You should always fight your speeding ticket (traffic ticket) in the State of New York. By not doing so, you are guaranteeing a guilty verdict and must deal with the consequences without even putting up a fight. Depending on how many miles per hour over the speed limit you are traveling when you get pulled over will determine how much of a fine you will receive. A fine can cost anywhere between $45 for a 3 point speed and up to $600 for a speed 31+ over the limit.
The second reason to fight a speeding ticket in the State of New York is to avoid points. Speed convictions carry 3 to 11 points depending on how many miles per hour over the speed limit you were traveling.
New York Speeding Points Charts
1 – 10 mph over the speed limit 3 points
11 – 20 mph over the speed limit 4 points
21 – 30 mph over the speed limit 6 points
31 – 40 mph over the speed limit 8 points
41+ mph over the speed limit 11 points
If you accumulate 11 or more points within an 18-month period, your license can be suspended. So, if you plead guilty to an 11-point speed without even putting up a defense, a traffic court Administrative Law Judge may suspend your license. You at least want a fighting chance to avoid a suspended license.
Next, points on your license can increase your insurance rate premiums. So, in addition to the fine and potential suspension, your car insurance rates may rise. In some courts throughout the state, a plea bargain may reduce the points you receive, however, that is only if you fight the ticket. In the Traffic Violations Bureaus within the five boroughs of New York City, there is no plea bargaining and only a trial can be had on your behalf.
Lastly, in addition to what has previously been stated, after a motorist accumulates 6 points on their license within an 18-month period, the DMV will impose what is called a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee. This is a $300 fee that increases by $75 for every point received over the 6 points. Thus, a speeding ticket in New York can cost you quite a lot.
