we will likely be able to get this ticket reduced so you don’t get any demerit points on your Ontario license.
Call us to discuss further the details behind this strategy.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
Hi Mr. Weiss,
Two nights ago I got a speeding ticket for going 95 in a 65 coming home from a snowboarding trip and the reason I was speeding was because my boot got stuck which made the accelerator stay down which in turn made me speed. I am 17 and I am in NYS
How much do u think will happen and what it will cost if I plead guilty and what happens if I plead not guilty ?
Connor,
Do NOT plead guilty. You definitely want to fight this ticket. It carries 6 points and subjects you to a fine of roughly $200 plus a $300 driver assessment fee. It can also hurt your insurance rates. If you fight, it you very likely save points, the $300 driver assessment fee and avoid an insurance hike. By the way, I am assuming you are not on probation (because if you are, then you MUST fight this ticket to avoid a suspension of your newly-issued license).
If you cannot or do not want to appear in court (or travel back there), feel free to call us for a free consultation. We can fight it and you will not have to even go to court.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
Mr Weiss;
I’m from Ontario. Today I got my first speeding ticket near Batavia NY. It was 76 in 65 zone. When the office stopped me he told me I was going at 120 km/h (which is 74.5 mph) but he wrote in the ticket I was at 76 mph. I beleive this makes a difference in the points & the fine too.
My question is, would this technicality help me when fighting the ticket?
Thanks
Pete,
You definitively want to fight this ticket because points from New York do transfer to Ontario. This “mistake” likely won’t help you beat this ticket. There are many ways to obtain a favorable result, however. Visit my web site New York traffic lawyer for helpful info. Or feel free to call us for a free consultation. We represent many Ontario drivers and have achieved excellent results for them in the past.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
first time ever with a traffic stop:
got a speeding ticket for going 15mph over the limit and one for running a red light
If I understand this correctly, that would be 4 points for the speeding and an additional 3 for the red light.
any idea what sorts of fees i might be looking at and would it be worth while to contest the Speeding charge?
Daniel,
Yes, those are 3 and 4 points each. The fees are roughly $200 each plus a $300 driver assessment fee. We recommend fighting them both. If you beat or reduce just one, you’ll save the $300 driver assessment fee (assuming you have an otherwise clean record).
Feel free to call us for a free consultation.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
Hi Matthew,
The following events happened in this order:
1) I received a seat belt ticket in New Rochelle.
2) They scheduled me for a pre-trial conference and I wrote back requesting that the matter be set for trial.
3) I then wrote separately to request a supporting deposition (timely: about 3 weeks after the appearance date of the original summons).
4) They re-scheduled the pre-trial conference for one month later and I again wrote back requesting that the matter be set for trial.
5) The officer failed to supply the supporting deposition (30 days have passed since I requested the deposition).
6) They re-schduled the pre-trial conference for one month later, this time labeled “final”.
Here is the question: If I show up at the “final” pre-trial conference, will the prosecutor dismiss the case based on the lack of a timely filed supporting deposition? Or is this “conference” merely a way to deter the innocent from fighting tickets by forcing them to show up to court twice? Can I force the matter to be scheduled for trial without having to show up at a “conference”?
You are really great to help people like this. Thank you.
BAT,
You should file a motion to dismiss prior to the conference/trial date. Arguably this motion was required to be made earlier but some courts will not deny it on these grounds.
i got my first and (hopefully) only speeding ticket (72 on a 55) in rochester ny. i know this carries 4 points.
i have no prior points/tickets – (does 1 parking ticket count?).
– do i plead guilty or not guilty?
– if i plead guilty, how much in fines do i have to pay?
Andrew,
Parking tickets do not count on your driving record.
In regard to your Rochester Ticket, I would plead not guilty. We always recommend fighting any ticket which can result in points, an insurance increase and, of course, fines.
If you opt to plead guilty, the fine should about around $150.
Matthew Weiss
Hello – I got stopped by a cop in NY City for keeping my cellphone while driving. I am told that this ticket will have no points associated with it.. I was thinking of just paying it off, but before that I wanted to see if it will add any points to my NJ Driver’s license? Please advise.
H Ram,
In New York this ticket carries 0 points. However, if New Jersey assesses points for this type of ticket in New Jersey, then 2 points will be added to your NJ license if you plead guilty to this New York ticket.
