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
Matthew,
Thank you for emailing me.
I was not given a deposition of any kind, nor did I think to ask for one, as it was my first traffic ticket. I am mailing in my not guilty plea this afternoon, and am requesting a deposition from the officer.
Luke.
Hi Mathew,
I got a speeding ticket in I95 South (5-6 miles north to george wahishgton bridge) : 72 mph on 50 mph limit. My car’s odometer was showing below 70 mph. When i went to bronk court, they told me there is no plea settlement. either i have to pay the amt and get the points or has to go for hearing by pleading non-guilty.
My licence has clean history until now. What should I do reduce the point and fine.
Thanks
Biju
Biju,
In NYC, they generally do not plea bargain. Therefore, you will have to defend yourself at a hearing if you want to contest this 6-point ticket.
Matthew Weiss
I received a speeding ticket on Staten Island for going 75/45. I plead not guilty and plan to fight it. I heard Staten Island TVB is extremely hard to beat a ticket in. Is this true?
Steve,
Staten Island TVB is the single hardest traffic court in New York State. It is VERY hard to win a case there.
Read this post about the different TVBs and you’ll see what I mean.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew, First off, thank you.
I had just gotten a speeding ticket this morning for going 40 in a 15, which is 6 points, that I know. The strange thing was that I was not pulled over by the officer that clocked me. I was approached down the road farther by two officers, and pulled over. They were waiting for me.
What kind of outcome would this look? I am 22 and have no violations/tickets on my license.
I want to fight it because I am certain that I was not going 40.
Should I plead not-guilty? Should I mail it in?
Luke,
You were stopped in a “pitcher and catcher” type enforcement. The pitcher sees you speeding and the catcher issues the ticket. Were you given a supporting deposition? If it was signed by the catcher, you have a good chance for a dismissal. The catcher did not see the violation.
Definitely plead not guilty.
Matthew Weiss
I have a CT state driver’s license and received a ticket for driving 87 in a 55 (it was a four trip and I was trying to find a bathroom for my 5 yr old). I am willing to pay the fine but how will it affect my CT license and/or insurance rate?
Donny,
Points from a NY conviction will NOT transfer to CT. However, a NY conviction will be reported to CT and your CT insurance company can use this conviction against you when assessing your rate. Also, this ticket carries 8 points in NY, roughly a $350 fine and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. We therefore recommend fighting it as you can likely save the $450 and reduce the NY points.
Matthew Weiss
I just got a ticket on 87 south in New York State. Clean Record. I admitting going 85 in a 65 and the officer clocked me at 83. He put on the ticket that I stated how fast I thought I was going, pretty much admitting my guilt. I have a NJ license. I probably won’t drive 5 hrs to the court hearing, any other way to fight this?
Rob,
If you don’t want to drive back for court, then you can retain a New York traffic lawyer to appear for you. Because this ticket carries 4 points in NY and transfers as 2 to NJ, we definitely think you should fight it.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Traffic Lawyer,
I was driving less than 20 mph on a 65 speed limit on my way to Buffalo.. I live in Maryland and I have a clean record. The officer gave me a 1110a ticket (disobeyed traffic control device), and told me this will not affect my insurance. I read above that for this ticket I will have 2 points; and for NJ these points are transferred.
How about MD? Are these points transferred to my license? Can I take online traffic classes to reduce these points? Do I need them?
Thank you very much for any info,
Ray
Ray,
Points from New York will transfer to Maryland. However, an 1110a ticket is relatively minor. If you have an otherwise clean record, then you most likely do not want to bother fighting it. Check with your auto insurance company, however, before pleading guilty.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
I recently received a ticket in NYC: NY VTL 1110(a) (Disobeying a Traffic Device). I made a left turn and there were apparently signs not to. I have a NJ license and the car is registered in Florida (company car). The officer who issued the ticket said that it is a 2pt violation but because I am out of state I would not receive the points. Is this true? I’m only driving in NY because of this job and I’m supposedly going to receive a promotion soon where I won’t have to drive (I think). Should I even bother paying this ticket? Will the points transfer to NJ? Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Charlie
Charlie,
This ticket WILL transfer as 2 points on your NJ license. If you have an otherwise clean record (i.e., no other tickets or accidents), you may want to just plead guilty. This ticket alone is a relatively minor offense.
Matthew Weiss
Hello Traffic Lawyer,
I was pulled over doing 83/55 on Taconic State Parkway. Officer got me with laser. I know a trooper at my school she said she would vouch for me. I went to court to hand in my “not guilty plea”. She said the prosecutor is really nice and might just give me a “talking over”.
