New York City might have one of the best public transit systems in the world, but if you want to get around the rest of the state, you will need a car. You also need a valid driver’s license, which means you have to follow the rules of the road. Otherwise, your license could be suspended or revoked. Even a minor traffic violation could end with a license suspension, among other penalties, if you’ve already accumulated points on your driving record. Below, learn about all the potential penalties for some of the most common traffic violations. 

4 Kinds of Traffic Violations in New York 

1. Texting & Driving 

In New York, motorists are prohibited from using a handheld mobile device while behind the wheel. If you’re convicted of doing so, you’ll receive a fine of between $50 and $200 for the first violation and a fine of up to $250 for a second violation within 18 months. Additionally, all offenses carry a surcharge up to $93, as well as five driver violation points. If you accumulate at least 11 points in an 18-month period, you face a license suspension. 

2. Driving While Intoxicated 

DWI is characterized by operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. Excluding any aggravating factors, first offenders face a fine of up to $1,000, a jail sentence of up to one year, and a six-month license revocation. Second offenders face a fine of up to $5,000, a prison sentence of up to four years, and a one-year license revocation. 

3. Parking Violations 

Common parking violations include parking in a fire lane, remaining in a space for longer than the permitted time limit, and parking in a handicapped spot without the appropriate tags. Parking tickets usually range from $60 to $125 plus surcharges, but there are outliers. The DMV does not actually handle parking violations, so the penalties can vary considerably from place to place. However, if you fail to pay any tickets, the municipality can notify the DMV, which has the authority to suspend your vehicle registration. 

4. Driving With a Suspended License 

If you commit a traffic violation that results in a suspended license, continuing to drive anyway will yield additional penalties. Operating a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and a jail term of up to 30 days for first offenders. Second offenders, on the other hand, face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. 

If you’ve been accused of one of the above traffic violations, turn to Ozman Law Offices in Walden, NY, for help challenging it. The lawyers at this full-service firm will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Since they practice in a wide variety of areas, you can turn to them for virtually all of your legal needs. In addition to traffic defense, they’re also well-versed in personal injury law, family law, real estate law, and criminal defense. To schedule your initial consultation, reach out on their website or call (845) 778-7777.