In New York, a guilty plea to this ticket can negatively affect your auto insurance rates. I don’t know how this works in New Jersey but it’s worth checking out.
Matthew Weiss
I recently got a speeding ticket for going on 79 in a 35 zone @ I95 hiway, I was pulled-over right after I passed thru the toll booth. I’m holding a CA license. This is my first time ever and I don’t know what to do. Any advice would help. Thanks!
Kaia,
You should plea not guilty. This ticket carries 11 points and can result in your New York privilege to drive with your California license being suspended. California will honor any New York suspension. Further, a conviction to this charge in New York will be reported to California and consequently California will penalize your license.
If you fight it, you can very likely avoid a suspension, save points and save monies. This ticket carries a high fine, a $80 surcharge plus a $675 driver assessment fee. If you cannot attend court, we can handle this case for you. We handle 100s of cases for speeding along I95 and are very familiar with how to achieve a favorable result.
Feel free to call us for a free consultation.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
Matthew,
I was sited by a NYS Trooper 6/xx/07 for speeding 76/55 & sent in a not guilty plea w/in 24hrs.
I’ve just received a notice to appear for a
‘Appearance/Pre-Trial Conference’ on 12/xx/10
This is a full 3 1/2 years since I was sited.
Isn’t there some protection, time limit afforded me – right to a speedy ….
Some defense under CPL § 30.10, 30.20, or 30.30 ?
Thanks in Advance
BWK,
This ticket carries 6 points, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 driver assessment fee. So you did the right thing in plead not guilty.
Unfortunately, there is no right to a speedy trial for traffic tickets in New York. You can ask for a dismissal in the “interests of justice” but this is not likely to be granted.
Feel free to email me or call if you have any other questions.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
I recently got 2 speeding tickets in about a 2 week span. Neither of which I believe are my fault. I am from CT and my first ticket was on 84 in CT there was a car in front of me, and a car behind me, and the cop pulled out and pointed to me and had me pull over. He said he got me going 83 in a 65 which I know was not true and I had a witness in the car, It was rush hour in the morning and I was moving with the flow of traffic. Should I fight this one? And then I got one again going 70 in a 55 on 287 in NY but once again I had someone in front of me and behind me, the guy behind me was tailgating me and when I moved into the middle lane the cop pulled me over, and he acknowledged that there was a car tailgating me, but why did I get pulled over and not the other guy? Is it because I moved into a slower lane and the guy sped off? I don’t know if I should fight both of them or just one? These are my first tickets and I have been driving for 8 years. Any advice would help! Thanks!
Tina,
Definitely fight both tickets. The New York ticket carries 4 points in New York and, while it will be reported to CT, points do NOT transfer. The CT ticket will not be added in New York with the NY ticket.
If you fight one or both, you will likely be offered reductions (or plea bargains). The reduced charges will be better to have on your record than these charges, could save you points and could avoid an insurance increase.
If you want a free consultation on the New York ticket, feel free to call me.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
i got a ticket in a work zone for speeding going 55 in a 35 mph. i had gotten another ticket i am not sure whether it was just under 18 mo. ago. i am pleading not guilty. i was wondering when i should take the driving course. wait till i go to court or take it before? this happened in ny peekskill. what is your recommendations?
Elaine,
Fines double for work zone speeding tickets so you definitely want to fight this 4-point ticket. Further, you should take the Driver Safety Class right away. You do NOT have to wait because you already received the ticket. The course will not apply for new tickets you get but will apply to any ones pending at the time you take it.
Click on the link above for the best driver safety class in my opinion. They use professional comedians to keep it interested and it is all done online. Use discount code “redlight” for an extra $5 off.
In the interests of full disclosure, I make $8 or $9 if you click this link.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
I recently got a traffic ticket for speeding (81 in a 55) while driving from Connecticut to New Jersey (through NY) on 1-84 in Brewster, NY. The ticket said the date for the court hearing was September 19th, but then I received a letter stating that the court date was pushed back one week. I had planned to contest the ticket and attend the September 19th date, but when the date was pushed back (by the state) to the later date, I couldnt make it because it conflicted with my work/school schedule. So I paid the ticket instead. Fast forward to this week and I now received a letter stating I had to pay the driver responsibility assessment ($300) on top of the $200 that I already paid. I live in CT and have a CT drivers license. I am incensed that a simple traffic ticket is now costing me $500. Can I have my guilty plea vacated and avoid paying this ransom note? The last speeding ticket I received was in 2003 in Ohio. Thank you for your time.