I am 17 and my 6 month probation period was over for my junior license when I got the ticket. Can I get my license suspended?
I have a pre trial appearance but I can’t make that date due to school. Is it possible to cancel? How many times can one cancel? I am hoping to drag it out until January.
If they do drop the ticket to a non point violation will the insurance still see the 6 pt ticket? Our insurance renews in 2 weeks I am scared they will see my pending 6 pt ticket which will cause my rates to increase. Can the insurance see the ticket right now or do I have to be convicted of the ticket first?
thank you
Chelsey,
Because your probationary period ended before you got this ticket, you will not be suspended for this one ticket. However, you should still continue to fight it.
You cannot “cancel” your conference but you can re-schedule it. Call the court and ask for a new date. I don’t think you can push it into January but try. You can usually get one re-schedule easily. Don’t count on getting another (but of course you can try again when the new date comes up).
If the ticket is dropped, the insurance company will only see the reduced charged (not the original 6-point ticket). Further the insurance company cannot see the charge unless and utnil you are found guilty.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
I got a speeding ticket on the Cross Island Expressway; 73 in a 50.
I pled not guilty; but have heard that they do not conference cases in NYC. (Queens).
I am an attorney myself – but do not know if this is worth going to trial over. Are there defenses that really work at trial in NYC or is it a losing battle? My defense is that I was not going 73 – but I would imagine it will be my word against the officer’s.
Sue,
Your defense will likely not be successful. The way you can beat NYC traffic tickets is by showing the officer made a substantial error, gave inconsistent testimony on an important point or omitted critical information.
Here is a link to an article that I wrote entitled “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau“. I hope it helps you.
Matthew Weiss
I got a speeding ticket in July for going 45 in a 30, right before a speed change to 55. I’ve never gotten a ticket before and I plead not guilty. The court date is at the end of December. What’s the chance of me getting out of the ticket with no points?
Bea,
Your chances for a 0-point result depends on the court and a few other variables.
Call me to discuss further.
Matthew Weiss
Hi, I am 20 years old in NYS (cheektowaga). I got pulled over by a trooper. I got clocked doing 71 in a 55, but he reduced that speeding charge to a lesser traffic violation (section 1110a), which I believe is 2points. I have never been convicted of any other offense. I am unsure whether to plea guilty or not guilty….I dont want my insurance rates to go up! what should I do?
Rob,
Because you have an otherwise clean record, the 2-point reduced charged will NOT affect your insurance rates. Just don’t get anymore moving violations for the next 36 months.
Matthew Weiss
So what if I did plead not guilty, just to try and get rid of the points, would that be a stupid move?
Rob,
That would be precisely the correct move.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Mat,
Jut got pulled over today, driving at Harlem River Drive, Manhattan 80 MPH, Speed limit is 50 MPH. The oficer gave me the ticket and he wrote 81 MPH in the ticket (in Zone) and looke like he did that so I would be in the 31 MPH category.
My License is clean and this is the first traffict violation ticket, should I plead guilty or plead not and go to court and ask for confernce ? do they offer plead bargin in Manhaatan ?
Thanks
Ahmad,
You should plead not guilty and fight this ticket. It carries 8 points, roughly a $300 fine and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. Generally, there is no plea bargaining in New York City. However, your case may be reduced with the right judge if the officer’s visual estimate had you at 80 mph (or lower). That 1 mph will save you 2 points and $150 off the Driver Assessment Fee.
Matthew Weiss
I received a NYS speeding ticket for 83 mph in a 65 mph zone. It’s due Oct 15th.
I have a clean NJ license, but both my wife and I had ice-related accidents last winter (going 7 mph!), and my daughter just turned 16 and started driving with her learner’s permit. I’m concerned about our insurance rates if this ticket puts points on my license.
Thanks very much!
Sandy
Sandy,
This ticket carries 4 points in New York and will transfer as 2 to your New Jersey license. We therefore recommend fighting it.
Matthew Weiss
Hello, I got pulled over for “failed to stop at a posted stop sign in school zone”, where I thought I stopped, but must not have stopped long enough, and he pulled me over. It’s in Suffolk County, Town of Brookhaven, and I heard they don’t plea bargain.
Do you know how many points that would be if I pleaded guilty? Is it worth it to plea not guilty, as i heard they don’t plea bargain in Suffolk, unless in some of the villages, which this was not.
