Speeding Tickets By Camera: Do I Pay Or Fight?

In New York, motorists photographed exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour within a school zone are subject to a $50 fine. This is known as a work zone speeding fine or a Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) traffic ticket. If you receive a speeding ticket, you have the option to pay the fine or dispute it. Paying the fine is an admission of guilt and can be done online, by mail, or by phone. On the other hand, disputing a ticket can be done online, by mobile app, by mail, or in person, and it is recommended to gather evidence and research common defenses before doing so.

Pleading guilty to a camera speeding ticket in NY

If you have received a speeding ticket in New York, you have the option to plead guilty or not guilty. Pleading guilty means you are not contesting the ticket and will have to pay a fine to the court. Here are the steps and considerations for pleading guilty to a camera speeding ticket in New York:

• Review your ticket: Check if your ticket is for a "misdemeanor" or "traffic infraction." This information should be on the left side of your ticket, approximately one-third of the way down. If it is a misdemeanor, you must appear in person before a City Court Judge on the date specified on the ticket. If it is a traffic infraction, you have the option to plead guilty.
• Understand the consequences: Before pleading guilty, be aware that it will affect your driving record and could result in increased insurance rates and even suspension of your license, especially if you have prior traffic violations.
• Plead guilty by mail or in person: If you choose to plead guilty, you can do so by following the instructions on your ticket. Fill out the designated section on the ticket completely, including your current mailing address, and sign it. You can then return your plea by mail to the City Court Clerk's Office or submit it in person at the Court Clerk's Office or Traffic Court according to their schedule.
• Pay the fine: After pleading guilty, you will be notified of the fines and any mandatory surcharges assessed by the court. Payment methods and options may vary depending on the court, but typically include cash, money order, certified check, or credit card.
• Be mindful of deadlines: It is important to respond to your ticket within the specified timeframe, usually within 60 days of receiving the ticket, to avoid additional consequences such as suspension of your driver's license and payment of additional fees.

While pleading guilty is a straightforward process, it is essential to consider your options carefully. If you believe you have a strong case or want to avoid points on your license, you may want to explore the possibility of fighting the ticket instead. Consulting with a traffic attorney can help you understand your rights and make an informed decision.

Pleading not guilty to a camera speeding ticket in NY

If you've received a camera speeding ticket in New York, you have the option to plead "not guilty" and fight the ticket in court. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plead not guilty to a camera speeding ticket in New York:

Step 1: Review Your Ticket

Before deciding how to plead, carefully review your ticket to understand the charges against you. Look for the "traffic infraction" box on your ticket, which indicates that you have been issued a ticket for a traffic violation. This is typically located about one-third of the way down on the left side of the ticket.

Step 2: Understand the Consequences of Pleading Guilty

Admitting guilt by paying a speeding ticket is straightforward, but it can have significant consequences. If convicted of a speeding violation, your driving record will be negatively impacted, potentially resulting in the suspension of your license. Additionally, you will be subject to fines, fees, and increased insurance rates, which can add up to hundreds of dollars annually.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Options

Consider whether you have a strong case for fighting the ticket. For example, do you have physical proof that you weren't speeding, such as dashcam footage, GPS data, or evidence that the speed limit sign was obscured? Are there potential weaknesses in the method used by the officer to determine your speed? Do you have an unblemished driving record or want to avoid points on your license? These are all factors that may influence your decision to plead not guilty.

Step 4: Decide to Plead Not Guilty

If you choose to plead not guilty, you can do so by following the instructions on your ticket. Fill out the right side of the ticket completely, providing your current mailing address, and sign it. You can return your plea by mail or in person at the City Court Clerk's Office or Traffic Court according to their schedule. Be sure to submit your plea within the specified timeframe, usually within forty-eight hours of receiving the ticket.

Step 5: Request a Supporting Deposition (Optional)

If you wish to obtain more information about the basis for the ticket, you can request a Supporting Deposition by checking the appropriate box on your ticket. This request must be made within thirty days following the return date on the ticket. The court will then order the Supporting Deposition from the issuing police officer, who has thirty days to provide it to you.

Step 6: Prepare for Your Court Hearing

After pleading not guilty, a court hearing will be scheduled. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to testify, present witnesses, and submit evidence to support your case. You also have the right to cross-examine the prosecutor's witnesses. If necessary, you can apply for a subpoena to ensure the presence of your witnesses.

Step 7: Attend Your Court Hearing

Attend your court hearing as scheduled and present your defence. The judge will consider the evidence presented by both sides and render a verdict, finding you either guilty or not guilty. If found not guilty, the case will be dismissed. If found guilty, you will be subject to fines, surcharges, and other penalties.

Remember, pleading not guilty gives you the opportunity to challenge the ticket and potentially avoid the negative consequences associated with a speeding conviction. However, carefully weigh your options before making a decision, as there may be instances where pleading guilty is more advantageous.

Paying a camera speeding ticket in NY online

If you have been caught speeding by a camera in New York, you will be issued a Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) ticket. This is a ticket for non-criminal moving violations issued in the five boroughs of New York City.

You can pay a speeding ticket online in most New York jurisdictions. You will need to wait a day or so after being issued the ticket before the ticket number will be available on the New York DMV website.

To pay your speeding ticket online, you will need the following:

• Your traffic ticket number.
• Your DMV ID number, or your full name, date of birth, and gender as they appear on the traffic ticket.
• A credit or debit card. There is a $3.75 convenience fee for card payments.

To pay your ticket online, follow these steps:

• Go to the DMV's plead or pay application.
• Enter your DMV ID Number, or your last name, middle initial, and first name, along with any other information required to verify your identity.
• Follow the instructions to pay your fine.
• Keep the confirmation email for your records.

You can also pay your speeding ticket by mail or in person at a TVB office.

Paying a camera speeding ticket in NY by mail

If you have received a speeding ticket in New York, you may be able to pay it by mail. The process for doing so depends on the type of speeding ticket you have received.

If you have received a work zone speeding violation under the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program, you can pay by mail. To do so, make a check or money order payable to the NYS Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program. Be sure to include the violation number, license plate number, and the state of registration on the face of your payment. Mail your payment to the following address:

NYS Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program

PO Box 8418

Philadelphia, PA 19101

Alternatively, if you have received a Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) traffic ticket, you can also pay by mail. To do so, you will need your traffic ticket number, DMV ID number, or your full name, date of birth, and gender as they appear on the traffic ticket. Send your payment to the following address:

Traffic Violations Plea Unit

Albany, NY 12220-0950

It is important to note that if you choose to pay a speeding ticket, you are pleading guilty to the violation and will be responsible for paying any associated fines, fees, and surcharges. If you wish to dispute the ticket, you may be able to plead "not guilty" and request a hearing instead.

Paying a camera speeding ticket in NY by phone

If you have received a speeding ticket in New York, you may be able to pay it by phone. This depends on the type of speeding ticket you have received.

If you have received a work zone speeding violation under the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program, you can pay it by phone. Call the toll-free number 1-833-268-8120. You will need to provide the violation number, license plate number, and PIN. There is a $3.75 convenience fee for credit and debit card payments by phone.

If you have received a Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) traffic ticket, you can plead and pay by phone. Contact the TVB via phone between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays). The phone number for the New York City Metropolitan Area is 1-718-488-5710. For the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), the number is 1-800-368-1186.

Frequently asked questions