What to Do After Getting a Speeding Ticket in New York
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Getting a speeding ticket can be frustrating and stressful, especially if it’s your first ticket. Speeding might seem like a minor infraction, but even one New York speeding ticket may result in hefty fines and increase your car insurance rates.
This guide will walk you through what to do after you receive a speeding ticket in New York, potential outcomes, and how speeding tickets affect car insurance rates.
What Counts as Speeding in New York?
Speeding is one of the most common traffic tickets in New York. Driving at any speed that exceeds the posted speed limit is considered speeding.
Even if you’re driving on a road without speed signs, you’re still required to drive at a speed that’s reasonable based on road conditions. Tickets are more common if you’re traveling over 10 miles per hour (mph) or you’re speeding in a school zone.
In New York, speed limits in school zones fall between 15 and 25 mph, and traffic infractions in these zones carry additional penalties. New York uses speed cameras, so even if you’re not pulled over by law enforcement, you may still receive a ticket.
Next Steps After Receiving a Speeding Ticket in New York
1. Review the Ticket Details Carefully
All the important information you’ll need to respond should be written on the ticket itself. This includes the date of the violation, your speed compared to the speed limit, the court address, and your response deadline.
2. Decide How To Plead
You need to determine whether you want to plead guilty or not guilty to the traffic ticket infraction. Fill out the appropriate section on the ticket, sign it, and mail it to the court.
Contesting the ticket is a good option if you believe you have a strong case. Pleading not guilty (and winning your case) can help you avoid incurring points on your driving record, having to pay fines, or facing insurance hikes.
You may want to plead guilty if you don’t have a strong enough case. You may also choose to accept the penalties if you have very few points on your record or if your speed was relatively low.
3. Consider a Traffic Reduction Program
Completing a New York traffic reduction program like the Point and Insurance Reduction Program can reduce points incurred within the last 18 months. This is especially helpful if you’re facing potential license suspension or additional fines due to your record.
Completing a program can also reduce the base rate of your insurance premium for the next three years.
4. Prepare for a Court Appearance (if contesting)
If you plead not guilty, you’ll need to prepare for your court appearance by collecting supporting evidence and formulating your case. While you can represent yourself, it’s highly recommended that you seek legal assistance from a traffic ticket attorney.
5. Pay the Fine or Submit Your Plea
You need to respond to the ticket before the specified deadline (usually 15 days after the ticket was issued). If you plead guilty, you’ll also need to pay the ticket fine within a certain timeframe to avoid additional penalties.
How Speed Affects Penalties and Points
Speeding is treated as a serious violation of traffic laws and can lead to fines and points on your license. New York State speeding ticket fines and penalties depend on how far over the speed limit you were driving:
- 1-10 mph over: Fines between $45 and $150 and 3 points on your license
- 11-20 mph over: Fines between $90 and $300 and 4 points on your license
- 21-30 mph over: Fines between $90 and $300 and 6 points on your license
- 31-40 mph over: Fines between $180 and $600 and 8 points on your license
- 41+ mph over: 11 points on your license and a possible license suspension
In New York, how long a speeding ticket stays on record can vary depending on how you respond, but points last 18 months by default.
How Speeding Tickets Impact Insurance Rates in New York
You need to understand how license points affect car insurance and what your options are. Insurers are more likely to consider you a high-risk driver if you have violations on your record.
A ticket can increase your insurance premium by 15% to 30%, especially if it’s a major infraction. Higher speeds and multiple tickets can lead to even higher rate hikes or a policy cancellation.
Many states require high-risk drivers to have an SR-22 insurance form, which must be filed with the DMV to prove your policy meets minimum coverage requirements. While there’s no New York SR-22 insurance mandate, you might need to obtain it if you’re relocating to a state that requires it.
Dealing With a Speeding Ticket in NYC vs. Upstate
In New York City, speeding ticket cases are processed through the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB), which is part of the New York State DMV. Upstate cases are managed by the local courts in the jurisdiction where your ticket was issued.
It’s generally easier to deal with an upstate speeding ticket than one in NYC. In the city, plea bargains aren’t allowed, and there’s a higher conviction rate. In other jurisdictions, you can often negotiate with local prosecutors and judges tend to be more lenient, although it depends on the circumstances.
Consequences of Ignoring or Failing To Respond
There are serious consequences for ignoring a New York State speeding ticket. Failing to respond can lead to losing your driving privileges through license suspension, a default conviction, increased fines, and significant insurance rate hikes.
Compare Insurance Rates After a Violation
The relationship between traffic tickets and insurance can be significant. A speeding conviction may raise premiums, especially if there are already multiple offenses on your record.
EverQuote allows you to quickly compare auto insurance rates from top providers, helping you reduce your financial burden and get the coverage you need.