My last ticket was about 2 1/2 years ago (will be three years in April 2012), and that was for speeding under 10 mph. I took the 6 hour course about 2 years ago, give or take.
So how many points does that hold, and is it worth it to plea not guilty? Or should I just choke it up and plea guilty since Suffolk County doesn’t plea bargain?
Thank you so much.
Chris,
At the Hauppauge Traffic Violations Bureau there is not plea bargaining. If you plead guilty, you will get 3 points for a stop sign ticket. BTW, I have never heard for a Stop Sign in A School Zone ticket, only a stop sign ticket. The section should be VTL 1172(a).
I wrote and article entitled “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau“, It will help you understand what you are up against in this court.
Matthew Weiss
I got a ticket in Nassau County on the LIE west bound going 76mph in a 55mph. The officer told me to plead not guilty which I did but was scheduled to show up for a pre-trial today. I was offered a plea of 2 points and $245.00 fine. I have a perfect driving record and I did not accept this plea. I honestly don’t think its fair as I was going with the flow of traffic and have a clean driving record. Was that a good plea to take and What should I do?
Malorie,
You made a mistake. This was a very good deal and you won’t get offered a better. Going with the flow of traffic is not a valid defense in New York. If you are speeding you are guilty (even if other motorists are also speeding and don’t get pulled over). Further, your clean record is irrelevant as to whether you were, in fact, speeding 76/55.
When the case comes up for trial, I would try and negotiate again. If you are not offered a better deal, try and get the 2-point deal back and this time take it.
Matthew Weiss
I was recently pulled over on the meadow brook in nassau county doing 90 on a 55 which is 35mph over which is 6 points I’m assuming. Stupid of me doing so but it was a family emergency. I know that one of my friends got a speeding ticket but he only had to write an essay apologizing and explaining himself to the judge (this was in glen cove though). what type of fines am i looking at. Is there any possible chance of using a PBA card to get out of it or anything?
Steven,
Your PBA card won’t help. Your case is in the system and must be addressed.
We recommend fighting it because it carries 8 points, roughly a $300 fine and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. The Nassau County Traffic Court is actually a very reasonable court so I would expect that a favorable result can be obtained.
Matthew Weiss
I received a traffic infraction in violation of section 1211 subdivision A. In the description/narrative box the officer wrote “unsafe backing” Under the penal law for this violation it states that you cannot back up unless doing so safely and without disrupting traffic. I am thinking about going in to fight this because i believe this is a vague description and i can prove i backed up safely without disrupting traffic. What do you think?
Michael,
Unsafe back is a very subject charge. While you will testify that you did so safely, I am sure the officer will testify to the contrary. Under these circumstances, the judge usually believes the officer over the motorist.
There may be other ways to attack this ticket. If it is in a court that plea bargains, you likely can negotiate a reduction to a 0-point ticket. Otherwise, you can fight it, and try and win.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew Weiss
Hello. I was pulled over last night (9/15/11) in Romulus, NY for going 50mph in a 35 school zone. (VTL Sec. 1180D) In my defense, the speed had just reduced from a 55mph zone and I was in the midst of slowing down. However, I did not say this as I was extremely nervous. In the supporting deposition issued to me I was stated as saying “I was going a little fast”. I actually chose the words “I think I was…” but this is probably irrelevant. My question is, should I fight this?
The officer told me I could get it reduced but I’m not exactly sure how to go about doing this. I assume I plea not guilty. What do I go about doing in court in order to get this reduced? Should I try and use the excuse of the speed limit change? How badly will this make my insurance rates go up? I’m pretty sure I don’t have any points on my license but to be honest I’m not completely sure. I am really worried about this as I do not have much money and cannot afford to pay a large fine.
Thanks for the help.
Josh
Joshua,
Yes, plead not guilty and the court will schedule a conference. At that conference, you can negotiate a reduction.
You will have to contact your insurance company to find out about the affect on your rates. But, if you have an otherwise clean record, a 15 mph speeding ticket alone will NOT result in your insurance increasing.
Matthew Weiss
Hello,
This morning I recieved a ticket for going 71 in a 50 MPH zone in Warwick, NY. I am from Vernon, NJ. This is my first ticket and I have a clean license, should I plead not guilty and fight the ticket? I even showed my PBA card (my uncle is an officer in NJ) and the police officer didnt even give me a break. Not sure what to do or how to go about this.
Thank you!
