Traffic tickets are a common occurrence for drivers in New York, but many people don’t realize the long-term impact they can have on their driving record. Not only do traffic tickets come with immediate financial penalties, but they can also result in points on your driving record, which can lead to increased insurance rates, license suspensions, and even the loss of your driving privileges. In this blog post, we’ll explore the impact of traffic tickets on your driving record in New York and what you can do to minimize their impact.
Points on your driving record
In New York, every moving violation comes with a certain number of points that are added to your driving record. The number of points depends on the severity of the violation. For example, a speeding ticket may result in 3-11 points depending on how fast you were going, while a more serious offense like reckless driving can result in up to 5 points.
Once you accumulate 6 or more points on your driving record in an 18-month period, you will be required to pay a driver responsibility assessment fee. The fee is $100 per year for three years, plus an additional $25 for each point over 6. This means that a driver with 11 points on their record would have to pay $300 in driver responsibility assessment fees.
Increased insurance rates
When you receive a traffic ticket, your insurance company is notified and may increase your rates. The amount of the increase will depend on the severity of the violation and how many points are added to your driving record. In some cases, a single traffic ticket can result in a significant increase in your insurance rates that lasts for several years.
License suspensions
If you accumulate 11 or more points on your driving record in an 18-month period, your license may be suspended. Additionally, some violations like driving under the influence or leaving the scene of an accident can result in an immediate suspension of your license.
Loss of driving privileges
If you continue to accumulate points on your driving record or commit serious traffic offenses, you may eventually lose your driving privileges altogether. This can have a significant impact on your ability to work, attend school, or carry out everyday tasks like grocery shopping or taking your children to school
What can you do to minimize the impact of traffic tickets?
The best way to minimize the impact of traffic tickets on your driving record is to avoid getting them in the first place. Obey traffic laws and drive defensively, and always wear your seatbelt. If you do receive a ticket, you may be able to reduce the number of points on your driving record by attending a defensive driving course or by pleading guilty to a lesser offense
In some cases, it may be worth hiring a traffic attorney to represent you in court. They may be able to negotiate a plea bargain that results in a lower fine or fewer points on your driving record.
Another way to minimize the impact of traffic tickets is to contest the ticket. When you receive a traffic ticket, you have the right to contest it in court. If you believe that you were wrongly ticketed, or if you have evidence that can help you fight the ticket, you can present your case in court. Contesting a traffic ticket can be a time-consuming process, but if you are successful, you may be able to avoid points on your driving record, and in some cases, have the ticket dismissed altogether.
It’s also important to note that some traffic violations in New York come with mandatory driver’s license suspension or revocation. These include offenses like driving under the influence, refusing a breathalyzer test, and reckless driving. If you are facing license suspension or revocation, it’s important to consult with a traffic attorney who can help you understand your options and represent you in court.
Traffic tickets can also affect your employment prospects. Many employers require a clean driving record, particularly for jobs that involve driving. If you have a history of traffic violations, you may find it difficult to secure certain jobs, particularly those in transportation or logistics.
Traffic tickets can have a significant impact on your driving record in New York, and can lead to increased insurance rates, license suspension or revocation, and even the loss of your driving privileges. To minimize the impact of traffic tickets, it’s important to obey traffic laws and drive responsibly. If you do receive a ticket, take steps to reduce the number of points on your driving record, and consider hiring an attorney to represent you in court. By taking these steps, you can protect your driving record and avoid the financial and personal consequences of accumulating too many points.
As a team of experienced traffic attorneys, at Arthur L. Pressman, Attorney at Law, we can help you minimize the impact of traffic tickets on your driving record in New York. We have the knowledge and expertise to represent you effectively in court, negotiate plea bargains, advise you on defensive driving courses, and fight for your driving privileges.
If you choose to contest your traffic ticket, we can represent you in court and present your case effectively. We have extensive experience in traffic court and can help you navigate the legal system. We can also negotiate with the prosecutor to get a plea bargain that reduces the charges against you or results in fewer points on your driving record
We understand that losing your driving privileges can be a significant hardship, particularly if you rely on your vehicle for work or other obligations. If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, we can represent you at the DMV hearing and fight for your driving privileges.
At our firm, we provide personalized legal advice based on the specifics of your case. We can help you understand the legal implications of your traffic ticket and guide you on how to proceed. Whether you have received a speeding ticket, a red light violation, or another traffic violation, we are here to help.
We can help you minimize the impact of traffic tickets on your driving record in New York. If you have received a traffic ticket and need legal assistance, consider reaching out to our team of experienced traffic attorneys.