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​Being convicted for a traffic violation can become a real headache—and an expense. For every traffic violation with which you are charged, if the traffic court finds you guilty you can face serious penalties, including having points added to your license. For example, in New York State, if you're convicted of speeding 25 miles over the posted speed limit you can receive 6 points on your license and if you are convicted of improper cell phone use you can receive 5 points on y

My clients are inevitably shocked, dismayed, and frustrated when they have their driver's licenses suspended. The most common reasons for getting a definite suspension order in New York State are: not having automobile liability insurance having a conviction for an alcohol or drugged driving charge having received multiple traffic violations, totaling 11 points within an 18-month period not following the rules for junior drivers The reasons for receiving an indefinite suspens

The only thing more frustrating than receiving a traffic ticket may be losing one. Unfortunately, replacing a lost ticket can be harder than you think. Here's what you need to know to remedy the situation: 1. If your traffic ticket was marked Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) on the bottom, you're in luck. Go to: https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/get-copy-tvb-ticket, fill out the requested information, and you will be able to order a replacement. 2. If yours was a parking or moving v

Even the best drivers may find themselves the target of a police car’s sirens and flashing lights. When you're pulled over, be sure you following the protocol below to ensure you don't escalate the situation: 1. As soon as you realize you're being pulled over, use your turning signal and change lanes until you can stop in a place that is safe for both you and the officer. Then turn off your engine and roll down your window. 2. If it’s dark, put on your interior car lights and

You probably assume that if you're arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)—also known as DUI (Driving Under the Influence)—you have no defense and it's a lost cause to fight the charge. False! The penalties for a DWI/DUI charge in New York include hefty fines, the suspension or revocation of your driver's license for up to one year, and required installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicles registered in your name. These consequences will have serious repe

​ ​​ ​Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime with maximum penalties potentially adding up to thousands of dollars in fines and years in prison. The consequences for driving away from the scene of a car accident vary, depending on whether anyone was hurt or the driver has prior convictions for the same driving offense. These are the charges and penalties you may face in New York State if you drive away from the scene of a car accident: If neither a person or anima

As an experienced traffic attorney, I've found that few people know what the term "reckless driving" means and what its penalties are. And that's unfortunate because in New York State, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor—which is defined as a criminal charge and results in a criminal record. Driving recklessly is not to be taken lightly, so it's important to be in the know to prevent safety and legal problems. Q. What is reckless driving? A. Reckless driving is defin

While riding a bicycle one of the last thing people may be thinking about is stopping at red lights and stop signs. However, bicycle riders are generally expected to follow local traffic laws that apply to motorists. In addition to following the local traffic laws there may be local provisions that require cyclists to wear helmets, rules against riding on sidewalks and rules against riding a bike while intoxicated. Common bicycle rules include: · Make Sure to Signal- Fa

If you want to transfer ownership of a vehicle to another person then you need to follow certain steps. If you’re selling your car, you must either complete and sign the transfer ownership section of a title certificate and sign a bill of sale or provide another form of proof of ownership and transfer of ownership. For example, you must have a NYS certificate of Title (not a photocopy) or acceptable proof from another state. If you are buying the vehicle, then you need to

If you have recently moved to New York from another state then you have 30 days to apply for a New York State License. However, if you have a valid license from a U.S. state, federal district, territory or Canadian province, then you can exchange it for a New York State License as long as it contains photo ID, is valid or has not expired for more than 24 months, has been issued at least 6 months before you’re going to exchange it, and has not been revoked, suspended, marked a

IGNORING A TICKET LEADS TO BIGGER PROBLEMS So you got a ticket for a moving traffic violation (e.g. speeding, cell phone use, stop sign, etc.) and you forgot about it or chose to ignore it. NOT A GOOD IDEA!! Choosing to ignore the ticket or forgetting to respond as indicated on the back will result in a default conviction and your drivers license will be indefinitely suspended. In addition to paying the fines, you will be required to pay a $70 suspension termination fee. Dri