Driving in New York City is not easy. For many drivers, one ticket can lead to higher insurance, points on your license, or even job risk. That is why it helps to know the most common traffic tickets and what to do if you get one.
Here are the tickets we see most often in NYC:
1. Speeding
Speeding is one of the top tickets in New York City.
Even going 10 miles over the limit can lead to:
- Points on your license
- Higher insurance costs
- Risk of license suspension
2. Failure to Obey a Traffic Signal
This includes:
- Running a red light
- Rolling through a stop sign
- Turning when a sign says “No Turn”
3. Cell Phone or Texting While Driving
Using a phone while driving is taken very seriously in New York.
This includes:
- Talking without hands-free
- Texting
- Holding your phone at a red light
These tickets come with heavy fines and points. For professional drivers, this can be a big problem.
4. Driving Without a Valid Licence or Registration
This often happens by mistake:
- License expired
- Registration not renewed
- Out-of-state paperwork issues
But the court does not see it as a mistake. These tickets can lead to:
- Court dates
- Fines
- License trouble
Do not ignore them.
5. Failure to Yield
Failure to yield tickets often come from:
- Accidents
- Turns at busy corners
- Pedestrian crossings
These cases can be complex. A lawyer can help explain what really happened and protect your record.
6. Improper Lane Change or Unsafe Turn
NYC streets are tight. One wrong move can mean a ticket.
This includes:
- Changing lanes too fast
- Turning from the wrong lane
- Cutting across traffic
These tickets may look minor, but they can still add points.
Why Paying a Ticket Is Not Always the Best Choice
Many drivers think paying a ticket will “make it go away.”
But paying means:
- You admit guilt
- Points stay on your licence
- Insurance may go up
- Your job may be at risk
Before you pay, it is smart to talk to a lawyer.
How IDG Legal Can Help
At IDG Legal, we help drivers every day.
For $100, one of our lawyers will:
- Go to court for you
- Fight your traffic ticket
- Help protect your licence
- Help keep your insurance low
You do not have to miss work. You do not have to face court alone.