Ken,
This is a 6-point ticket and your guilty plea triggered the $300 driver responsibility assessment fee (as you obviously learned). Even as a CT driver, you are subject to this fee.
In terms of vacating your guilty plea, some courts will allow it and others will not. It’s worth trying because, if you prevail, you’ll likely save points and the $300. We are pretty successful with vacate motions. Feel free to call us for a free consultation. Otherwise, good luck fighting this one.
Matthew Weiss, Esq.
212-683-7373
Hi, I just recieved a speeding ticket for 51 in a 30 in Montgomery County NY. The cop said I should fight for a reduction. If this doesnt get reduced to a non-moving violation my insurance company is definently going to drop me. Help!? Thanks
Jeanne, this is a 6-point ticket and definitely worth fighting. We can help get this reduced so you get less points and avoid an insurance increase. You won’t even have to go to court.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
I got a a speeding ticket for going 69 on a 40 or 45 on the BQE in NY which I believe is a 6 point ticket. I have pleaded not guilty and have a court date sometime next month. Is there any way I can get the fine reduced and save my points? I have never gotten a ticket in my life.
This is a 4-point ticket (not 6). Traveling 11 to 20 over the limit is 4 points. Here is an article entitled “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau” which will explain the process.
Otherwise, feel free to call us for a free consultation.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
Hello Traffic Lawyer,
I received a NYS 1110(a) ticket for allegedly going through a red light. This is my first offense, will the 2 points increase insurance costs? Is this ticket worth fighting/trying to use the nolo plea to reduce points?
Thank you for your time, any responce is greatly appreciated,
Mark
Mark,
If you have an otherwise clean record (no points or accidents on your driving record within 36 months of your 1110a ticket), a conviction to the 1110a will NOT affect your auto insurance. As you know, you will get assessed 2 points and have to pay a fine.
Got nailed last night on my travels through NY. 82 in a 65. Im from Ontario. Good idea to just plead Guilty and pay, or fight it? Theres no way i can make the travels back down to the court date, as its tiem consuming and costs to much to travel that far.
Ry,
You should plead not guilty, definitely. Points from a NY ticket will transfer to Ontario and can hurt your auto insurance rates. We can help. In fact, we can likely avoid you getting any points in Ontario.
Call us for a free consultation.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
Hi,
I recently got a speeding ticket on Oct 11 2010 in Seneca falls, New York. The ticket states that I was travelling 85 in a 65 zone. The officer also provided a disposition which states “vehicle 1 travelling w/b in driving lane at a approx 85 mph verified by laser at 85 mph. I pulled up to vehicle 1 and again recorded a speed of 80 mph in the same lane with radar. I did observe vehicle 1 move from the driving lane to passing lane and back with a signal as well.”
I am a ontario resident, I have a clean record with no tickets and US or Canada other than this one.
Please let me know what you can do and my chances are to get a pardon or drop the ticket all together, as my insurance will go up if there is a ticket.
If you can please provide some detail about your fees and if there are any guarantees for your service.
Thanks
Dalton,
We can definitely help. I believe we can get this ticket reduced to a charge which carries 0 points in Ontario, and you will NOT have to appear in court.
Please email me a scan of your ticket to mjweiss@888redlight.com and include your telephone number.
I’ll call you upon receipt.
Thanks
Matthew Weiss, Esq.
212-683-7373
Mr. Weiss,
I received a speeding ticket, last night, going 51 in 30 mph zone in Whitehall, NY on my way back to Champlain College. I’m 18 years old and have never been pulled over before this. I’m a little confused as to how to go about pleading “not guilty” when, clearly, they have me on radar as guilty. How would I defend myself at court if I were to plead “not guilty?” Is there a youth defender law in NY state which could be applied to this case? I’ve read that the ticket would range between $300-$500; is this true? I look forward in hearing back from you.
Thanks,
Miranda
Miranda,
This is a 6-point ticket which carries about a $200 fine and can hurt your auto insurance rates. It also subjects you to the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.
We therefore recommend that you fight it by pleading “not guilty”. At your court date, you will ask for a conference and an offer to reduce the charge will be made if you agree to change your plea. This is routine and will allow you to obtain a better outcome including saving the $300 Driver Assessment Fee.
BTW, there is youthful offender status for traffic tickets.
