Until June 29, 2021, almost any New York motorists who had racked up unpaid traffic fines and fees could have their registrations and driver’s licenses suspended. The Driver’s License Suspension Reform Act put an end to that.

The result could be the reinstatement of hundreds of thousands of New York motorists’ licenses, as the state notifies those with suspended licenses of their options.

How are Unpaid Traffic Fines Now Handled in New York?

The implementation of the new act over this past summer brought with it a new approach for handling outstanding traffic fines. Motorists can now enter into a payment plan whereby they pay 2% of their net monthly income or $25 per month toward what’s due, whatever amount ends up being the highest.

Also, the updated bill required DMV officials to give motorists more time to address missed hearings related to traffic summonses. The new law allows drivers to go to the court or local DMV office and tell them that they failed to appear or answer in court and that visit will count as an appearance. A motorist can then pay $70 for the reinstatement of their license at that time.

Drivers can still get their licenses suspended for other reasons, however, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to answer a summons at all, or racking up 11 points on their license within 18 months.

While suspensions resulting from nonpayment of certain traffic violations can be resolved using the approach outlined above, not all of them can. If you’re looking to have your drivers’ license reinstated, it’s wise to be as informed as possible about your legal situation.