Megan,
Plead not guilty. This speeding ticket carries 6 points in NY, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it, you can likely save NY points and the $300 fee.
Further, this speeding ticket will transfer as 2 points on your NJ license, another reason to fight it.
Matthew Weiss
hi, i’m 17 and just received a ticket for failure to obey a traffic control device. i went through baracades on a closed road. technically i’m still in my probation stages because it has not been 6 month’s since getting my license. will my license get suspended for this? plus, if i told them i was responding to a fire call, which i was, but didn’t have proof would this help me out at all?
John,
You will not be suspended for a conviction to this one disobey a traffic control device ticket. However, if you get another moving violation within your probation period, then you will be suspended.
To review the rules regarding how New York traffic tickets affect a probationary license, you can read an article I wrote on this topic.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
Hi Traffic Lawyer,
I received my first speeding ticket yesterday on the Taconic State Parkway in NY for going 78mph in a 55mph zone. I have a CT license and a clean driving record. Should I go to court for this?
Thanks
Kara,
We recommend fighting this ticket. It carries 6 NY point, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it you can likely save points and the $300
While NY points do NOT transfer to CT, a NY conviction will be reported to CT and can be used your insurance company to raise your rates.
Matthew Weiss
I just got my first speeding ticket in 20 years today (50 in a 35). Even the police officer commented on how clean my drving record WAS, Anyways, first wondering, will this “low” (I think thats how it was described above) affect my insurance rates. Secondly, just a couple of months ago, I took the online NYS Driver Safety/Points Reduction course (for the insurance cost reduction). Since I had no previous points, I didn’t really care about the points reduction. Can I retroactivly get those “Point’s Reduction” from the course applied to my license now ?
Mark,
Congratulations on 20 years of safe driving.
Good news! A speeding conviction of 15 mph (or less) will NOT affect your auto insurance if you have an otherwise clean record. Therefore, this ticket (50/35) will not hurt you.
You cannot retroactively get credit for the Driver Safety Class. It only can be used to remove 4 points for tickets issued BEFORE you take the class.
Matthew Weiss
Do points on a NY license move to a NJ license?
Shon,
If you are convicted in NY to a NY moving violation, in most cases, NJ will give you 2 points per conviction.
Matthew Weiss
I recently was pulled over and ticketed going 65 in a 45 in NY, Im from Pa is it worth fighting and could they suspend my license? this is my first offense
Steve Squires,
Points from a NY conviction do NOT transfer to your PA license. However, a NY conviction will be reported to PA and can be used by your PA insurance company to raise your rates. We therefore recommend that you check with your insurance company regarding the affects of this ticket on your rates. If it can hurt you, then let me know and we can discuss how to fight. Otherwise, just plead guilty and pay the fine.
Keep in mind that if you plead guilty or are convicted of this ticket, then you’ll have 4 NY points. So any future NY tickets should be handled carefully.
Matthew Weiss
Hello,
Today I was pulled over for doing 37 mph over the speed limit. i already have 2 points on my license. This took place in Allagany NY and I have to go to court in the city of Almond. i live an hour and a half from this place. Is it worth making the travel to fight it?
RJ,
Definitely fight this speeding ticket. It carries 8 points, roughly a $300 fine and a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. Plus, this ticket alone would provide a sufficient basis for your insurance coming to raise your auto rates. Finally, it will place you very close to be suspended. At the Almond traffic court, you likely will be able to get this ticket reduced to a lower speed saving you points and money.
If you cannot attend court, then you can retain a New York traffic lawyer to appear in your place. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
Hi –
Last night I got a speeding ticket for going 85 in a 65 MPH zone. I have a NY license and a NJ car insurance (my car is 95% of the time parked overnight in NJ) and I do not think I have any speeding tickets on my license in the past three years. Any thoughts on if I should fight the ticket? I know there is a law that your insurance will not go up for a ticket in NY of 15 MPH or less but I do not think that law exists in NJ.
Any help that can be provided would be appreciated.
Shon
Shon,
Yes, we recommend fighting this New York speeding ticket to hopefully avoid or lessen the points and negative insurance consequences.
How you fight it depends on where the case is pending and other variables. Feel free to call us to discuss your unique facts.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
My ticket was issued for speeding on Route 84 so it would be hastle to get there from NYC. I will give you guys a call next week to see if it is cost effective to fight the claim. Tks
Hello,
Today I got a speeding ticket for 75 in a 50 mph zone on the grand central parkway in NY. I was trying to overtake the the car in front of me and the cop pulled me over. I got 2 points on my license for not signaling properly. I was wondering if I should fight the speeding ticket and what should I do?
