New York Traffic Fines
& Penalty Ranges
Typical fine ranges for the most common New York traffic violations — speeding, red light, cell phone, and more. Plus how the point system works and what to do if you got a ticket.
Read This First — Ranges Only, Not Exact Amounts
The fines below are typical ranges only. Your actual fine depends on the county, the specific court, your driving history, the officer's discretion, and any local surcharges. Court costs and state assessments are added on top of the base fine and can substantially increase the total.
This page is not legal advice. If you've received a citation — especially for reckless driving, DUI, hit-and-run, or any criminal traffic charge — consult a licensed New York attorney before doing anything else.
📋Common New York Violations & Typical Fines
Most-searched violations in New York. All amounts include the typical base fine; court costs and state surcharges are added on top and vary by county.
| Violation | Typical Fine |
|---|---|
Speeding 1–10 MPH over Plus mandatory $88–$93 NY State surcharge added to every conviction. 3 points | $90–$300 |
Speeding 11–30 MPH over 4–6 points | $180–$600 |
Speeding 31+ MPH over May be charged as misdemeanor reckless driving — consult an attorney. 8–11 points | $360–$1,200 |
Running a red light Camera-issued red-light tickets in NYC are typically $50 (no points). 3 points | $190–$300 |
Running a stop sign 3 points | $150–$300 |
Seat belt violation | $50–$100 |
Hand-held cell phone (1st offense) $50–$250 for second offense within 18 months; $50–$450 for third. 5 points | $50–$200 |
Driving without insurance Plus 90-day license and registration suspension and a civil penalty. | $150–$1,500 |
🎯How New York's Point System Works
New York DMV assesses violation points (3–11 depending on severity) for moving violations. Points are calculated from the date of violation, not the date of conviction, and remain visible on your driving record for 4 years.
11 points within an 18-month period triggers a mandatory hearing and likely license suspension. New York also imposes a Driver Responsibility Assessment of $100/year for 3 years on drivers who accumulate 6+ points in 18 months.
🎓Traffic School & Defensive Driving
NY Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP, also called the Defensive Driving Course) — 6-hour course that reduces 4 points and provides a 10% insurance discount for 3 years. Cost is $30–$60. Available once every 18 months.
🛡️The Hidden Cost: Auto Insurance
The fine on the ticket is often the smaller half of what a moving violation costs you. In most cases, a single ticket can raise your auto-insurance premium by 20%–40% for the next 3 years — frequently adding $300–$1,500+ in extra premiums, depending on your insurer, your prior record, and your state's rating rules.
Talk to your insurance agent before deciding whether to pay or contest a ticket — they can usually tell you the actual rate impact, which often makes traffic school (where eligible) the obvious choice even if the fine itself is small.
📝If You Got a New York Ticket — Three Steps
- 1
Read the citation carefully — don't miss the deadline
Every New York citation has a court date or response deadline (often 20–30 days). Missing it usually means an automatic guilty finding, additional fees, and a possible bench warrant. Note the court name, the violation code, and the deadline — they're all printed on the ticket.
- 2
Decide: pay, contest, or take traffic school
For minor non-moving violations (parking, expired tags), paying is often the cheapest path. For moving violations that add points or insurance impact, traffic school (where eligible) is often the better total-cost choice. Contesting makes sense when you have evidence the citation is wrong, when the consequences are severe, or when an attorney advises it.
- 3
For serious charges, talk to a New York attorney
Reckless driving, DUI, hit-and-run, driving on a suspended license, leaving the scene — these are criminal charges in New York, not traffic infractions. They carry possible jail time, license revocation, and long-term consequences. Many traffic-defense attorneys offer free initial consultations; the cost of representation is almost always less than the cost of mishandling a serious charge alone.
🔗Official New York Sources
For exact, current penalties for your specific situation, check the official sources below — these are the same sources New York courts and law enforcement use:
💰Also Worth Knowing: New York License Cost
See the complete cost breakdown for getting a New York driver's license — permit fees, license fees, REAL ID, driver education, and the hidden costs no one tells you about.
View New York License Cost BreakdownNeed Your New York Driver's License?
Get the complete step-by-step New York driver's license guide — requirements, documents, road test tips, fees, and FAQs.
Full New York Driver's License GuideThis page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Traffic-fine amounts vary by county, court, prior record, and the specific circumstances of each case. Court costs, state surcharges, and assessments are routinely added on top of the base fines listed here and can substantially increase the total amount owed.
Information is sourced from publicly available New York statutes and DMV publications and may not reflect the most recent amendments. Always verify current penalties at the official New York source before relying on any number on this page. For any criminal traffic charge — including DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run, or driving on a suspended license — consult a licensed New York attorney.
DriveGuideUSA.com is not affiliated with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), any New York court, or any law enforcement agency.