When in the state of New York, every driver is subject to the rules and regulations that govern the roads. As such, traffic offenses that occur while the vehicle is in motion are considered to be moving violations. These can range from something as minor as failing to fully stop at a stop sign, to a more major offense like a DWI charge. For minor infractions, it may seem best to simply pay the fine and move on, but moving violations in New York can have an impact on your driving record no matter how trivial the ticket may seem!
Here’s what you need to know about them:
Understanding moving violations
Any moving violation ticket that is issued will not only include a penalty and/or fine, but it will also come with a predetermined point level that goes on your record. The DMV operates on a point system to track repeat moving violation offenders. This point system can range from three points for a speeding ticket that is issued for driving under 10 miles over the limit, to 11 points for driving 40 miles over the limit. Drivers that accrue six or more points over an 18 month period may be fined a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee. If a person accrues 11 or more points in that same time period, their license may be suspended and their insurance rates could see a major increase.
Now, what seemed like a simple proposition carries more nuance. By automatically paying the fine associated with a ticket, the driver is basically entering a guilty plea and will directly accrue the points associated with the violation. For an infraction of improper cell phone use, there is a minimum of five points levied against the license. The points can go higher if the ticket includes multiple violations- before you know it, your license is at risk!
Moving Violations in New York Include:
- Speeding
- Reckless Driving
- Inadequate Brakes
- Failure to Stop for a School Bus
- Following Too Closely
- Passing Improperly
- Railroad Crossing Violations
- Failure to Obey A Traffic Signal
- Passenger Safety Violation
For this reason, it’s crucial to hire an experienced attorney, even for the smallest infraction. Often times, an attorney can work to minimize the impact on your license, and may be able to eliminate the points entirely. This can not only benefit native New Yorkers, but also out of state drivers who find themselves with a moving violation while traveling through the state. Many states have reciprocal agreements which means a ticket in New York can follow you home and the points transfer to your driving record.