Monetary Fines
Receiving a traffic ticket in New York State can be a pricey endeavor - with potential fines of up to $600.00 or more. Not to mention the additional surcharges and increased insurance premiums.

Some drivers will also be mandated to pay a “driver responsibility assessment” - which means the driver must pay a prescribed amount once a year for three years following the conviction. In order to be assessed this additional fine, drivers must have received at least 6 points on their driver license during an 18-month period.

• For every 6 points, a driver will be required to pay an annual assessment of $100, for a total assessment of $300 for three years. 
• For each point over 6 points, a driver will be required to pay an additional $25 annually. 
• Alcohol/Drug-Related traffic violations also involve a driver responsibility assessment. For more information, please see our DWI/DWAI section. (link)

License Suspension and Revocation
In addition to hefty fines, surcharges and increased insurance rates, drivers can also face possible license suspension or revocation. One of the most common reasons a driver has his or her license suspended is for failure to respond to a ticket or pay the fees due to the DMV or the court.

Other reasons for suspending or revoking a license are:

• Having too many points on one’s license
• Alcohol and/or drug-related offenses (link)
• Operating an uninsured vehicle

As with any traffic violation, there is yet another fee to remove the suspension from your license.  For suspensions on or after July 6, 2009, the fee is $70.00.

Effect on Insurance Rates
Another aspect that can make traffic tickets a costly endeavor is the effect they may have on your insurance rates. The exact amount that your insurance rate will increase cannot be predicted and is based upon a number of factors, including:

• Your overall individual driving record
• Number of points you have accumulated
• Your relationship with your individual insurance company

While speeding convictions and moving violations are reported on your driving record, New York State Insurance Law has set forth guidelines of what should and should not affect your insurance rates. Generally speaking, a total of 5 points or less should not negatively impact your insurance. However, once you receive a 6-point violation or accumulate a total of 6 points on your license, you can expect an increased insurance premium.