In addition to being the start of the holiday season, Thanksgiving is also the beginning of the season when most car accidents due to drunk driving occur. Two to three times as many individuals die in alcohol-related car deaths between Thanksgiving and New Year's than at any other time of the year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts there will be record-breaking numbers of people
New Year's Eve is one of the most dangerous days of the year to drive. Planning for transportation is just as important as planning what you'll wear to your New Year's Eve celebrations. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is both a high-risk activity that can lead to tragic accidents and health consequences. it is also a serious criminal offense with costly penalties. As you can see from below, the fine for DWI (also called DUI-for Driving Under the Influence) depends on the le
If you're behind on paying your New York State taxes, you may be surprised to find out that you may be in danger of losing your driving privileges. In 2013, a joint effort was made between the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), with a plan to revoke the driving privileges of New York residents who have tax debts. The New York State Driver's License Suspension program specifies that if a resident has amassed m
When you receive a traffic violation, it’s natural to ask yourself: “Should I hire a traffic ticket lawyer to handle this?” My advice: Call a traffic lawyer as soon as you receive the ticket to discuss your case. I always offer people a free phone consultation so they understand the issues involved and can make an informed decision. Note: you only have 15 days to answer traffic tickets so call a traffic attorney ASAP. Here’s what you need to consider when deciding whether to
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
Whether you're a new driver or have driven for years, like many people, you may be unaware of certain traffic rules and regulations. Here are some of the most common traffic law truths that trip people up--and result in their getting charged with a traffic violation: 1. Your license plates can be taken away and your car registration can be suspended if there is a lapse in your auto insurance payments. Any lapse in insurance coverage will result in registration suspension for
The statistics relating to car accidents and teens driving under the influence of alcohol are devastating. About 2,000 Americans under the age of 21 die behind the wheel while intoxicated each year and almost 20% of alcohol-related driving deaths are caused by individuals under 21 years of age. New York State has especially stringent DWI laws to prevent such tragedies. In New York, it is against the law for anyone under the age of 21 to be driving with any alcohol in their
The roads surrounding school buildings, considered school zones, typically have reduced speed limits to ensure the safety of students. Heavy speeding fines will be imposed if you ignore those speed limits Speed limits in school zones can vary, although the lowest speed limit that is allowed in New York is 15 miles per hour. It can extend about a quarter of a mile away from the school. Fines for driving over the speed limit vary, depending on how fast you're going over the spe
The average New Yorker pays $1,181.86 a year for car insurance premiums. However, car insurance rates vary heavily based on several factors including your driving history. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, one of the most important factors that auto insurers look at when setting your premiums is your traffic ticket history. Their assumption is that Motorists with more traffic tickets and violations, are statistically more likely to get into traffic accidents. Usu
The first thing New York police will do if they pull you over on the road is ask for your car insurance. Since driving without auto insurance is a criminal offense in New York, if you fail to provide proof of owning it, the consequences are considerable: The ramifications of driving without car insurance can include: $150-$1,500 penalty, plus additional costs to restore your license Up to 15 days in jail Suspension or revocation of your car registration Suspension of your dri
Having your driver's license suspended can be devastating for many reasons. It can lead to pricey fines, incarceration, and, at the very least, a great deal of inconvenience, especially if you need to drive to get to your job. Here are some of the serious repercussions of driving with a suspended license in New York State. As you can see they depend on various circumstances: Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO) of a motor vehicle in the Third Degree (AUO 3rd)—In most cases,
If you do plan on driving after having 1 or more drinks take steps to keep your Blood Alcohol level (BAC) below the legal limit. Calculating how alcohol affects your BAC based on your weight can help you determine how much you can legally drink and drive without getting arrested. In addition, eating, sleeping, hydrating and waiting a period of time will also help your body process the alcohol before you drive. However, keep in mind this is not a 100% guaranteed method to ensu