Getting a traffic ticket can amount to a lot more than stress and a small fine, although those aftereffects are already bad.
A traffic ticket may seem like a small deal, but it can have long-lasting consequences for your life as a driver and law-abiding citizen. If you recently got a traffic ticket in New York and wonder what repercussions you might have to deal with, read on.
What is a traffic ticket, and how do you get one?
A traffic ticket, also known as a traffic citation or an auto citation, is a written notice that a law enforcement officer gives you when you have committed a traffic violation. The notice serves as proof of your traffic violation and explains to you how exactly you violated traffic laws.
Examples of Traffic Violations
Common examples of traffic violations include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Running a red light
- Not stopping at a stop sign
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving without a license
- Driving with an invalid license
- Driving with a suspended license
- Attempting to flee law enforcement
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Assault with a vehicle
- Hit and run accidents
- Committing a felony while operating a vehicle
- Failing to yield when necessary
- Not obeying traffic devices such as construction signs or cones
The consequences for each action may vary, especially if you’ve had more than one infraction on your record.
Possible Consequences of a Traffic Ticket in New York
When you’re considering the potential consequences of a traffic ticket in New York, it’s important to distinguish between major and minor traffic violations.
The consequences of a major violation (such as speed racing, vehicular manslaughter, assault with a vehicle, and attempting to flee law enforcement) will be much more severe than those of a minor traffic violation (such as speeding, failing to yield, not stopping at a stop sign, or refusing to obey traffic devices).
Regardless of the severity of your transgression, here are a few possible consequences of a traffic violation in New York:
Loss of License
The New York DMV assigns varying numbers of points for traffic violations. If you rack up enough traffic violations within 18 months to get you to 11 points on your license in New York, your driver’s license will be suspended.
High Insurance Premiums
Traffic tickets related to violations like distracted driving and driving with an expired license can result in significant increases in your car insurance, which will manifest as financial losses for years to come.
Loss of Employment
If your traffic violation results in anything beyond a fine, your company is legally allowed to terminate your employment.
Incarceration
While it’s unlikely that you will be incarcerated for a minor traffic violation in New York, you are still technically vulnerable to incarceration. Legally, a judge in New York can sentence you to up to 15 days in jail for driving 11 mph over the speed limit or 30 days in jail for driving 31 mph over the speed limit.
If you commit a major traffic violation such as vehicular manslaughter, you are much more vulnerable to incarceration.
Seeking Legal Aid for a Traffic Ticket in New York
If you have a costly traffic ticket on your record, you might be in for more legal and financial problems than you can handle on your own. The ramifications of a traffic ticket can be severe, and you should seek legal aid as soon as possible.
Contact New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers, a firm that specializes exclusively in traffic ticket violations and serves clients all over central New York.
Their dedicated team of attorneys will clarify your legal options and do their best to achieve a positive outcome for your case, whether that amounts to a dismissal or a plea bargain for a lesser offense.