Also, I’m a 19-year old student attending college in ny, but I have a Pennsylvania driver’s license. I’m under my parent’s auto insurance, so will the points transfer from ny and will my auto insurance go up?Thanks for your help.
Brandon
Brandon,
I recommend fighting this ticket because it carries 6 NY points and can result in your auto insurance rates being raised. Further, with your existing 2 points, these additional 6 will subject you to a $450 Driver Assessment Fee. Check out this article that I wrote entitled “Fighting A Traffic Ticket At The Traffic Violations Bureau“. It will help you better understand what you are up against if you fight this speeding ticket at the Queens North Traffic Violations Bureau.
Finally, points from NY do not transfer to PA, but a NY conviction will be reported to PA and can be used by your parent’s auto insurance company to raise their rates.
Matthew Weiss
I got a speeding ticket 83 in 65 zone in NY (Chautauqua county) while driving a rental car.
If I mail in the not guilty plea do I need to appear on court? I have a clean record (had a traffic citation 2 years back paid the fine in court no points and no record).
Would appreciate your thoughts/
Thanks,
RV
RV,
You will have to appear if you plead not guilty to this speeding ticket. If you cannot make it, then you’ll have to retain a traffic lawyer to appear for you.
Matthew Weiss, Esq.
I was pulled over doing 103 in a 55 on my bike. I know I’m pretty much done for. I do have a relatively clean record with only one other ticket in 10 years. Is there anything I can do? Thanks
Josh,
This is a VERY serious ticket. It carries 11 points, possible suspension and even jail. You definitely want to consult with an experienced New York traffic lawyer on this one.
Matthew Weiss, Esq.
212-683-7373
I received a ticket in upstate NY for traveling 49mph in a 30mph zone. I was leaving a small town with a posted speed limit of 30mph. I began to pick up speed between the last 30mph sign and the next posted state highway limit sign of 55mph. There were 4 state trooper vehicles sitting between the 30mph sign and the 55mph sign. I was pulled over right in front of the 55mph sign by 2 trooper vehicles. In the town where I am from in Pennsylvania, there are signs that state where the town speed limit ends, prior to the state highway limit of 55mph, so there is a zone in which you can speed up prior to the posted 55mph sign. I told the officer that I thought the 30mph speed zone ended back further. All he said was the speed limits had to “stop and start somewhere.” Should I fight this ticket? Will the NYS points appear on my PA license and affect my insurance? I have a clean driving record.
Pamela,
A NY conviction will be reported to PA but points do not transfer. Your PA insurance company could use it against you. Call them and check.
If your insurance could be affected, then we recommend plead not guilty and fighting the speeding ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Recently I got speeding ticket on I-81 N
at Kirkwood in Broome County. Speeding limit is 65 and by accident when the officer caught me was 82. The officer was waiting in a slope at a curve of a highway where my speed increases in that slope for few seconds. This is my traffic violation ticket. Do u think I should fight this ticket if so how much it will cost to fight. And yes I am a resident of NJ and can I Send the ticket back with no guilty and ask for an interpreter. Do I have to go to the Broome County court?
Please help.
Chador,
I recommend fighting this speeding ticket because it could adversely affect your insurance. This ticket carries 4 NY points and will transfer as 2 NJ points.
You can try and resolve this case without going to Broome County traffic court. This particular county does often plea by mail.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Hello Matt:
This entire page should be a ‘must read’. I’ve learned a lot and appreciate the time you’ve given to answer all of these questions.
I found this site as I got a ticket today going 72 in a 50 on the Palisades Parkway – Clarkstown, NY. I have a NJ license.
I do intend to plead not-guilty and ask for something lower. My driving record is clean and I am sure something can be worked out.
A few questions:
1. How much lower is usual for a plea bargain. Would I be able to get it down to 2 points or lower? If I am offered 4 points should I push for something better?
2. The ticket actually has my address as one I had two years ago. Reason being is that when I moved, NJ just has a sticker that goes on the back with your new address until you renew your license. My registration and insurance is through my company (company car), so they would not have my address. I don’t suppose that the incorrect address on the ticket can be used in any way…. Probably not, but never hurts to ask.
Thanks in advance for you time.
