Understanding how long traffic violations remain on your driving record is crucial for drivers. Not only do these violations affect your insurance rates, but they can also influence your driving privileges and potential employment opportunities. In this blog, we’ll explore the persistence of traffic violations on your record, focusing on New York State.

What Constitutes a Traffic Violation in NY?

In New York, traffic violations encompass a wide range of offenses related to the operation of motor vehicles on public roads. State laws and regulations define these violations and can result in penalties such as fines, points on your driving record, and even license suspension or revocation in more serious cases. Here’s an overview of what constitutes a traffic violation in NY:

Moving Violations

Moving violations occur when laws are broken by a vehicle in motion. Common examples include:

• Speeding: Driving over the posted speed limit or too fast for conditions.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign.
• Failure to Yield: Not yielding the right-of-way where required, such as at yield signs or to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Improper Lane Changes: Changing lanes without signaling or in an unsafe manner.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Reckless Driving: Driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others.

Non-Moving Violations

Non-moving violations are related to the condition or use of a vehicle but do not necessarily involve its movement. Examples include:

• Parking Violations: Illegally parking or stopping a vehicle, such as in a no-parking zone or in front of a fire hydrant.
• Equipment Violations: Failing to maintain a vehicle in safe working order, such as broken lights, missing mirrors, or faulty brakes.
• Expired Registration or Inspection: Operating a vehicle with expired registration tags or without a current inspection sticker.

Other Common Violations

Seat Belt and Child Restraint Violations: Failing to wear a seatbelt or properly secure children in safety seats.
Cell Phone Use and Texting: Illegal cell phone use or texting while driving.
Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance: Failure to show valid insurance documentation when requested by law enforcement.

Consequences of Traffic Violations

The consequences for traffic violations in NY can vary based on the severity of the offense, the driver’s history of violations, and other factors. Penalties can include:

• Fines and Surcharges: Monetary penalties for violations can vary widely.
• Points on Driving Record: Accumulating points can lead to increased insurance premiums and the risk of license suspension.
• License Suspension or Revocation: For serious offenses or accumulating too many points.
• Mandatory Safety Courses: Requirement to complete a driving safety course for certain offenses or to reduce points.

Understanding what constitutes a traffic violation in New York is essential for all drivers to help them stay compliant with the law, maintain a clean driving record, and avoid the penalties associated with these offenses. If faced with a traffic violation, it may be beneficial to consult with a traffic violation attorney to explore your legal options and potentially mitigate the impact on your driving privileges.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay On Record?

The duration that traffic violations remain on your driving record is an important factor influencing insurance rates, employment opportunities, and overall driving privileges. In New York State, the specifics of how long a violation stays on your record can vary based on the type of violation and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) policies. Here’s an expanded look at the duration of traffic violations on your record in New York:

Points for Traffic Violations

• Duration on Record: Points for traffic violations in New York are counted for 18 months from the date of the offense. However, the conviction may remain on your driving record for longer, potentially impacting insurance premiums and employment checks.
• Impact: Accumulating 11 points or more within 18 months can lead to a driver’s license suspension.

DUI/DWI Offenses

• Long-term Record: DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) offenses are serious and can remain on your New York driving record for at least 10 years. This reflects New York’s commitment to road safety and the severe view taken towards impaired driving.
• Impact: These offenses can result in significant penalties, including license revocation, fines, and mandatory participation in educational programs.

Minor Offenses

• Visibility on Record: Minor traffic violations, such as speeding or failure to yield, might stay visible on your driving record for at least 3 years. This visibility can influence insurance rates and the decisions of potential employers.
• Points Reduction: Completing a state-approved Defensive Driving Course can reduce up to four points from your driving record, potentially mitigating the impact of minor offenses.

Serious Traffic Violations

• Duration: Serious traffic violations, such as reckless driving or leaving the scene of an accident, may remain on your driving record for significantly longer periods, affecting legal standing, insurance rates, and driving privileges.
• Impact: These violations often carry heavier penalties and longer-lasting implications for drivers.

Expungement and Reduction

New York has no formal process for expunging traffic violations from a driving record. However, participating in a state-approved Defensive Driving Course can reduce up to four points from your record and qualify you for an insurance discount. This course can be taken once every 18 months for point reduction purposes.

How to Check Your Driving Record

To fully understand how long a violation will affect you, it’s wise to check your driving record. In New York, you can request your driving record online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. This record will detail your traffic violations, points, and any other pertinent information related to your driving history.

Why This Matters

A clean driving record is important for maintaining lower insurance rates and ensuring your driving privileges remain intact. It’s even more critical for commercial drivers, as their employment might depend on a clean record.

How a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Can Help

Facing a traffic ticket can be more than just a nuisance; it can have significant implications for your driving record, insurance rates, and overall financial well-being. At the Law Office of Craig Bondy, we specialize in helping drivers navigate the complexities of traffic tickets in New York. Here’s how a traffic ticket lawyer from our firm can assist you:

Experience Navigation of Traffic Laws

• Deep Understanding: Our lawyers have a comprehensive knowledge of New York traffic laws and court procedures, ensuring that you have an expert advocate on your side.
• Legal Strategy: We evaluate the specifics of your case to develop a tailored legal strategy, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that’s reducing fines, avoiding points on your license, or getting the ticket dismissed altogether.

Representation in Court

• Court Appearances: You might not have to take time off work to appear in court; in many cases, we can represent you without your presence being required.
• Advocacy: We’ll argue on your behalf, presenting evidence and legal arguments to the judge or magistrate to contest the charges against you.

Mitigating Consequences

• Reducing Penalties: Our goal is often to minimize the financial burden of fines and prevent points from being added to your driving record, helping to keep your insurance premiums in check.
• License Protection: For more serious offenses that risk license suspension or revocation, we work diligently to protect your driving privileges.

Negotiating with Prosecutors

• Plea Bargaining: When appropriate, we can negotiate with prosecutors to lower the charges or penalties, leveraging our legal expertise and relationships within the legal system.

Providing Peace of Mind

• Guidance and Support: Navigating the aftermath of receiving a traffic ticket can be stressful. We provide clear, straightforward advice and support throughout the entire process.
• Informed Decisions: With our expert advice, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about how to proceed with your case, understanding the potential outcomes and risks.

Choosing to work with a traffic ticket lawyer from the Law Office of Craig Bondy means choosing a path towards potentially mitigating the negative impacts of a traffic ticket. Our traffic ticket lawyers experience and dedication to our clients’ interests make us a strong ally in your corner.

If you’ve received a traffic ticket in New York, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal system and fight for the best possible outcome for your situation.

Need Assistance with Traffic Violations?

At the Law Office of Craig Bondy, we specialize in helping drivers navigate the complexities of traffic violations and their consequences. If you’re concerned about how a traffic violation will affect your record or if you’re seeking ways to minimize its impact, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in keeping your driving record as clean as possible.