Ignoring a traffic ticket in New York can seem like an easy decision at first. Life gets busy, and it is easy to forget or put off handling a ticket. You may think that it is not a big deal or that it will go away on its own. But in New York, ignoring a traffic ticket can lead to serious consequences that could affect your driving privileges, your finances, and even your freedom. It is important to understand the potential outcomes of not dealing with a traffic ticket promptly and responsibly. At, Arthur L. Pressman, Attorney at Law , we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Arthur Pressman focuses in the areas of DWI, traffic law and criminal defense.
Escalating Fines and Penalties
One of the first things you might experience if you ignore a traffic ticket in New York is an increase in fines. Traffic tickets usually come with a set fine amount. However, if you do not pay the fine or show up in court by the deadline provided, the cost can start to rise quickly. Late fees and additional penalties can be added on top of the original amount. In some cases, the fines can double or even triple the original ticket’s cost. This can make what started as a minor traffic violation much more expensive.
Along with increased fines, ignoring a traffic ticket can also result in other financial penalties. For example, New York has a Driver Responsibility Assessment program that applies to drivers who accumulate six or more points on their driving record within 18 months. If you ignore your ticket and are found guilty of the violation, the points will go on your record, potentially pushing you into the range where you will owe an additional yearly fee. This program requires you to pay the state of New York an extra charge for three years. Ignoring the ticket can make these costs unavoidable.
License Suspension
Another significant consequence of ignoring a traffic ticket in New York is the possibility of having your driver’s license suspended. If you fail to respond to a traffic ticket, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your license. This can happen if you do not pay the fine, do not appear in court, or do not answer the ticket in the time frame required. The DMV will send a notice to inform you that your license is suspended, but if you miss this notice or ignore it as well, you could be driving on a suspended license without even realizing it.
Highly recommended Arthur pressman. I don’t live in Buffalo New York but while visiting my family there from Florida. I got pulled over while driving on a, suspended license in Florida. They arrested me and gave me a court date to appear in court and due to me living out of state I just could not afford to go back and forth to buffalo from Florida so that’s when I hired Arthur Pressman. He made sure to handle everything for me and kept me informed with what was going on. I received no points no penalties and the case was dropped. Thank you Arthur pressman your the best. Would definitely recommend you to family and friends. Crystal B.
Driving on a suspended license in New York is a serious offense. If you are caught driving with a suspended license, you could face additional fines, potential jail time, and even more points on your driving record. It can also make it harder to reinstate your driving privileges once your suspension is lifted. For many people, losing their ability to drive can have a major impact on their daily lives, affecting their job, their ability to take care of their family, and their overall independence.
Warrants for Your Arrest
In New York, ignoring a traffic ticket for too long can eventually lead to a warrant being issued for your arrest. When you are issued a traffic ticket, you are being summoned to court to either pay the fine or contest the violation. If you ignore this summons and do not respond in any way, the court can issue what is called a “bench warrant.” A bench warrant means that law enforcement is authorized to arrest you and bring you to court.
This can be a shocking experience, especially if you have forgotten about the ticket entirely. Getting arrested for something like a traffic violation can also lead to time spent in jail, attorney fees, and other legal costs. If a warrant is issued for your arrest, it can also show up on background checks, which can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or apply for loans. The consequences of a warrant can be much more severe than the original traffic ticket.
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Increased Insurance Rates
When you ignore a traffic ticket and it leads to fines, points on your driving record, or a suspended license, your insurance company will likely take notice. Most insurance companies regularly review your driving record, and violations, points, and suspensions can lead to increased insurance rates. Even if your insurance provider does not cancel your policy altogether, they may raise your premiums significantly.
In some cases, an increase in your insurance rates due to a traffic violation can last for several years. Over time, these higher rates can cost you much more than the original fine for the traffic ticket. Additionally, if your license is suspended, some insurance companies may require you to get special insurance coverage, called SR-22 insurance, which is typically more expensive than standard policies. Ignoring a traffic ticket could end up making your car insurance unaffordable.
Impact on Driving Record and Points
Every traffic violation in New York comes with a certain number of points that are added to your driving record if you are found guilty or fail to address the ticket. The number of points depends on the severity of the violation. For example, speeding, running a red light, or illegal parking can all result in different point totals. If you ignore the ticket and the violation is recorded on your record, these points can add up quickly.
Once you accumulate too many points on your record, you risk having your license suspended or revoked. In New York, your license can be suspended if you accumulate 11 points or more within an 18-month period. Each traffic ticket ignored can push you closer to this threshold, and the more points you have, the harder it is to maintain your driving privileges. Having points on your record can also affect your ability to get certain types of employment, especially if driving is a key part of the job.
Case Results
Long-Term Legal Consequences
Ignoring a traffic ticket in New York can lead to more long-term legal issues. In some cases, the traffic violation itself might seem minor, but if it escalates to the point where your license is suspended or a warrant is issued for your arrest, you may end up needing legal representation to resolve the situation. What could have been a simple traffic violation can turn into a complex legal problem that requires time, effort, and money to fix.
In addition, ignoring traffic tickets over time can result in you being labeled a “habitual offender.” If the court views you as someone who regularly ignores traffic tickets or court summons, you could face even harsher penalties. This might include longer license suspensions, higher fines, and longer jail sentences. The long-term consequences of ignoring traffic tickets can follow you for years, impacting your ability to drive, work, and maintain a clean legal record.
Difficulty in Contesting the Ticket
Ignoring a traffic ticket not only leads to immediate consequences, but it also reduces your chances of contesting the ticket successfully. When you receive a traffic ticket, you have the option to challenge it in court. You may have had a valid defense, such as incorrect information on the ticket or improper conduct by the police officer. However, if you ignore the ticket and miss your court date, you lose the opportunity to present your case.
Even if you later try to resolve the ticket after it has gone unpaid for a long time, the courts may be less sympathetic to your situation. You may be stuck with the maximum penalties for the violation and will have little room to negotiate a reduction in fines or points. By addressing the ticket early on, you give yourself a much better chance of minimizing the impact on your driving record and your wallet.
How to Avoid These Consequences
The best way to avoid the serious consequences of ignoring a traffic ticket in New York is to take action as soon as possible. When you receive a traffic ticket, read it carefully to understand the deadlines for paying the fine or appearing in court. If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly or if you want to fight the charges, you can request a court date to contest the ticket. Either way, responding to the ticket before the deadline will help you avoid many of the worst consequences.
If you are unable to pay the fine right away or are unsure how to proceed, contacting a legal professional can help you navigate the process and avoid making costly mistakes. Ignoring the ticket might seem like an easier option in the short term, but the long-term consequences can be much more difficult and expensive to resolve.
If you are facing a traffic ticket in New York and are unsure how to handle it, do not wait until it is too late. The consequences of ignoring a traffic ticket can be severe, but you do not have to face them alone. At Arthur L. Pressman, Attorney at Law, we understand how overwhelming traffic violations can be and are here to help. Whether you want to contest a ticket or resolve outstanding fines, our team can provide the guidance and representation you need to protect your rights. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your traffic ticket case.