What is the New York State Speeding Ticket Point System?

Depending on the charge, a conviction could result in points on your driver’s license. For example, speeding ticket points are assessed in increments depending on the rate of speed. Speeding point violations are calculated in miles per hour (MPH) over the posted speed limit.

For example, a driver who is ticketed and convicted for traveling 80 mph in a 65 mph zone, will be assessed 4 points on their NYS driver’s record.  More serious offences, such as passing a school bus or reckless driving are 5 point violations.

What happens if I get too many points or multiple speeding ticket convictions?

ACCORDING TO THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES (DMV), YOUR LICENSE WILL BE REVOKED IF YOU ARE CONVICTED OF 3 SPEEDING TICKETS WITHIN AN 18 MONTH PERIOD. IF 11 OR MORE POINTS ARE POSTED TO YOUR DRIVING RECORD, THE DMV WILL SUSPEND YOUR DRIVING PRIVILEGES. THE 18 MONTH PERIOD IS CALCULATED BASED ON THE DATE OF THE VIOLATION.

What is the Driver Responsibility Assessment?

For tickets issued on or after November 18, 2004, drivers convicted of multiple point violations may be subject to a Driver’s Responsibility Assessment by the DMV. If the driver is convicted of six or more points, he or she may be subject to an annual fee of $100.00 for three years. The fee may be greater, if the total number of points is greater than six.

Do I need to go to Court?

In many cases your appearance is not required in Court. Many of the Courts will allow an attorney to negotiate a plea disposition by mail. In those Courts that require an appearance, often times an attorney can appear without you, as long as you have signed a formal “waiver of appearance”.

What should I do if I get a speeding ticket in New York State and my driver’s license is from another state?

Do not plead guilty. Fight the ticket.  Many states participate in an interstate compact, which allows the points from New York to appear on your home state driver’s record. The cost of the insurance increase alone will justify the expense of an attorney’s fee.