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New York Traffic Fines


A Short Introduction to New York Traffic Fines

New York City is America’s #1 tourist destination, and getting to it may mean hours of New York state driving. Perhaps because of this, millions of New York traffic fines are given out every year to residents and non-residents alike. These fines can seem almost crushingly severe, costing hundreds and hundreds of dollars, but before you engage in panic, you should read up on the consequences associated with a New York traffic fine so as to adequately assess your own situation. 

A Sampling of New York Traffic Fines

A New York traffic fine can you a whole paycheck, or it could cost less than a fast food dinner. This wide variance is partly because New York traffic fine is influenced by how many traffic violations you’ve committed in the past. The more violations, the greater your New York traffic fine will be. 

In general, the court will add $150 additional dollars if it is your second New York traffic fine in 18 months, and will add $375 if it is your third. The numbers below, therefore, are just the bottom range for fines which could actually be much greater. Only your court can tell you how much your New York traffic fine will be.

• Speeding, 1 to 10 mph over the limit—$45-$150

• In a school zone or construction zone—$90-$300

• Speeding, 11 to 30 mph over the limit—$90-$300

• In a school zone or construction zone—$180-$600

• Speeding, more than 30 mph over the limit—$180-$600

• In a school zone or construction zone—$360-$1200

• Speeding, greater than is reasonable for hazardous conditions—$45-$150

• Failure to make a right turn correctly from a bus lane —$150

• Parking in a no parking zone—$65

The Disciplinary Point System

New York traffic fines are even more serious than they may initially seem because there are significant hidden fines associated with them. These are the disciplinary points assigned with each New York traffic fine. Insurance companies use them to base their premium charges on, so that individuals with more points on their license will get charged more. 

Additionally, there are New York state legal consequences for accumulating too many points. If you get 11 or more within an 18 month period, your license may be suspended. 

Here is a list of points assigned with typical New York traffic fines:

• Failure to yield: 3 points

• Violation involving a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign: 3 points

• Improper passing, unsafe lane change, driving left of center, or driving in wrong direction: 3 points

• Fleeing the scene of an accident with no personal injury: 3 points

• Speeding, 1 to 10 mph over the limit: 3 points

• Speeding, 11 to 20 mph over the limit 4 points

• Driving too closely: 4 points

• Reckless driving: 5 points

• Speeding, 21 to 30 mph over the limit: 6 points

• Speeding, 31 to 40 mph over the limit: 8 points

• Speeding, more than 40 mph over the limit: 11 points

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