Understanding New York’s traffic violation points system

No matter how much planning goes into an errand or event, many New York drivers could agree that rushing on the road is all too tempting. Even when punctuality is not a concern, the speedometer can travel higher than speed limits in the blink of an eye. As for New York speeding laws, there are a few details drivers can keep in mind to avoid trouble on the road. The New York Post is quick to argue that traffic tickets are simply a way of business in today’s world. New York is not alone, either, as most states enforce strict penalties for seemingly insignificant traffic offenses. The results? According to The Post, unreasonably high ticket prices cause a severe imbalance in the country’s wealth. While speeding can certainly prove dangerous, most drivers will violate speed limits at some point in their lives, and many will face the frustrating obstacles of exorbitant fees and, in some situations, traffic school and revoked licenses. All the while, states continue to issue increasingly high tickets to drivers. Many drivers can agree that state speeding laws are difficult; learning the ropes, however, can help one prevent a ticket that can take months to pay off. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee of the state of New York shares the basic regulations surrounding speeding laws, first noting that speed violations range from 3 to 11 — a driver could lose his or her license with an 11 point ranking. Safety, as most New York residents would expect, is the Committee’s top priority, as driving at high speeds naturally makes slowing down harder for drivers. There may be an ongoing debate on New York’s speeding laws, but the website for traffic safety also shares that the state has no plans of raising speed limits to 65 mph on additional roads. For now, drivers must drive at enforced speed limits or possibly face a mountain of traffic fees.

Even if you’re a safe and considerate driver, distractions can still occur. In some cases, even a moment’s inattention behind the wheel can lead to grave injury, property damage, or even loss of life. As a result, New York drivers must make every attempt at remaining focused on the road, which is why Geico recommends the following safe driving tips to do just that. Never Drive While Drowsy Not only can driving while drowsy be a distraction, it can also impair your judgement and ability to make good decisions. As a result, falling asleep behind the wheel can be deadly, for both yourself as well as other drivers. If you’re feeling sleepy behind the wheel, it’s best that you pull over and get some rest until you’re good to drive again. Don’t Eat and Drive In general, eating while driving isn’t necessarily viewed as a very risky behavior. However, eating and driving can result in a crash, especially if you happen to spill food or drink in your vehicle. Make time for meal breaks when you can, and refrain from eating on the go in an attempt to keep up with your hectic lifestyle. Save Smart Phones for Emergencies Not only is using a smart phone while driving dangerous, it’s also illegal in many states (including New York). Accordingly, either turn off your phone or set it to do not disturb while you’re driving. If you absolutely need to use your smart phone for an emergency, it’s best to pull over to the side of the road if at all possible.

Many stoplights in Nassau County, New York are equipped with red light cameras. These cameras snap a picture of your vehicle if you run a red light. Once captured, the system issues you, if you are the owner of the vehicle, a Notice of Liability, according to the Nassau County website. If you receive one, you can go to the county website and enter the NOL number to find out the exact violation that triggered the NOL. You also can watch the actual video footage taken. If you agree that you are guilty of the crime, then you can pay your fine via the website. You may also request a hearing if you do not believe you are guilty of the violation or if you were not driving the vehicle at the time. Do note that reduced fines for NOLs are not permitted, so requesting a hearing in the hopes of getting a lesser fine is not advisable. Any action you take has to be done before the date on the NOL. If you do not respond before that date, you may have to pay additional fines and fees. You may also have your vehicle towed or booted. If you schedule a hearing, you must go unless you submit paperwork explaining you already paid a ticket assocaited with the violation on that same day and time or to explain your plates were stolen. You should receive a response before the hearing. If you do not, then attend the hearing. If you do not go to the hearing when you are required to do so, you will be found guilty and an additonal fine for failure to appear will be assessed. NOLs may be issued for running a red light, turning right on red in an area where it is not permitted, making a turn after the light turns red, not stopping completely before turning right on red or not stopping at the stop line. This information is for education and is not legal advice.