I hope this helps but, if you have more questions, call me.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
I am from Ontario and did 70 on 55 in NY (not TVB). The officer nice and gave me a 1110a but I am worried about my insurance.
Will the 1110a affect my insurance in Ontario, considering there is no comparable offence in the Ontario law? (in which case I should just pay it off). Or should I fight the reduced ticket? Do I risk the officer reinstating my original offence, although nowhere on the ticket mentions I was speeding?
Thanks so much
Aron,
The reduction to the 1110a was helpful but will not prevent points being added to your Ontario license. It reduced your ticket from 3 to 2 Ontario points. Ontario does have a comparable offense called Failing to obey signs prescribed by regulation under section 182(1).
You do risk a reinstatement if you fight the ticket but it may be worth the chance. Worst case is that you are looking at 1 more point. Best case is you get it reduced to 0 points.
We can help. You will not even have to go to court.
Feel free to call us for a free consultation.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
Hi,
I recently got a ticket in NJ for driving 66 MPH in a 45 MPH zone in a safe corridor and I have a NY license. The officer gave me a court summons for NJ and I’m not sure what I should do once I get to court because for the past 10 years that I have been driving, I have had a clean record and have never experienced anything like this. What should I expect when I get to court?
Thank you,
Angie
Angie,
Points from New Jersey do NOT transfer to New York. However, you should check with your auto insurer to see if a NJ conviction to this charge can hurt your auto insurance rates. If not, then just pay it.
hello i got my ticket reduced from 17 miles over the speed limit to 9 i was wondering what kind of penalty 9 miles over the speed limit carries in ny also my wife got a ticket for 84 in a 65 she also got ticketed for cell phone and failure to provide her id her license was suspended but the officer said he would only get her for failure to provide her license i was wondering what she should do with her charges.
Matthew,
The deal you got reduced the charge from a 4-point speed to a 3-point speed. It also will avoid your auto insurance rates going up assuming you have an otherwise clean record within the last 36 months.
Your wife should fight the charges. The 84/65 is a 2-point ticket and could hurt your auto insurance. The cell phone and un-licensed can also hurt your auto insurance rates (although neither carries points).
Feel free to call us for a free consultation.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
I got a 83 on a 50 thats 8 point and fines in NYS. Should I plead guilty or should i plead not guilty and go for a hearing. My license is clean i have been driving for about 5 years and this is my first ticket ever. if i plead not guilty can they add more to my fines and points.
Mel
Mel, you definitely want to plead not guilty. If you plead not guilty, they cannot add more points. You have nothing to lose by fighting this case. I recommend hiring a traffic attorney because this is a very serious ticket and there are a few judges who could suspend you for this ticket (even though you have an otherwise clean record). We can help try and avoid this occurring and have been very successful in the past.
Feel free to call me for a free consultation.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
Hi i just got a ticket in St. Lawrence County where i am currently attending school. I am from new jersey and i have 2 points on my licence there. The ticket was for 70 in a 55 and the officer told me i could file for a reduction through a form on the DA website. but looking at that form i need a copy of my driving record from both new York and new jersey is it worth bothering? i have no way of getting to new jersey for a couple of months and as it states on the ticket the officer already cut me a break by cutting the speed and not giving me another ticket. will they likely take off some of the points? do they offer any way tho talk to the DA while in court or is it only through this form.
thank you- Matt
Matt, this is a 4-point New York ticket which will also give you 2 points in New Jersey if you plead guilty. We recommend trying for a reduction even if you already were cut a break.
Good luck and feel free to call me if you have any further questions.
Matthew Weiss, Esq.
212-683-7373
I just got a ticket yesterday for doing 80 in a 65 on the Thruway. I have had a ticket before (82 in a 55) that got reduced to “opening a car door in traffic.” So i don’t think the old ticket put any points on my license, right?
My work schedule is hectic and erratic and I know how courts aren’t too keen on rescheduling. Plus the court isn’t local to where I live.
What’s the worst that would happen if I pled “guilty” by mail? I’m on my parents’ insurance (though I pay for myself ON their insurance) and I don’t want my rates to go up.
If I do plead guilty, am I correct in assuming there is no plea bargaining? Is there anything I should write in the “explanation statement” that would help? Or should I not pursue the “guilty” route at all?
-Rachael
Rachael,
Do NOT plead guilty. If you fight it, you will likely get it reduced to 0 to 2 points. If you plead guilty, you’ll get 4 points and these points will remain on your license for 18 months (for points purposes) and 36 months for insurance purposes.
