Speeding Ticket Consequences in NY

When you are in a hurry, it can be hard to keep track of your speed behind the wheel as well as you should. Sometimes, your speed just creeps up when you least expect it. Inevitably, it seems that this only happens when there is a police officer shooting radar just a few yards away. Potential repercussions of a speeding ticket can be harsh, but luckily, help is available! If you have received a speeding ticket in New York, it is important that you receive expert representation in order to help avoid points on your license and other negative consequences. At the Law Offices of Zev Goldstein, an experienced attorney will know how to help you navigate the court system, plead your case, and attain a favorable outcome.

Points on Your License

The first consequence you may face as a result of your speeding ticket is the imposition of points on your license. The points will vary depending on the speed.

• 1 to 10 mph over the posted speed limit will add 3 points to your license.
• 11 to 20 mph over the posted speed limit will add 4 points to your license.
• 21 to 30 mph over the posted speed limit will add 6 points to your license.
• 31 to 40 mph over the posted speed limit will add 8 points to your license.
• 41 mph or more over the posted speed limit will add 11 points to your license, which can result in automatic license suspension.

Fines & Speeding Tickets

For many people, the immediate consequence of a speeding ticket is the associated fine. In New York State, your fines will depend on how far over the speed limit you were going, but are also subject of a wide range of dollar amounts that is within the discretion of the judge. Excessive speeds can sometimes even lead to jail time.

• 1 to 10 mph over the speed limit carries a fine of $45 to $150 as well as a surcharge which is $93 in most courts.
• 11 to 30 mph over the speed limit carries a fine of $90 to $300 plus the surcharge. In some cases a judge can impose jail as well for up to 15 days.
• 31 mph or more over the speed limit carries a fine of $180 to $600 plus the surcharge. Judges also have the power to impose jail for up to 30 days.
• Imprudent speed, which is defined as traveling unsafely for current conditions, can result in a fine of $45 to $150 plus the surcharge (as well as 3 points).

It should be noted that jail time is quite rare for speeding cases. But it is not unheard of, particularly for very high speeds of more than 100 mph and/or repeat offenders. Most judges will notify the defendant if he/she is considering a jail sentence. If that is a possibility, it is very important that you hire a competent attorney that is experienced and familiar with the court where your case is being heard.

Insurance Rate Increases

How much your insurance rates will increase following a speeding ticket will depend on your insurance company’s individual rules and policies. However, here is an example from one insurance company that will give you an idea of how your insurance premium can be affected as a result of a speeding conviction. Please remember that your insurance premiums may be affected by many variables, including good driver discounts, credit rates, driving history, miles driven per year, location, type of vehicle, age of driver and many other factors.

• If you are convicted of speeding 1-14 mph over the speed limit, it will lead to around an 11% increase in your insurance premiums.
• A conviction of speeding at 15-29 mph over the speed limit will lead to around a 12% increase in your insurance premiums.
• Convictions of 30 mph and up over the speed limit will lead to around a 15% increase in your insurance premiums.
• If you have been convicted of careless driving, you can expect to see around an 18% increase in your premiums.
• If you have been convicted of reckless driving (which is a misdemeanor in New York), you can anticipate a 22% increase in your premiums.

License Suspension

Speeding tickets can also lead to license suspension, particularly in extreme circumstances or after repeated instances of speeding. You might be facing a license suspension if you have experienced any of the following:

• You have had 11 or more points added to your license within an 18 month period;
• You have received more than 3 speeding tickets within eighteen months, and all resulted in speeding convictions;
• You have not paid your fine after it was imposed by the court; or
• You failed to show up in court or answer the ticket in some way.

This is not a complete list. There are many reasons why a license can be suspended. If you receive a Notice of Suspension in the mail, you should contact an experienced attorney right away to discuss your options.

If you receive a speeding ticket and are worried about the consequences, contact us today! Our experienced attorneys are familiar with the New York court system and understand how to navigate the system to attain a positive result. Don’t lose your license or suffer a very poor-looking driving record. Get in touch with our experienced attorneys today!