How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay On Record?

Traffic violations in New York are not something to take lightly. They add points to your driving record, which may lead to a license suspension, an increase in your insurance premiums, and other consequences. Whether you’ve received a speeding ticket or a DUI, you may be wondering how long these traffic violations stay on your record. NY Ticket Defenders is here to answer your questions and help you maintain a clean driving history.

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Most Common Traffic Violations in New York

The bustling streets of New York see several traffic violations each day. Understanding the most common infractions can help drivers navigate the roads safely and avoid potential penalties. Here are some of the most prevalent traffic violations in New York:

1. Speeding: Speeding remains one of the most common traffic violations in New York. Exceeding the posted speed limit, especially in residential areas or school zones, can result in hefty fines and points on your driving record.
2. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals, including running red lights and failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs, poses significant risks to pedestrians and other motorists. These violations can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
3. Illegal Turns: Making illegal turns, such as illegal U-turns or turning from the wrong lane, is another prevalent violation in New York. Drivers must follow proper procedures when turning to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road.
4. Distracted Driving: With the widespread use of smartphones and other electronic devices, distracted driving has become a growing concern. Texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions while driving can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of accidents.
5. Failure to Yield Right of Way: Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles when required by traffic laws is a common violation in congested urban areas. Yielding the right of way is essential for maintaining traffic flow and preventing collisions.
6. Unsafe Lane Changes: Unsafe lane changes, including weaving in and out of traffic or failing to signal before changing lanes, contribute to traffic congestion and increase the risk of accidents. Drivers must signal their intentions and check blind spots before changing lanes.
7. Following Too Closely: Tailgating or following other vehicles too closely is not only aggressive driving behavior but also dangerous. Maintaining a safe following distance allows drivers to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions.
8. Expired or Improperly Displayed Registration/Inspection Stickers: Failure to renew vehicle registration or display valid inspection stickers can result in citations from law enforcement. Drivers need to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and meet all inspection requirements.

If you find yourself facing a traffic ticket, seeking legal assistance from experienced attorneys like NY Ticket Defenders can help protect your driving record and minimize the impact on your driving privileges.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Your Record?

The short answer is, it depends on the specific violation. In general, traffic violations can stay on your driving record for anywhere from 3 to 15 years. The printed copy of your driving record is called an Abstract of Driving Record. This displays public information as defined by the NYS Traffic and Vehicle Law. The timeline for violations on your record is as follows:

• Vehicle accidents and most traffic convictions stay on your record until the end of the year in which the accident or conviction happened, plus an additional 3 years.
• More serious convictions, such as a DWI, are displayed for 15 years from the conviction date.
• Vehicular homicide may be displayed permanently.
• If you’ve had your license suspended or revoked previously, this may show on your record for 4 years from the date the suspension or revocation ended.

Having traffic violations on your record can result in higher insurance premiums, points on your license, and potential license suspension or revocation. It’s important to take traffic violations seriously and address them promptly to minimize the impact on your driving privileges.

If you receive a traffic ticket, it’s recommended to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and potentially mitigate the consequences. By taking proactive steps to address traffic violations, you can protect your driving record and ensure your ability to drive safely and legally in the future. Contact NY Ticket Defenders for expert legal advice and representation in handling traffic violations.

Driver Point System in NY

New York State operates a Driver Point System that assigns points for various traffic offenses. Points are added to your driving record for traffic violations such as speeding, running red lights, and reckless driving. The number of points assigned depends on the severity of the violation.

Here is a breakdown of some common traffic offenses and the corresponding points:

Speeding

• 1 to 10 MPH over the speed limit: 3 points
• 11 to 20 MPH over the speed limit: 4 points
• 21 to 30 MPH over the speed limit: 6 points
• 31 to 40 MPH over the speed limit: 8 points
• Over 40 MPH over the speed limit: 11 points

Reckless Driving

• 5 points

Cell Phone Use

• 5 points

Running a Red Light

• 3 points

It’s crucial to know that when a driver accumulates 11 points in an 18-month period, their driver’s license may be suspended. Other grounds for license suspension include failure to have insurance and being convicted of an alcohol or drug-related conviction. If you are dealing with a traffic violation in New York, take action today and contact a traffic ticket lawyer.

NY Ticket Defenders Can Help You

NY Ticket Defenders is a legal team that specializes in handling traffic violations and defending clients against citations. If you find yourself facing a traffic ticket, NY Ticket Defenders can provide expert legal advice and representation to help protect your driving record and minimize the impact on your driving privileges.

Attorney Wendy Bishop has a deep understanding of New York State’s traffic laws and regulations, allowing her to effectively navigate the legal system on your behalf. We can help you understand the consequences of traffic violations, explore potential defenses, and work towards a favorable outcome for your case.

Don’t let a traffic violation jeopardize your driving privileges and insurance rates. Contact NY Ticket Defenders today to schedule a consultation and get the legal representation you need to fight back against traffic citations.