While your prior unsafe door opening is a 0-point ticket, we recommend fighting it to keep your driver license as clean as possible.
If you can’t attend, feel free to call us as we can handle it without you.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
Mr. Weiss,
I’m 18 and just got my first ticket for speeding (57 in a 45). I pleaded not guilty, following the advice of the officer who pulled me over. I leave for college in a few days, and school’s almost 2 hours away. When I receive my court date, will it be possible to delay the trial until I’m home from school for a break? Also, what should I do at court? The officer said that he would work with me and try to help me, but I’m not sure what that involves. I appreciate any advice you can give me; I’m quite nervous about all of this.
Thanks,
Kelsey
Kelsey,
Speeding (57 in a 45) is a 4-point ticket so you were wise in fighting it. When you get the court date, you can contact the court and ask for a new date. However, I am not optimistic that they will accommodate your schedule. They’ll give you a date but likely won’t be willing to wait for your winter break to resolve your case. Give it a try, however.
At court, ask for a conference. The prosecutor will likely offer you a reduced charge in exchange for you pleading guilty. Most likely it will be worth taking the “deal”.
Of course, if you have further questions or need to me appear for you, just give us a call at 212-683-7373.
Best,
Matthew Weiss, Esq.
This is what the letter says:
This court has accepted your not guilty plea. You are scheduled for a Appearance/pretrial conference with the town prosecutor.this is not a trial date. If you plan on to be represented by an attorney, he or she should be ready for conference as scheduled.
Mr. Weiss,
I think at the time I received this ticket I possibly may have had 2 points… Can’t be sure though.
I’m pretty sure the trooper is retired.
What do you suggest?
Man this has been a rough month with past tickets. I had court last week for a ticket I got 6 years ago (52 in 40) and it cost me 2 points. I haven’t received a ticket since that one 6 years ago, but this upcoming trial for the 87 in a 55 really scares me. Don’t know what to do.
I think it’s really a nice thing how you help people out like this. Thanks again.
Hello.
I just received a ” pre-trial hearing” summons for a speeding ticket (87 in a 55) that I got 10 years ago!! What should I do and what’s the worst that could happen? I’m pretty sure the officer that pulled me over isn’t working there anymore. I have a pretty clean record. Any suggestions?
Louie,
Believe it or not, you need to know whether had any other points within 18 months of this speeding ticket (18 months before and after). Assuming you don’t, then you can just go to court and ask for a conference. You can either negotiate a plea bargain to a lesser charge or demand a trial. After 10 years, there is a good chance the officer won’t have any notes for this case (and could even been retired).
This tickets carries 8 points so you’ll have to use your best judgment in deciding which of these two options you choose.
Best of luck.
Matthew Weiss
I received a ticket in Manhattan for “operating between traffic” (1252c) on my motorcycle, apparently a 2-point infraction. I have a perfectly clean driving record up to this point. Should I fight the ticket?
I am inclined to fight it because this allegation misrepresents my driving habits. “Operating between traffic” is what crotch-rocket idiots do on the highway, zipping between cars. It is very unsafe. I merely pulled alongside the (stopped) car in front of me at a traffic light because that vehicle had been repeatedly braking ever since the last traffic light, as if looking for a parking space. Riding behind a vehicle that keeps hitting the brakes is unsafe in heavy traffic, so I took the first safe opportunity to get past him.
However, I know the TVB is biased in favor of officers’ testimony and don’t know whether it’s worth going to court to clear my good name and clean record.
Thanks for your thoughts.
DJ,
I wrote a blog post about Operating Between Traffic a few months ago. This is a relatively common ticket issued to motorcyclists.
You have nothing to lose by fighting it. If you plead guilty, it’s 2 points and a fine. If you fight it and lose, it’s 2 points and a fine. Therefore, I recommend fighting it. I don’t think your defense will work, however. Only one vehicle at a time per lane regardless of whether the vehicle in front of your was stopped or driving erratically. There are other ways to win such as if the officer makes a mistake, is inconsistent or omits critical testimony.
Feel free to call us for a free consultation.
Matthew Weiss, Esq.
212-683-7373
Hi,
I got a speeding ticket 31 mph above the speed limit in NY. I hold an NJ license. Should I fight it ?If not what would be the fine and points?
