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New York police targeting drivers for traffic violations

During December 9-13, 2013, New York City increased the number of police officers on the streets looking for traffic violations. Drivers in New York should be aware of the types of violations the police were targeting and the potential penalties drivers face if they receive citations.

More officers on the streets

Extra patrols of police were on New York City’s streets looking for traffic violations that safety officials had designated as the most threatening to pedestrians and those that interrupted the safe flow of traffic, including failure to yield to pedestrians, improper turns, running red lights and double parking.

Many drivers felt the brunt of the crackdown. New York City police reported that they issued 4,612 tickets for double parking and 2,857 tickets for moving violations. Police arrested 226 people for driving with suspended licenses during the extra enforcement period, as well.

Penalties for traffic violations

Drivers who received traffic tickets during the extra enforcement period face stiff penalties. In addition to the fines that accompany the citations, they accrued points on their driving records for the traffic violations. Drivers who were cited for running red lights received three points on their driving records. Those who got tickets for failing to yield to pedestrians also got three points on their driving records. Citations for passing improperly or changing lanes unsafely also result in three points on a driver’s record. Those who got tickets for improper cell phone use while driving accrued five points on their driving records.

Points for speeding citations vary depending on how much faster than the speed limit the driver was travelling. A ticket for going one to 10 mph over the limit results in three points on a driving record. A ticket for going 11 to 20 mph over the speed limit results in four points on a driver’s record. A ticket for going 21 to 30 mph over the speed limit results in six points on a driver’s record. Drivers cited for travelling 31 to 40 mph over the speed limit receive eight points on their records. Drivers who are ticketed for more than 40 mph over the speed limit get 11 points on their records.

Drivers who get too many points on their driving records can face additional penalties. Those who rack up 11 points within 18 months face suspension of their driver’s licenses.

Speak with an attorney

New York police are cracking down on drivers. Traffic tickets can lead to more problems than just fines, and drivers need to make sure that they mitigate the negative effects that tickets can cause. If you have questions about how to fight traffic tickets, talk to a seasoned New York traffic ticket attorney with a proven track record of successfully defending against traffic citations.