While it may not seem like a big deal to receive a traffic violation, these tickets can cost you a lot of time, money, and aggravation; but some tickets can even add points to your driver’s license. That’s why it is so important to understand how New York’s traffic points work and to which violations they are assigned.
According to the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law, the Department of Motor Vehicles assigns points to specific moving violations. These points not only cost you money but with enough of them, you could lose your legal ability to drive for a period of time.
Violations That Will Cost You Points
Though in no way extensive, some of these violations include:
- Improper/Unsafe Lane Changes
- Failure to Yield Right of Way
- Failure to Stop at Stop Sign or Flashing Red Light
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Reckless Driving
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record?
Once convicted, these points will remain on your driving record for a period of 18 months from the day that the offense was committed. Contrary to popular belief, delaying your case for more than 18 months will not prevent you from incurring these points. Whenever you are found guilty, the DMV will go back 18 months and forward 18 months from the date of the offense in order to count up your points. Should you have too many points you can receive a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee and/or a license suspension.
The suspension will remain on your driving record until you have fulfilled the mandated period of time and have paid the applicable fees. However, if you have had your license revoked, you will have to reapply to get it back.
What may cause your license to be suspended?
- 11 points in 18 months = possible suspension
- Three speeding tickets within 18 months (regardless of points) = mandatory six-month suspension
- Convicted of one traffic violation involving substantial risk of danger
It is important to note that the DMV calculates points differently than your insurance company likely will. Insurance companies look at your points during the course of 36 months (3 years) and will add up the points from the date that you are convicted (not the date of the violation). Certain conviction, such as a major speeding violation can result in an increase in your insurance premium for a period of time, costing you further money and aggravation.
AutoTrafficTickets.com Helps Those in New York Who Wish to Challenge Driving Ticket
The consequences of receiving a driving ticket can impact a lot of things in a negative manner, but speaking with a traffic ticket attorney can provide you with invaluable information.
If you have been issued a moving violation and wish to challenge the existence of the ticket, AutoTrafficTickets.com can help. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!
Posted in: Traffic Violations