How to Handle a Traffic Ticket – the Do’s and Don’ts

Traffic tickets under the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (“VTL”) are the most common reason that good people end up having to go through a criminal process. These tickets can be issued for a wide array of issues from speeding, running a stop sign, failing to use a turn signal, or even in car crashes. Even though many traffic tickets are considered non-criminal infractions that frequently involve only fines and surcharges as a penalty, traffic tickets can still lead to significant consequences and need to be taken seriously.

If you have received a traffic ticket, there are a few things that you should (and should not) do:

• DO answer the ticket promptly and appear as directed by the court. This means following the instructions on the ticket and getting the ticket to the Court with a plea of either guilty or not guilty in the timeframe given on the ticket. Failure to do so may lead to the Court suspending your driving privileges which could lead to more severe charges later and potentially additional costs.
• DO make copies of your ticket and every court document you receive. These should be kept for your own records and will make it easier for an attorney to assist you should you decide to retain an attorney’s services.
• DO make sure you have received a supporting deposition for each ticket received. Often, a police officer will give you a supporting deposition at the time of the stop. This will be a second page attached to your ticket. However, if the officer does not issue you a supporting deposition, you or your attorney can request a supporting deposition from the Court.
• DO research traffic diversion or traffic reduction programs in the county where you received the ticket. Many counties in New York have programs that, if you complete them, can lead to your ticket being dismissed entirely. Other counties may have online reduction programs in which you can potentially receive an offer for a reduction. This may save you from having to appear in court as well if the ticket can be handled by mail. Not every county offers these types of programs, but doing even a simple web search for them can save you time, money, and even a potential traffic conviction.

• DON’T panic. Sure, no one likes to get a traffic ticket. But, there is no need to panic over a ticket. Follow the instructions on the ticket and work through the legal process with the Court and your attorney should you so choose to hire an attorney.
• DON’T plead guilty to the ticket as written. Generally speaking, pleading guilty to the ticket you received opens you up to the worst possible fines and surcharges that a Court can legally issue and also gives you more points on your license than any other outcome. This also forecloses any possibility of negotiating for a better outcome, being able to defend against the charges at a trial, or being able to make legal arguments regarding any potential issues with the ticket.
• DON’T be rude to the Court staff. If you need to call the Court regarding any questions you have regarding scheduling or procedure, be polite. The Court staff has a job to do and while they can answer your questions regarding appearances or scheduling, they cannot make you a reduction offer on a ticket or give you legal advice. Only the prosecutor can make a reduction offer and only an attorney can give you legal advice.
• DON’T call the Court or the prosecutor if you have hired an attorney to represent you. Neither the Court nor the prosecutor will talk to a represented party. Work with your attorney and let your attorney work for you.

WHEN YOU NEED TO GET AN ATTORNEY

Often, simple traffic infractions can be resolved on your own without the need to have an attorney involved. This can either be through a diversion program, an online reduction, or a pre-trial conference in person with the prosecutor assigned to your ticket.

• If you are facing any charges under NY VTL Section 1192. This section deals with alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle offenses. These are serious charges with a wide array of possible consequences.
• You are facing any misdemeanor traffic ticket. This will be clearly marked on the front of your ticket. Common traffic misdemeanors are (for example): Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 3rd Degree (VTL Section 511(1)(a)), Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Second Degree (VTL Section 511(2)(a)(i-iv)), and Operation while Registration is Suspended under VTL Section 512.
• You have been involved in a crash, especially if there was an injury to someone other than yourself or any sort of damage to a vehicle or property that does not belong to you.
• You hold a Commercial Driver’s License. Even if you are not driving a commercial vehicle when you receive a ticket, you may still face additional consequences to your commercial privileges beyond what would happen to a non-commercial driver.

• Your ticket is ineligible for a traffic diversion program.
• You believe there is a serious factual or legal issue with the ticket you received.
• You are facing multiple traffic tickets. This can be either from the same incident or across multiple courts. An experienced attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction offer with the prosecutor that could reduce the overall number of tickets you may face or the severity of those tickets.
• You live a significant distance away from where you received your ticket and wish to have an attorney in that area assist you in handling the matter. By working with an attorney in this situation, you can potentially resolve a ticket without the need to appear in Court as your attorney can handle the matter with the prosecutor with a potential resolution by mail.

WHY HIRING AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY CAN HELP YOU

While no attorney can guarantee a particular result (nor should they!), working with an attorney may be able to produce a result that would be difficult to get on your own. This could be due to an experienced attorney seeing legal issues with a ticket that you may not be aware of or simply due to the fact that an experienced attorney has handled such a large number of these tickets that the attorney knows what arguments to make that can lead to a more favorable resolution to the matter, regardless if the matter can be negotiated or will be taken to a trial.