Thanks
Vish
Vish,
You should definitely fight this ticket. A speeding 31 mph over the limit is an 8 point ticket in New York and, alone, could result in your privilege to drive in NY with your NJ license being suspended. NJ would honor such a suspension. Plus a conviction of this charge in NY will result in 2 points transferring to your NJ license. The fee for this ticket is about $250 plus you’ll also have to pay a $450 driver responsibility assessment fee.
Because this is a serious speeding ticket, I recommend that you, at least, speak with (if not hire) an experienced traffic attorney. We can help. It’s no big deal! You won’t even have to go to court. Give us a call for a free consultation.
212-683-7373
My Father just received his first ticket in NY state, but he carries a NJ state licensee. He got the ticket for speeding 76mph in 55 zone, which is 6 point ticket. Should we fight it? He has a clean record.
Also i came across after doing some research is that NJ driver getting moving violation outside of NJ, they get 2 points. would this 6 points ticket turn into only 2 points?
Thanks,
Vivek,
Your father should fight this ticket. If he can get it dismissed or reduced it will save him points. In New York, at most courts you can get a speeding ticket reduced to a lesser charge. This is called plea bargaining and can be accomplished by asking to “conference” your case. However, in New York City, eastern Suffolk, Rochester and Buffalo, there is no plea bargaining and the only way obtain to a favorable result is by beating it a trial.
New Jersey will give your father 2 points if he is convicted of this NY speeding ticket.
Another reason to fight it is the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee. This fee is imposed on motorists who get 6 or more points in New York. The fee is $300 for 6 points and $75 for each point above 6. It must be paid even by an out-of-state motorists.
Feel free to email or call with any further questions.
Matthew Weiss, Esq.
212-683-7373
mjweiss@888redlight.com
I’m 17 years old just got a speeding ticket I’m still considered a new driver because I’m still on the 6 month probation of just getting my license. It was a 40 mph speed limit and I was going 55 mph, I’m pleading not guilty to hopefully somehow talk it out or something. Do you think they will suspend my license for 3 months?
If you are convicted of a moving violation while on probation, you will likely be suspended. My advice would be to try and delay the case until after your 6-month probationary period ends.
Feel free to call us to discuss additional things you should do to fight this ticket and hopefully avoid a suspension.
Matthew Weiss, Esq.
212-683-7373
My husband recieved a speeding ticket 15 miles over the speed limit on 87 south, the officer gave us the ticket and we pulled back onto the highway… then i checked the ticket and i noticed that the officer had completely spelled his name wrong! Is there any possiblity that we can get this ticket thrown out???
His licence number and everything else is correct on the ticket… Do we even have a shot??
Thank you in advanced
Emily
An error in the spelling of your husband’s name is not a sufficient basis for a traffic ticket to be dismissed. Unlike a parking ticket, these types of errors do not render the ticket defective.
There are many ways to obtain a favorable result, however. Feel free to call me for a free consultation.
Matthew Weiss, Esq
212-683-7373
I’m confused – if I have a clean record and was just given a ticket for disobeying a sign (which the officer told me is only 2 points) should I fight it? Or should I just pay it? Will my insurance rates go up?
Disobeying a sign is only a 2 point ticket. If you have an otherwise clean record (no other points within the last 36 months of the date of the disobey sign offense and no accidents), then a conviction to this ticket will NOT affect your insurance rates. It takes two such convictions (or this conviction plus an accident) for an insurance company to be allowed to raise your rates. For further details about this area, read my article entitled How Traffic Tickets Affect Auto Insurance Rates
Also, if you want to just pay the ticket, you can take a driver safety class online and get those points removed plus a 10% discount on your insurance. Use promo code “redlight” for extra savings.
It doesn’t pay to fight every ticket. Only those with points especially if you already have points on your license or an accident. The operative period of time is 36 months from the dtae of the offense of accident. Thereafter, it won’t count against you for points or auto insurance purposes.
Matthew,
Good advice, as always.
Does it pay to fight every ticket? How do I know when I have a chance to fight and win?
You mentioned that points are applied against a license for 36 month from the date of offence. Do you mean 36 month from the date officer issues a ticket or a driver is found guilty?
John Doyle,
For insurance purposes, points are considered for 36 months from the date of conviction (i.e., the date found guilty).
For DMV purposes, points are considered for 18 months from the date of offense (i.e., the date the ticket was issued).
Matthew Weiss