Disputing Nyc Camera Tickets: Your Comprehensive Guide

If you've received a camera ticket in NYC, you can dispute it online, by mail, via a mobile app, or in person. It's important to act quickly, though, as you must request a hearing within 30 days of the ticket being issued to avoid late penalties. Before disputing a ticket, it's recommended that you research common defences and gather any necessary evidence. When disputing a ticket, you must provide true and accurate information, as any false statements may result in penalties.

Plead not guilty

If you want to dispute an NYC camera ticket by pleading not guilty, you must request a hearing within 30 days of the ticket being issued to avoid late penalties. You can request a hearing online, by mail, or via the Pay or Dispute mobile app. Hearings can also be scheduled in person at a Department of Finance business center between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

If you are unable to attend a hearing in person, you can submit a Statement in Place of Personal Appearance, although this is not recommended. Appearing in person or through a lawyer is a much better option. If you do not appear at the hearing or submit a statement, your driving privileges will be suspended, and you may have to pay additional fines and/or be convicted by default.

At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to testify, present witnesses and evidence, and be represented by an attorney if you choose. All statements, information, and documents submitted must be true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. False statements may result in penalties.

It is important to note that appearing at an in-person hearing does not increase your chances of getting the ticket dismissed. The Department of Finance encourages the use of online, mobile app, or mail hearings to save time.

Research common defences

When disputing a camera ticket in NYC, it is important to research common defences and gather all necessary documents to support your dispute. Here are some common defences that residents of New York have used in the past:

• Proving that you do not own the vehicle: One of the most common defences is to prove that you are not the owner of the vehicle that was caught on camera. This can be done by providing documentation that shows you sold or transferred ownership of the vehicle before the date of the violation.
• Proving that the camera malfunctioned: Another defence is to show that the camera was not functioning properly when it captured the violation. This can be done by requesting access to the camera footage and looking for any signs of malfunction or tampering.
• Proving that your car was reported stolen: If you can provide evidence that your car was reported stolen and not recovered at the time of the violation, this may be a valid defence. You will need to submit a copy of the police report and any other relevant documentation.
• Disputing the accuracy of the camera: In some cases, you may be able to dispute the accuracy of the camera by arguing that it was not properly calibrated or maintained. You can request maintenance records for the camera to support this claim.
• Lack of proper signage: If you received a ticket for speeding in a school zone, you may be able to argue that there was a lack of proper signage indicating the speed limit or the presence of a school zone. Take photos of the area to support your claim.

It is important to note that simply disagreeing with the ticket or claiming that you were not speeding is typically not a valid defence. The city will only consider defences that can be supported with evidence and documentation.

Request a hearing

To request a hearing to dispute a ticket in New York City, you must do so within 30 days of the ticket being issued. You can request a hearing online, by mail, via the Pay or Dispute mobile app, or in person. Hearings will not be granted for tickets in judgment for more than one year.

If you are unable to request a hearing via the online, mail, or mobile app methods, you can schedule an in-person hearing or visit a Department of Finance business center between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Note that appearing at an in-person hearing does not increase your chances of getting a ticket dismissed, and the Department of Finance encourages the use of online, mobile app, or mail hearings to save time.

If you request a hearing after 30 days and an administrative law judge finds you guilty, you will be liable for late penalties. All statements and information or documents submitted must be true and accurate to the best of your knowledge, as false statements may result in penalties.

If you do not pay your ticket or request a hearing within approximately 100 days of the ticket being issued, it will go into judgment. You cannot have a hearing on a ticket in judgment if it is more than one year old.

Gather evidence

When disputing a camera ticket in NYC, it is important to gather all the necessary evidence to support your dispute. Here are some steps you can take to gather evidence effectively:

• Review the ticket: Examine the camera violation Notice of Liability carefully and identify the specific details mentioned, such as the location, date, and time of the alleged violation.
• Collect relevant documents: Gather all the documents related to your vehicle, including your driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance paperwork, and any maintenance records. These documents can help establish your ownership, driving history, and the condition of your vehicle at the time of the alleged violation.
• Obtain video or photo evidence: If possible, secure any video or photo evidence that can support your case. This could include footage from dashboard cameras, security cameras in the vicinity, or even smartphone recordings. Ensure that the evidence clearly shows the date, time, and location to establish its relevance to the violation.
• Witness statements: If there were any witnesses to the incident, consider contacting them and requesting statements or affidavits. Their testimony can provide additional support to your dispute, especially if they can attest to the circumstances that may have contributed to the violation.
• Research common defences: Before gathering evidence, it is advisable to research common defences that have been used successfully in similar cases. This can help you understand the types of evidence that are most effective in disputing camera tickets.
• Organise and label evidence: Once you have gathered all the relevant evidence, organise it in a logical manner. Clearly label each piece of evidence with a description and the date it was obtained. This will make it easier to present your case and ensure that no important details are overlooked.
• Preserve original formats: Whenever possible, retain the original formats of your evidence, such as digital files, photographs, or documents. This helps maintain the integrity of the evidence and avoids any potential issues with alteration or tampering.

Remember, when submitting evidence, always provide clear and concise explanations that directly support your dispute. The evidence should address the specific details mentioned in the ticket and demonstrate why you believe the violation was issued in error.

Submit your defence

To submit your defence for a camera ticket in NYC, you must first request a hearing within 30 days of the ticket being issued. You can do this online, by mail, via the Pay or Dispute mobile app, or in person at a Department of Finance business centre. Hearings can also be scheduled in-person if you are unable to conduct your hearing online, by mail, or via the app.

Before submitting your defence, it is recommended that you research common defences and gather any necessary documents to support your dispute.

If you are submitting your defence online, you will need to enter the 10-digit number on your camera violation Notice of Liability, fill out the online hearing request form, and upload any additional evidence. An online hearing will typically be held within 45 days. Once the hearing is completed, the decision will be emailed to you.

If you are using the mobile app, open the app and press "Dispute". Then, enter the 10-digit number on your camera violation Notice of Liability, or your license plate information to look up all tickets against your vehicle. Fill out the required fields and add any additional photo or video evidence. Once the hearing is completed, the decision will be emailed to you.

To submit your defence by mail, send the ticket, an explanation of your defence, and copies of any supporting evidence to the following address:

NYC Department of Finance, Hearing by Mail Unit, P.O. Box 29021, Brooklyn, NY 11202-9021

Written defences may be submitted in any language and will be translated by a certified translator. After the hearing, the decision will be mailed to you within about 10 days.

If you are submitting your defence in person, bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and any evidence supporting your dispute to a DOF Business Center. An administrative law judge will make a decision based on the evidence presented and will issue a ruling at the end of the hearing.

Frequently asked questions