Why Drivers Get Ticketed: Common Violations in New York

Traffic tickets are a common headache for drivers across New York, whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Manhattan or driving on a quiet highway upstate. Drivers receive tickets for a variety of violations, such as speeding, failing to signal a lane change and illegal parking.

Understanding the most frequent reasons for getting ticketed — and the potential consequences — can help you avoid costly fines, points on your license and increased insurance premiums.

In this article, we’ll break down the leading causes of traffic tickets in New York, explain the state’s point system and explore what to do if you find yourself with a citation. From minor infractions to serious violations, knowing how to respond appropriately can make all the difference in keeping your driving record clean.

Understanding the New York Point System

The Driver Violation Point System is a way for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to monitor and evaluate driver behavior. Points are assigned to your driving record when you commit traffic violations.

Accumulating too many points within a short period can lead to serious consequences, such as increased insurance premiums, fines or a suspended license.

Different traffic violations carry specific point values depending on the severity of the offense. The more serious the violation, the higher the point penalty. If you accumulate 11 points in an 18-month period, your license could be suspended.

Here’s a breakdown of how points are assigned for various violations:

Violation	Points Assigned
Speeding (1-10 mph over the limit)	3 points
Speeding (11-20 mph over the limit)	4 points
Speeding (21-30 mph over the limit)	6 points
Speeding (31-40 mph over the limit)	8 points
Speeding (More than 40 mph over the limit)	11 points
Reckless driving	5 points
Failure to stop for a school bus	5 points
Texting and improper electronic device use	5 points
Improper passing, unsafe lane change	3 points
Failure to yield the right of way	3 points
Running a red light or stop sign	3 points
Leaving the scene of an accident (property damage)	3 points

It’s important to note that points remain on your driving record for 18 months from the date of the violation. The DMV will only use points from violations that occurred in the last 18 months to determine penalties such as suspension.

Understanding how points accumulate can help you avoid costly penalties and keep your driving privileges intact.

Potential Impact of Traffic Tickets

Getting a traffic ticket in New York can have significant consequences, ranging from financial penalties to long-term impacts on your driving record and insurance costs. Let’s explore the most common causes of traffic tickets and what you can do to avoid or manage them.

Increased Insurance Premiums

One of the most immediate consequences of a traffic ticket is increased car insurance premiums. Insurance companies view traffic violations as a sign of risky behavior, which often results in higher rates.

The severity of the increase depends on the nature of the violation and how many points were added to your driving record. Multiple violations or severe offenses like reckless driving can lead to substantial hikes in your premiums.

To help offset these costs, you may be able to take a defensive driving course, which could qualify you for an insurance discount. Our course is designed to not only help you improve your driving skills but also lower your insurance rates by 10%, giving you peace of mind after a violation.

Points on Your Driving Record

Every traffic violation adds points to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to a suspended license.

Points remain on your record for 18 months from the date of the violation. However, the violation itself stays on your driving record for up to four years and can affect your insurance during that time.

License Suspension

If you accumulate 11 points within an 18-month period, the New York DMV may suspend your license. Some violations, like Driving Under the Influence (DUI), can result in immediate suspension without the need for accumulated points. For commercial drivers, suspensions can occur with fewer points.

Fines and Fees

Traffic tickets come with fines, which vary based on the violation. Fines in New York can range from $45 to $600, depending on the severity of the offense.

For example, speeding tickets start at $45 and can go up to $600 for excessive speeding. In addition to fines, there may be surcharges and fees, especially for repeat offenders or serious violations like driving without insurance.

In some cases, drivers may also be required to attend a defensive driving course to reduce points on their record or face other penalties like community service. It's important to address tickets promptly to avoid escalating consequences.

Common Causes of Traffic Tickets in New York

Traffic violations in New York frequently cause tickets, fines and points on your driving record. Understanding the most common causes can help you avoid costly penalties and keep your record clean.

Below are some of the leading reasons drivers receive traffic tickets in New York.

Speeding

New York has strict speeding laws designed to keep roads safe. The state enforces a variety of speed limits based on the area, such as 25 mph in residential zones and varying limits on highways. Common scenarios where drivers get caught speeding include school zones, construction areas and speed traps on highways.

Speeding tickets can add points to your driving record, and multiple violations can lead to license suspension. Additionally, insurance premiums typically increase with each speeding violation, especially if you’re caught significantly exceeding the limit.

You can take our defensive driving course, which allows you to reduce points on your record and lower your insurance costs.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as texting or eating behind the wheel. In New York, it is illegal to use a handheld mobile device while driving. This includes making calls, texting or browsing.

Penalties for distracted driving include fines, points on your license and increased insurance premiums. Repeated offenses can lead to higher fines and possible license suspension.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

New York law requires drivers to stop completely at red lights and stop signs. The state also uses red light cameras to enforce compliance, particularly in busy urban areas. These cameras can issue tickets even when a police officer is not present.

