NY Speeding Tickets | Plead Guilty or Not Guilty

Published: Dec 13, 2017 | Updated: Jun 12, 2025 |

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Should I Plead Guilty to My NY Speeding Ticket?

Why Pleading Not Guilty to a Speeding Ticket in New York is Often the Smartest Move

Speeding tickets are a common legal issue faced by drivers across New York State. Many people, when issued a ticket, choose to simply pay the fine and move on. However, pleading guilty by paying the ticket can have longer-term consequences that many don’t consider. In contrast, pleading not guilty opens the door to negotiation, reduced penalties, and the possibility of dismissal. Here's why it’s usually better to plead not guilty when you receive a speeding ticket in New York.

1. Preserve Your Right to a Defense

Pleading not guilty preserves your constitutional right to challenge the evidence against you. By doing so, you can request a trial or hearing where the state must prove that you were speeding beyond a reasonable doubt. Police officers sometimes make mistakes in pacing, radar readings, or speed estimation, and those mistakes can be brought to light in court.

2. Potential for a Reduced Charge

One of the biggest advantages of pleading not guilty is the opportunity to negotiate with the prosecutor for a lesser offense. In many jurisdictions in New York, speeding tickets can be reduced to non-moving violations like “parking on pavement,” which carry no points and minimal fines. A reduction means fewer long-term consequences for your driving record and insurance premiums. For Instance, If you are convicted for a speeding violation, your insurer may tack a temporary charge on your insurance policy for three years. Your rate could increase as much as 25% depending on the circumstances. New York also added a new surcharge of $100 per year for three years if you get six points, plus $25 per year for each additional point. This is called a Drivers Responsibility Assessment.

3. Avoid Points on Your License

Speeding tickets in New York come with points based on how far over the speed limit you were going. Accumulating 11 points within 18 months can result in a license suspension. Even a single speeding ticket can add 3 to 6 points. If you are convicted of traveling 31 mph (or more) over the limit, a judge could suspend your license. By pleading not guilty, you can often negotiate to reduce or eliminate these points, protecting your driving privileges.

4. Minimize Insurance Rate Increases

Insurance companies view speeding violations as a sign of risky driving. Just one conviction can lead to a significant increase in your auto insurance premiums for years. However, if you contest the ticket and succeed in reducing the offense or having it dismissed, your insurance provider may never be notified, or it may carry less weight.

5. Delay Can Work in Your Favor

When you plead not guilty, the court process takes time. In some cases, the officer who issued the ticket may not appear in court, or administrative errors may result in the case being dismissed. The longer the delay, the more likely procedural advantages may arise that benefit you as the defendant.

6. Opportunity to Use a Traffic Attorney

By pleading not guilty, you also open the door to legal representation. An experienced traffic attorney can negotiate on your behalf, appear in court so you don’t have to, and often achieve better outcomes than someone defending themselves. Legal fees are usually much lower than the long-term cost of increased insurance premiums and accumulated points.

It is also usually cheaper (see dmv.org) to hire a lawyer and get the ticket reduced to a non-moving violation if possible, and avoid the points, fines and surcharges associated with pleading guilty. The fine for a three (3) point speeding ticket will probably be about, $150, Plus, New York State adds $93 to the fine making the cost of your speeding ticket $243 (or more). Moreover, for a 6-point speeding ticket conviction (21 mph over the limit or higher), the New York State Department Of Motor Vehicles will impose yet another fee called the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee of $300. This fee increases by $75 for every point above 6 on your NY motorist’s driving record. Therefore, a conviction to a New York State speeding ticket can get very expensive.

7. No Immediate Penalty

Many drivers assume that fighting a ticket will automatically lead to higher fines or court costs. In reality, there is no penalty for contesting a ticket. Pleading not guilty does not increase your fine. If your defense fails, you may still be required to pay the original amount, but you have nothing to lose by trying—only potential gains.

8. Protect Commercial Driving Privileges

For those who hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), the stakes are even higher. Speeding convictions can lead to CDL disqualifications or employer sanctions. Pleading not guilty provides an opportunity to reduce the charge to something that will not impact your commercial driving status, preserving your livelihood.

9. Clean Record Is Valuable

Maintaining a clean driving record is important for employment opportunities, vehicle leasing, and personal peace of mind. Every ticket avoided or reduced keeps your record cleaner. Over time, a spotless or low-point driving history can lead to lower insurance premiums and fewer legal headaches.

10. More Control Over the Outcome

Ultimately, pleading not guilty puts the power back in your hands. It allows you to review the evidence, explore legal options, and take steps to avoid unnecessary consequences. Whether you choose to represent yourself or hire a professional, this plea ensures you're not passively accepting a potentially damaging penalty.

11. How Much Does it Cost for a Lawyer to Represent Me on a Speeding Ticket?

Generally speaking it will cost about $250.00 for most speeding tickets but it depends on the speed and your driving record. Perhaps the better question would be what is the cost if I don't hire a lawyer.

In conclusion, while pleading guilty to a speeding ticket in New York may seem like the easiest path, it's often not the wisest. By pleading not guilty, you give yourself the best chance to protect your record, finances, and driving privileges. It’s a small investment of time and effort that can yield significant benefits in the long run.