The bottom line is traffic infractions can often be handled without the need for an attorney. This can save you time and money. However, there are situations when hiring an experienced attorney will be to your advantage.

If you believe you need an attorney to assist you with a traffic matter or simply want an attorney to represent you, do not wait. Traffic tickets do not get better with age and do not go away if you ignore them. Contact an attorney to discuss your matter.

The Pros and Cons of Pleading Guilty to a Traffic Ticket

By John Devendorf, Esq. | Reviewed by Tim Kelly, J.D. | Last updated on June 25, 2025

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It is generally faster and easier to plead guilty after a traffic violation and pay the fines. You may not have the time to research the traffic laws or go to the court hearing. However, the consequences of pleading guilty to a traffic ticket include fines and higher insurance rates.

There are benefits and drawbacks to pleading guilty to a traffic ticket. However, traffic laws can depend on your state. Talk to a traffic violation lawyer for legal advice on handling your traffic ticket.

Understanding the Plea Process

Cases for traffic violations are similar to criminal cases, but not as restrictive. Parking tickets are non-moving violations that generally won’t increase your insurance rates. Most traffic offenses are moving violation infractions, including speeding tickets, running a red light, or running a stop sign. However, some motor vehicle offenses carry misdemeanor criminal charges, like drunk driving (DUI) or reckless driving.

When you get a ticket, the police officer reports probable cause that you violated a traffic law or infraction. However, you still have your day in court if you want to contest the charges. There are a few options for responding to most traffic tickets, including:

• Plead guilty by sending in the ticket and paying the fine
• Challenging the ticket by mail with a trial by written declaration
• Request a traffic court hearing to challenge the ticket in person
• Traffic school as part of a plea bargain

Did You Get a Traffic Ticket?

You may be able to contest a ticket. Experienced traffic ticket lawyers in our directory can examine your legal situation and discuss options.

Responding to Criminal Charges

You can generally make three types of pleas when the judge reads the charges against you. With criminal cases, your pleading options include:

• Guilty plea
• Not guilty plea
• No contest plea (nolo contendere)

No contest means you are not pleading guilty, but not challenging the conviction. The conviction will still show up on your criminal record, and you will face the same penalties. However, the penalties can be worse than a plea deal and pleading to a lesser offense.

Pleading Guilty for Traffic School

Some states automatically offer traffic school when the driver has a minor traffic violation with no prior recent traffic citations. Even if you don’t automatically get an offer for traffic school, you can ask for traffic school at your traffic court appearance.

For traffic school, you plead guilty to a traffic violation and must attend a driver safety course. After completing the class and paying the fine, the points won’t go on your public driving record. With traffic school, you plead guilty but can avoid higher insurance premiums.

Advantages of Pleading Guilty

Pleading guilty and paying the ticket is generally the simplest way to deal with a traffic violation. By pleading guilty, you can pay your fine by mail or online without going to traffic court. This can save you time, and you don’t have to take time off work to go to court. For out-of-state drivers, pleading guilty could be the best option.

Disadvantages and Potential Consequences

Potential consequences of pleading guilty to a traffic ticket include:

• Traffic violation fines and court fees
• Suspended driver’s license
• Higher insurance rates

The immediate consequence of pleading guilty is the traffic fine. You will generally have to pay the traffic ticket and any court costs. Speeding tickets can range from about $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on the state and how fast you are going.

Most states have a points system for traffic violations. Too many points on your record within a certain period will result in your driver’s license suspension. You can’t drive on a suspended license and may have trouble getting to work, taking your kids to school, or attending medical appointments. You will also have to pay to get your license reinstated.

Most insurance companies will increase your rates after a ticket for driving over the speed limit. If multiple traffic violations are on your record, your premiums can rise beyond what you can pay. Your insurance company can also drop coverage. Some insurance companies won’t increase rates for a first-time minor ticket. Check with your car insurance provider for the financial consequences of pleading guilty.

Pleading Not Guilty to Keep the Ticket Off Your Record

You can plead not guilty and challenge the violation to keep it off your record. Some drivers challenge the ticket by mail or in traffic court. Do your research before challenging your own traffic ticket. Make sure you understand your legal defenses and bring any evidence to support your case. You may need to take time off from work or school for the court date. If the judge disagrees, you will still have to pay the fine and take the points.

You can hire a criminal defense lawyer to fight the traffic ticket, so you don’t have to appear in person. A traffic ticket lawyer understands the local traffic laws and can win your case or negotiate a lesser charge. In some cases, the cost of a traffic ticket attorney is lower than the increased cost of your insurance premiums and court fines.

Balance the pros and cons of pleading guilty to a traffic ticket. Contact a traffic violation attorney for legal advice about the best way to handle your traffic ticket.