Running a red light or stop sign can result in points on your record, fines and higher insurance rates. It is also one of the leading causes of accidents, making it a serious safety issue.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI)

New York’s legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers and 0.04% for commercial drivers. DUI/DWI laws in New York are strictly enforced, with penalties including fines, license suspension and possible jail time.

Statistics show that DUI-related tickets and accidents remain a significant issue on New York’s roadways. In addition to legal penalties, a DUI can drastically increase your insurance premiums and may require you to attend an alcohol education program.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving in New York is defined as operating a vehicle in a manner that unreasonably interferes with the use of the highway or endangers others. Examples include excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating.

Improper Lane Changes and Failure to Signal

Drivers in New York must signal before making lane changes and ensure that the lane is clear. Common mistakes include changing lanes without signaling or cutting off other drivers.

These actions disrupt traffic flow and pose a danger to other drivers.

Driving Without a Valid License or Registration

In New York, you must carry a valid driver’s license and ensure your vehicle is registered. Driving without a valid license or expired registration can lead to fines, vehicle impoundment and even arrest.

To avoid these violations, regularly check the expiration dates on your license and registration and renew them promptly. Always keeping proper documentation in your vehicle can prevent unnecessary penalties.

Failure to Yield the Right of Way

New York’s right-of-way laws require drivers to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, other vehicles at intersections and emergency vehicles.

Yielding correctly ensures smoother traffic flow and helps prevent accidents, especially in busy urban areas.

Seat Belt and Child Restraint Violations

New York law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. Additionally, children must be properly restrained in child seats or booster seats according to their age and size.

Failing to comply with these laws can result in fines and points on your license. More importantly, wearing a seat belt significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in an accident, making compliance critical for your safety.

Parking Violations

Parking violations are common in urban areas like New York City, where finding legal parking can be challenging. Common violations include parking in no-parking zones, in front of fire hydrants or overstaying metered parking limits.

To avoid parking tickets, always check for posted signs and meters, use designated parking areas and be aware of restricted zones. Consider using a parking garage or lot in high-traffic areas to avoid fines.

What to Do if You Receive a Traffic Ticket

Receiving a traffic ticket can be frustrating, but how you respond can impact your driving record, finances and your ability to drive.

Here are the steps you should take immediately after getting a ticket.

Verify the Details on the Ticket

Carefully review the ticket for accuracy, including:

Your personal information: Make sure your name, address and driver’s license number are correct.
Vehicle information: Check that your vehicle’s make, model and license plate number are listed correctly.
Violation details: Confirm the violation’s date, time, location and description. Errors in these details may provide grounds for contesting the ticket.

Decide Whether to Pay or Contest the Ticket

Once you’ve verified the information, you need to decide whether to pay the fine or fight the ticket. Each option has its own implications:

Pay the ticket: By paying the fine, you’re essentially admitting guilt. This will result in the points associated with the violation being added to your driving record, which could affect your insurance rates.
Contest the ticket: If you believe the ticket was issued in error or there are circumstances that might reduce your responsibility, you can choose to fight the ticket in court.

How to Contest a Traffic Ticket in New York

If you choose to contest the ticket, you have a few options:

Plead not guilty: You must plead not guilty to the violation within 30 days of receiving the ticket. This can typically be done online, by mail or in person at the local Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB).
Attend a hearing: If your case goes to a hearing, you’ll need to present evidence and/or testimony to argue your case. You may be able to dispute the officer’s observations, provide proof of a mistake or demonstrate mitigating circumstances (e.g., if you were ticketed in an emergency situation).

When to Seek Legal Assistance

Some traffic violations are more serious than others. In certain situations, it’s worth seeking legal help:

For serious offenses: Consider consulting a traffic attorney if you’re facing major violations like DUI or reckless driving or if the points from the ticket could lead to a license suspension. They can help build a case, negotiate a reduced penalty or have the charges dropped.
Complex cases: A lawyer can provide expertise in contesting the charge if you believe the officer made an error or the violation is based on a subjective judgment (e.g., improper lane change).

Responding promptly and considering all your options can minimize the impact of a traffic ticket on your record and finances.

Keep Your Record Clean

Traffic tickets can have lasting effects on your driving record, finances and insurance rates, especially in a state like New York, where the point system closely tracks violations.

Understanding the most common causes of tickets and how to navigate the aftermath can help you make informed decisions, whether you're considering paying a fine or contesting a citation.

Being aware of the laws and driving responsibly will help you avoid costly penalties and keep your record clean, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable time on the road.

If you're looking for ways to reduce points or improve your driving skills, consider enrolling in a defensive driving course to keep your record clear and avoid potential issues.