Is a Speeding Ticket in New York Really That Bad?

We get it, everyone speeds at one time or another for various reasons. Whether it’s because we’re late to a meeting, need to get home to meet the babysitter, or just not paying attention to the speedometer, speeding happens. One thought that has most likely crossed your mind while rushing to your destination is, “Is a speeding ticket really that bad?”

Keep reading to find out!

The Cost of a Speeding Ticket in New York

In New York, a speeding ticket can cost hundreds of dollars. Several factors contribute to the fines set by the court: how fast the driver was going over the speed limit, if it was in a work zone, and if the driver is a repeat offender.

For speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit the range is between $45 and $150. For speeding 11 mph to 30 mph, the range is $90 to $300, and for speeding 31 mph or more, the range is $180 to $600. These fines are for a speeding ticket received anywhere in New York other than the five boroughs of New York City. The Traffic Violations Bureau handles traffic tickets in the 5 boroughs and has its own rules and regulations.

Speeding Tickets Affect Your Auto Insurance

Not only do you get charged a fine when you receive a speeding ticket, but your auto insurance may increase as well. An insurance underwriter’s primary role is to determine what your premium should be based on how likely you are to get in an accident. The more speeding tickets you have on your record, the higher the premium may be.

One study found that just one speeding ticket can increase rates by as much as $500 per year for as long as the ticket remains on the drivers record. The cost of a speeding ticket really adds up!

Fines for a Second or Third New York Speeding Ticket

If you receive a second speeding ticket within 18 months of the first, the fine increases substantially. A second speeding ticket till cost you between $300 and $750. All speeding tickets in New York carry at least three points, so a second speeding ticket also means paying a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA).

A DRA is a fine that drivers must pay for three years after receiving six or more points on their license. The fine costs $100 plus an additional $25 for each point over six.

If a third ticket is received in an 18-month time period, the state of New York can revoke your license. You’ll also have to pay higher fines and a higher DRA based on the additional points. Your auto insurance rates will also be through the roof at this point; a frustrating fact considering you’ll know longer be able to drive without a license.

Don't Plead Guilty 

When you receive a speeding ticket in New York you have the right to a trial. Police officers and prosecutors want you to plead guilty to the speeding charges to simplify their jobs. Pleading guilty means you give up your rights to a trial, agree to pay the fines, and accept the points on your license and a higher auto insurance premium.

The good news is you can plead not guilty and fight the charges against you. A skilled traffic violations attorney will be able to have your speeding ticket dismissed or reduce the fines and points associated with it.

Our attorneys at McCabe Coleman Ventosa & Patterson will be able to create a specific strategy for your trial. We’ll handle your case in a timely and professional manner and fight to have your ticket reduced or dismissed. If you’ve recently received a speeding ticket in New York, don’t hesitate to contact us today.