Getting a traffic ticket is never a pleasant experience. Even after you pay the fine, the violation stays on your driving record for up to three years and can affect your insurance rates. That’s why it’s important to check the status of your traffic ticket to ensure it was properly processed and avoid any additional penalties.
In New York State, there are a few ways to check on the status of a traffic ticket, appeal a traffic ticket decision, or make sure you paid your traffic ticket fine. Here’s what you need to know about checking your New York traffic ticket status and taking any next steps.
Check Your Traffic Ticket Status Online
The easiest way to check your New York traffic ticket status is online through the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. You can check the status of a traffic ticket issued anywhere in New York State on the DMV website.
To check your ticket status online, you will need:
- Your NY driver’s license number
- Your date of birth
- Your ticket number – this is printed on your traffic ticket
With this information, you can login to the MyDMV website and view any open traffic tickets. This will show:
- Date the ticket was issued
- Basis for the ticket (speeding, red light violation, etc.)
- Current status – open or closed
- Fine amount
- Whether you paid the fine
Checking online lets you see if the ticket is still open or if it has been closed because you already paid the fine. You can also see if you missed the deadline to pay and are now facing additional penalties.
Pay Your Ticket Online
If your ticket is still open, you can pay the traffic ticket fine directly on the DMV website. The online payment feature accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit and debit cards.
To pay online, you will need the ticket number and your driver’s license number. Paying online is the fastest way to avoid any late fees or penalties for an unpaid ticket.
Check By Mail
If you don’t have internet access, you can check your New York traffic ticket status by mail. Print and complete the Abstract of Driving Record Request Form from the DMV website.
On the form, check the box to request a copy of your driver’s license record. Mail the completed form to:
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228
In 10-14 business days, you will receive a printed report showing your ticket information, including open or closed status. There is a $10 fee for this record search.
Check Ticket Status by Phone
You can also call the NYS DMV Traffic Violations Bureau at 518-474-0921 to check on a traffic ticket issued anywhere in New York State. The automated phone system is available 24/7.
To check your status by phone, you will need to enter:
- Your NY driver’s license number
- Your date of birth
- Your ticket number
The system will provide details on whether your ticket is open or closed and if any balance is due. This is a useful option if you don’t have your ticket number but want to check if you have any unpaid fines.
Check Local Court Website
For tickets issued in New York City’s five boroughs, you can check the NYC Criminal Court website. Enter your ticket number and date of birth to see your violation details and whether you need to pay a fine or appear in court.
If your ticket was issued by a county or town court outside of NYC, check their individual website. Many local courts let you search by ticket number or license plate to check status.
Appeal a Traffic Ticket Decision
If you check your traffic ticket status and disagree with the ruling, you may be able to appeal. There are two main options for appealing a traffic ticket decision in New York:
Administrative Appeals Board
This is an informal process where you submit a written explanation of why the traffic ruling should be overturned. It does not require an in-person hearing.
You must file your written appeal within 30 days of the violation date. There is a $10 fee per ticket appealed. The board will review and make a final decision based on your appeal letter.
In-Person Hearing
For a formal appeal, you can request an in-person hearing in traffic court. You will have the chance to plead your case before a judge.
You must request a hearing within 15 days of the ticket issue date. If you miss this deadline, your only option is to write an appeal letter to the Administrative Appeals Board.
If the traffic court judge upholds your ticket, you will need to pay the original fine plus a $30 court fee. But if the judge rules in your favor, the ticket will be dismissed and no fines are due.
Check for Unpaid Fines
Before registering your vehicle each year, check for any unpaid traffic fines. The DMV will prevent you from renewing your car registration if you have outstanding ticket balances.
Run a quick online ticket status check by license number and date of birth. This ensures you don’t get to the DMV registration window and find out about unpaid fines that are blocking the renewal.
If you do have overdue fines, you will need to pay them before you can renew your registration. You can pay online or by phone even at the last minute before your registration expires.
Avoid Insurance Rate Increases
Traffic tickets stay on your DMV record for up to three years. During that time, insurers can see the violations when they run your motor vehicle report.
Multiple recent tickets can cause your auto insurance rates to increase significantly. That’s why it’s important to maintain a clean driving record by avoiding new tickets and paying old fines promptly.
Check your traffic ticket status regularly and take any required actions right away. This keeps violations off your permanent DMV record and prevents insurance premium hikes.
Restore Suspended License
If you fail to pay traffic tickets or miss a mandatory court appearance, New York can suspend your driver’s license. Before the suspension, the DMV will send a warning notice giving you 15 days to take required action.
Check your ticket status immediately if you receive a DMV notice threatening suspension. Paying overdue fines or rescheduling a missed court date can preserve your driving privileges.
If you don’t act in time and your license is suspended, you will need to pay a DMV penalty fee to have your driving privileges reinstated. You’ll also have to show proof of financial responsibility or carry high-risk insurance for three years.
Avoid license suspension altogether by carefully monitoring your traffic ticket status and resolving any issues right away.
Next Steps After Checking Ticket Status
Once you check your traffic ticket status, you can take any necessary actions to prevent further penalties:
- Open ticket – Pay the fine immediately
- Missing a court date – Contact the court to reschedule
- Already paid – No further action needed
- Disagree with ruling – File a formal or informal appeal
Monitoring your status online and addressing any issues promptly is the best approach. This will keep your driving record clear of old violations that could affect your insurance rates or driver’s license status.
Conclusion
Checking your traffic ticket status in New York is easy to do online, by phone, or by mail. Pay attention to any notifications from the DMV and check for unpaid tickets periodically to avoid additional penalties.
By keeping up with your traffic ticket status, you can:
- Pay fines on time
- Prevent insurance rate hikes
- Maintain your driving privileges
- Renew your vehicle registration
Don’t let an unpaid traffic ticket turn into a suspended license or spiked insurance premiums. Monitor your status closely and take prompt action on any outstanding violations.