Hello,
I was traveling on Sunrise Highway (Rte 27) heading east. I was actually following traffic with a car ahead of me and on my right hand side. I was pulled over by a state trooper whom gave me a ticket for doing 80/55. He asked me why I was doing 80 mph and I answered him because I honestly didn’t notice. I was simply following traffic and more I was following the car ahead of me. He then told me that the car ahead of me was only doing 75 mph. In my head I was thinking that the was also considered speeding and why I was the only one in the bunch pulled over. I was assigned to the Southampton Court. I’m very upset because I have never received a ticket of any sort and I’m very concerned about my driving record now. All the cars around me were doing the same speed but I was the one to get ticketed! What should I do??
Jennifer,
Unfortunately, the “everyone else was speeding” defense does not carry any weight with a judge. You definitely should plead not guilty because this speeding ticket carries 6 points, roughly a $200 fine and a $300 Driver Assessment Fee. If you fight it, you can likely save points and the $300. You should also fight it to avoid your auto insurance going up.
After pleading not guilty by certified mail, a court date will be scheduled where you should appear and ask for a conference. At that time, you’ll likely be able to negotiate a more favorable outcome. If you cannot or do not want to go to court, then you can retain a traffic lawyer to appear for you.
Matthew Weiss
Mr. Weiss
I got a speeding ticket in NY. I’m from CT. I mailed in the payment along with the ticket. Now I’m getting a statement from Driver Responsibility Assessment for 300.00. As I read the paper work and check on line regarding this matter this is only in the state of New York. Does this affect me in CT? Should I pay this or just let it go?
Thank You
Luis
Luis,
Alas, you must pay it. This “fee” (it is really a tax) is imposed on any motorist who accumulates 6 or more points in New York. It applies to NY license holders as well as out-of-state license holders. If you don’t pay it, New York State will suspend your privilege to drive in New York and Connecticut will honor it.
Matthew Weiss
I just got a speeding ticket near the border in the state of NY on interstate 90 east bound. I am a Canadian citizen from ONtario . Speeding fine was 79 in 65, so 14 miles over the limit. Please advise if its worth fighting, paying $500 to a lawyer or just pleading guilty and paying the fine. And can I request a reduction in speeding so that it does not hit my demerit points while pleading guilty
Yousuf,
Because points from New York transfer to Ontario, we recommend that you fight this ticket. We represent many drivers from Ontario and are very familiar with your demerit point system. A 79/65 carries 4 NY points and 3 Ontario demerit points. If you fight it, our experience is that you likely can get this reduced to a 0-demerit point ticket in Ontario. That is, as long as your traffic lawyer, is familiar with Ontario’s system.
Matthew Weiss
Last week, I received a speeding ticket for over 22 mph on highway, and another ticket for “fail to produce a valid insurance card” as I only had an expired insurance card when the officer asked for it. It happened on Staten Island. I went to the Traffic Violation Bureau and they told me the ticket for “fail to produce a valid insurance card” is non-dismissable even if I presented the valid insurance card. I will definitely fight for the speeding ticket. Should I fight for the “fail to produce a valid insurance card” ticket as well?
Thanks.
Danny
Danny,
Yes, fight them both. While you may not win, it takes no more effort or time to fight both at the same time.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Today I received a speeding ticket for going 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. This is my first offense and I feel I was going only 65 mph. My friend was told by a state trooper, when caught going 10 over in a school zone, to plead not guilty and since she had to put off her court date due to college, the cop ended up not showing and she didn’t have to pay the ticket. I am wondering if I should also plead not guilty and just move the court date till when I will be home next from school.
Corrine,
Yes, plead not guilty and fight this ticket. On your conference date, you likely will be able to negotiate a lesser charge.
Matthew Weiss
Hi, I have a question
Points accumuleted on your license in 18 months period are counted from Date of Offense or Date of Conviction ?
Thanks, Peter
Peter,
Great questions. Points for DMV purposes count from the day of the offense (not the date of conviction). However, for insurance purposes, insurance companies count from the date of conviction.
Here is an article that I wrote entitled “A Guide To Calculating DMV Points” which provides additional helpful information and examples.
Matthew Weiss
Hello
I just received a suspension notice for a traffic ticked over 16 years old, I opted to take the ticket (failure to yeild the right of way ) to trial since the other individual was doing 30 in a 10 MPH work zone. The Judge adjurned the bench trial 2 times once because the other driver did not show and once because my laywer could not make it, I have not heard anything from them since 1995, so I assumed that the Judge just dismnissed it. There was also an issue in the same town where the clerk was taking payments for traffic tickets and keeping the monies, which she eventually was charged for. Thanks for any advice.
