VTL / Traffic Defense
Got a Speeding Ticket
in Western NY?
Don't just pay it. NY points accumulate fast — and insurance companies are watching. Fight every ticket.
NY Traffic Violation Points
New York uses a point system. Points stay on your record for 18 months from the date of violation. Once you hit 11 points, your license is suspended — automatically.
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 1–10 mph over | 3 |
| Speeding 11–20 mph over | 4 |
| Speeding 21–30 mph over | 6 |
| Speeding 31–40 mph over | 8 |
| Speeding 40+ mph over | 11 |
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Cell phone use while driving | 5 |
| Failure to stop for school bus | 5 |
| Following too closely | 4 |
| Unsafe lane change | 3 |
| Ran red light / stop sign | 3 |
The Real Cost of a Ticket
The fine listed on your ticket is the smallest part of the cost. Here is what a conviction actually costs:
Driver Responsibility Assessment — $300 base fee, plus $75/year for each point over 6
License suspension by DMV
Mandatory license revocation
Insurance premium increases — often $500–$2,000/year or more
Defense Options
Traffic court is not a formality — it is a legal proceeding. Having an attorney changes the dynamic entirely.
Outright Dismissal
Officer fails to appear, defective accusatory instrument, constitutional violations. When the case against you is weak, dismissal is the goal.
Reduced Charge
A reduced charge — lower speed or a non-moving violation — means fewer or no points, and significantly lower insurance impact.
Challenge the Radar / Laser
Speed measurement devices require calibration and proper operation. Testing the reliability of the speed evidence is often the core of a speeding defense.
Supporting Deposition Defects
In many cases, a supporting deposition (officer's sworn statement) must be filed within 30 days upon request. Failure to comply can result in dismissal.
Fight Your Ticket
Call Attorney David Rodriguez before you pay that ticket. A free consultation costs nothing — a conviction on your record could cost thousands.