There are a number of reasons you might want to avoid a traffic ticket in New York, such as incurring a fine. Additionally, according to SafeNY, you might want to avoid speeding because, for every 5 miles an hour you travel over 60 miles an hour, you are essentially paying an additional 24 cents a gallon.
Aside from the money, however, is the fact that most tickets will put points on your driver’s license. The state implemented a point system in order to better identify high-risk drivers and encourage safe traveling. Points are only added if you have been found guilty of the infraction, which can happen in a courtroom or through simply paying the ticket amount.
According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the points are assigned based on the severity of the violation. Some common point values include the following:
- Speeding up to 10 miles over the limit: 3 points
- Speeding between 11 and 10 miles over the limit: 4 points
- Failing to stop for a school bus: 5 points
- Reckless driving: 5 points
- Improper cell phone use: 5 points
Once you have collected 11 points in an 18-month period – which is determined by the date of the violation – the DMV can suspend your driver’s license.
There are several ways to reduce the number of points on your license, such as taking a point and insurance reduction program that has been approved by the DMV. Additionally, you always have the option to fight a ticket to prevent points from ever accruing.
While this information may be useful, it should not be taken as legal advice.