Mark,
I recommend appearing at court and getting your suspension lifted. In regarding to fighting the ticket, that would be your call. It is so old that the points won’t count now (points are measured from the date of offense). If you have an otherwise clean record, you may just want to pay the fine.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind the time it will take to fight it, it will be difficult (although not impossible) for the prosecutor to prove the case against you because it is so old.
Either way, good luck.
Matthew Weiss
I received a speeding ticket today (1180B) for 70/55. I have 0 points on my license, it occurred in NY State and was issued by a State Trooper. He clocked me before a work zone, by the time he pulled me over I was at the beginning of a work zone with cones but no workers. The only portion of the ticket that leads me to believe might be a work zone summons is the box ‘Arrest Type’ that says ‘W – Work Zone’. Nothing about 1180F which I believe to be technically a ‘work zone’ ticket (see https://www.westseneca.net/sites/default/files/SURCHARGES-FINES-POINTS-Dec%202009.pdf)
I assume I should plead ‘not guilty’ to try and avoid the 4 points via a pretrial conference with the DA – is there a difference if I have a lawyer or not?? I have no problem talking to the DA myself but I always wonder if having a lawyer is better, or not…thanks for your advice.
Regards,
Scott McLean
Scott,
Honestly, it is impossible to know if having a lawyer will help you. Sometimes it is clearly better and others it is not. Since you don’t mind spending the time, my advice would be for you to appear on your own and see what type of deal you can negotiate for yourself. If you like the deal, take it. Otherwise, ask for a new date to get a traffic lawyer.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Hello,
I was driving through the town of Liberty NY on route 17 headed east at around exit 99. I do recall being over the posted speed limit of 65 but when I was pulled over I was surprised to be clocked at 100mph. I made a mistake and when the officer asked me: Why do you think I pulled you over? I said, it must have been because you thought I was speeding. Then he asked, how fast were you going and I said: I don’t really know because I wasn’t looking at the dash because I feeling a vibration coming from the front end of the car and I was testing to see where it was coming from. So how fast were you going? I said well it must have been something high to get you to come after me so im guessing probably 90mph.
At the end of the he wrote down on the ticket: ” I was speeding, Probably 90mph. I was testing out the car”
I have been driving for over 8 years and this is the first time I’ve been pulled over. I didn’t know how to handle the situation with the officer. I have a clean record.
In anycase, I had my arraignment about 3 weeks ago and the prosecuter wanted me to plead 99 on a 65. I denied it and also postponed my arraigment to give me a chance to negotiate with the prosecuter. In the past week, I spoke to the prosecuter and he offered me 95 on a 65. I am still not happy with this so I told him that I will do my homework and get back to him. I asked him to consider giving me a better deal but he said that he cannot.
At this point, I am realizing that I may need help to reduce the blunt of the ticket. I don’t want my insurance rates to go up therefore I was hoping to reduce the charge to at least 79 on a 65.
Any help or guidance will be greatly appreaciated.
-Andy
Andy,
The plea deal offered by the prosecutor is within his or her sole discretion. If you haven’t already, emphasize your prior clean record and how this was an aberration. Also, we recommend taking the driver safety class which will save you 4 points and 10% on your auto insurance. Show your certificate of completion to the prosecution and explain how it was enlightening to you and will make a difference. Hopefully, these two points will help you get a better plea deal (although I know from personal experience that Liberty Town traffic court is tough).
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Hello Mr. Weiss –
My husband received a speeding ticket on I87 near Albany. He was clocked doing 71 in a 55 mph work zone. We were traveling same speed as 2 other cars but he was in the passing lane which is why they probably ticketed him. Cruise control was set at approx 68 mph. not over 70. I thoroughly appreciate the fact that work zones are protected and he missed the change in speed limit. Is there a defense here? Is there any chance in getting a reduced fine? We are from CT and would need to make a 2 1/2 hour trip to Albany. Can you give me an idea on how much this fine might be?
Thanks!
Kathie,
The fine for this ticket will be around $200. Fortunately, points from a NY conviction do NOT transfer to CT.
If you plead not guilty, you are not likely to get a reduced fine but will likely get reduced points. Given your clean record in NY, it is probably not worth fighting but first consult with your CT insurance company to make sure it will not hurt your rates.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
Dear Sir,
I had a very bad week end, got pulled over by a cop in NY state for speeding. I am an international student residing in Boston, MA. I posses an International licence. I was pulled over by the cop for driving at a speed of 96 mph in 65 mph road. I was driving at that speed because the traffic was very light and it was early morning and above all I am driving to see my friend who is having serious health problems.
One more bad thing about the ticket is that the officer issued me two speeding tickets as I was speeding in the junction of two counties. So he gave me two tickets directed to two different courts. I am really terrified because of this. I am new to united states, I am not sure about the rules and regulations. I do not have enough money to pay the fine or fight the case as I am a student managing my living by doing part time jobs at the university. I am in serious trouble sir, Please advice me and help me. I am clueless. Hope you understand my situation and help me out. Thanks
Somu,
I am sorry for your misfortune. Since you have no money to hire a lawyer, you should plead not guilty and fight these tickets yourself. On your court date, I recommend that you try and negotiate a resolution which saves you the most money and points. Keep in mind that NY will impose a Driver Assessment Fee if you accumulate 6 or more points. This fee starts at $300. Therefore, reducing the points is just as important as reducing the fines themselves.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Dear sir,
how much does it cost to hire a lawyer for this case? and I have two speeding tickets for different courts but for the same date and same time and the same course of action just for the matter of fact I drove speed exactly in the junction, what do you think about it? Can One ticket at least be disposed?
hi,
i recently got a ticket for 86 in a 65 mph. the officer was a state trooper. it was upstate about 3 hours away from my home. he got me on a radar gun. i know i should plead not guilty, but if he got me on the radar gun how do i go about doing this? Can i just plead guilty and then take the defensive driving class to remove the points?
thank you
-sierra
Sierra,
Even if he got your on radar, you should plead not guilty. In most likelihood, you or your traffic ticket lawyer will be able to work out a more favorable outcome than the current charge of 6-point speeding ticket. Such an outcome will save you points and the $300 driver assessment fee.
BTW, if you take the driver safety class, you will get 4 points removed from your license even if you are convicted of this speeding ticket after you take the class.
Hello Matthew,
Thank You for your prompt response. The Hospital could only write in the letter that states that my dad is an inpatient at the hospital, time and date, signed and dated by the doctor. Unfortunately, they say that they cannot much more information because of the patient privacy act. They did put a number for the court to call in case they have any question.
Does this suffice?
I got a ticket for 23mph over the speed limit in late 2008. That ticket gave me 6 points and I just recently finished paying the $300 fine. Now I just got another ticket for 15mph over the speed limit last week. Am I in danger of having my license suspended? Should I fight this ticket? Any help would be appreciated.
Julian,
I recommend fighting it but am pleased to report that your new speeding ticket only carries 4 points and will not be combined with your old ticket. DMV points only last for 18 months from the date of offense. Therefore the old 6 points have dropped off. Further, you will not be subject to the Driver Assessment Fee for this new ticket as you will be under the 6-point threshold.
With that said, we still recommend fighting it to hopefully avoid the points and keep your license as clean as possible.
Feel free to call us for a free consultation.
Matthew Weiss
212-683-7373
Hello I received a ticket for going 50 in a 30 mph area. It was in queens. I was going to the hospital to visit my dad who told me he was feeling sick and that he wanted me to speak to the doctors. I was with my mom in the car when I got pulled over and I explained to the officer the situation. He gave me a ticket and said go to court bring a doctors note of your dad being admitted to the hospital and that should be fine? I already got a doctors note that states that he was admitted to the hospital the date and time. It is also stamped and sign by the md. What should I do? Fight it? This was my first speeding ticket so I do not really know what to do. Help please.
Pedro,
Yes, fight it. As long as you can prove that it was a legitimate and urgent medical emergency, you should win.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew – much appreciated. Thanks for the clarification. – Jason
Matthew,
I’m a NY resident. On Sunday night, I was pulled over for speeding (68mph in a 50mph) on the NJ side of the Lincoln Tunnel. I know the NJ points don’t transfer to my NY driving record, but if I plead guilty (or am found guilty), would the NJ conviction count towards the NYS limit of 3 speeding convictions within 18 months (and mandatory license revokation)? Besides insurance, what other consequences come with a guilty conviction in NJ?
Thanks for the help.
– Jason
Jason,
A NJ conviction will NOT count towards the NYS limit of 3 speeding convictions within 18 months (and mandatory license revocation). Other than insurance, there is not other consequence of a NJ conviction to speeding.
Good luck with this ticket.
Matthew Weiss