Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a certified driver’s record online?
Yes, the state of New York allows drivers to order a certified online driving record. Your record will contain a certification statement, as well as the signature of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, it will feature the standard security watermark that you would find on driving records obtained through other forms.

For more information: Your New York Driving Record

Do I need to attend traffic school if I get a speeding ticket?
The state of New York allows you to attend a traffic school if you would like to reduce the number of points on your drivers record. Upon taking an approved defensive driving course, you may be able to reduce up to four points from your record.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in New York

How can I pay for my traffic or parking ticket?
Online

If you received a ticket in Rochester, Buffalo or the five boroughs of New York City, then you will be glad to know you can pay traffic tickets online if you wish to plead Guilty. To do so, simply visit the NYS DMV Traffic Ticket Pleas, Hearings and Payments site.

You can also use the online feature if you wish to plead Not Guilty and dispute your ticket in court instead. Keep in mind that the hearing will take place in the jurisdiction where you received the ticket.

If your ticket was not issued in Rochester, Buffalo or New York City, then you will need to get in touch with the court where you got the ticket from.

By Mail

You may also answer your ticket by mail using the following address:

Traffic Violations Plea Unit P.O. Box 2950 ESP Albany, NY 12220-0950

In Person

If you prefer to address your ticket at a Traffic Violations Bureau office, make sure to bring the ticket with you, along with your drivers license. You can find a nearby Traffic Violations Bureau office by visiting this page.

By Phone

For your convenience, you can choose to schedule your hearing by phone or pay for your ticket with the assistance of a customer service agent. Simply call 718-488-5710 during regular operating hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DMVAdvisors.org Note: If you would like to appeal a TVB ticket conviction, you can do so either online or by mail. Keep in mind that your appeal must be filed within 30 days of receiving the conviction.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in New York

How do I file a complaint when I believe someone has illegally accessed my DMV record?
There are serious consequences to obtaining another persons driving record without permissible use. If you believe an unauthorized individual has accessed confidential information on your DMV driving record, then contact the NYS DMV directly at 518-486-9786, Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit the Driving Record page for more information.

How do I get a copy of my driving record?
Online

One of the most convenient ways to obtain a copy of your NY driving record is through NYS DMV service known as MyDMV.

By Mail

To order your driving record by mail, you will need to submit a Request for DMV Records form. Include a copy of your drivers license, along with a money order or check in the amount of $10 (fees may vary). Make sure it is payable to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

You can mail your request to the below address:

MV-15 Processing NYS Department of Motor Vehicles 6 Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12228

By Phone

To order your driving record by phone, you can call 518-486-9786, Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keep in mind that there is a convenience fee, as well as a search fee to obtain your record.

In Person

For a copy of your driving record in person, visit your nearest NYS DMV office. Bring with you proof of identity, payment for any required fee and a Request for DMV Records form.

For more information: Your New York Driving Record

How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed?
To get traffic fines dismissed in New York, you must go to court and plead not guilty. You will have to present your reasons in front of a judge. It is up to the judge to decide whether you will have your ticket dismissed or not. You may also choose to hire an attorney to help you with the process.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in New York

How do I obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record?
Before requesting a copy of another persons NY drivers record, you will first need to show proof that you have permissible use under the Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) to access this document.

Thereafter, you can request a copy by doing one of the following:

  • Complete a Request for Driving Record Information form at a local DMV office.
  • Complete a Request for DMV Records form to send by mail.
  • Complete a Freedom of Information Request Form if you wish to make your request through the FOIL office.
  • Create a Dial-In Search Account if you need constant access to their record.

To find out more information pertaining to the Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), visit this NYS DMV page.

For more information: Your New York Driving Record

How do I reinstate my license if I refused to submit a breath/urine/blood test?
NY is an Implied Consent state, which means all drivers give automatic consent to taking a chemical test when getting behind the wheel. Refusal will result in the following drivers license suspension terms:
  • First offense: One year
  • Second offense: Eighteen months
  • Third offense: Eighteen months

You must first complete all the requirements of your suspension period, along with payment of a $300 civil penalty fee and $100 re-application fee (fees may vary). It may also be in your best interest to hire a DUI attorney to help you swiftly resolve your case. If you would like further clarification regarding your situation, contact the NYS DMV directly.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New York

How do I remove points from my driver’s license?
The state of New York allows its drivers to attend a defensive driving course to reduce the number of points on a driving record. This can be fundamental to preventing a drivers license suspension because if a driver accumulates 11 points within an 18-month period, all driving privileges are suspended.

You can find an approved classroom course provider by visiting this page.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in New York

How many points can I get on my driving record before my driver’s license is suspended?
If you receive 11 points on your NY driving record within a period of 18 months, your drivers license will be suspended. Fortunately, the DMV does offer drivers a way to prevent that outcome by enrolling in traffic school. If you are wondering how many points you have on your driving record right now, order a driving record here.

For more information: Your New York Driving Record

How many times can I attend a traffic school course to remove points from my driving record?
You can enroll in New Yorks Point & Insurance Reduction Program once every 18 months to reduce up to four points from your drivers record. In order for the DMV to recognize the course completion, you must enroll in a DMV-approved traffic school. To enroll in an online traffic school class, click here.

For more information on points, visit the Ticket and Violations page.

To learn more about NY traffic school, visit the Traffic School page.

For more information: Your New York Driving Record

If I lost my traffic or parking ticket, how can I find the information again?
First, double-check that your ticket has the words Traffic Violations Bureau on it. If it does, then you can request a copy of your traffic ticket online. Begin by visiting the NYS DMV Traffic Ticket Pleas, Hearings and Payments page. After inputting identifiable information about yourself, you will be able to print a hard copy of your traffic fine.

If your ticket does not state Traffic Violations Bureau, then you will have to make a stop at the local court which you issued your ticket for further instructions on how to proceed.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in New York

If my driver’s license was confiscated at the time of my DUI/DWI arrest, how do I get it back?
Certain drivers may be eligible to apply for a conditional drivers license while they complete the terms and regulations set forth by their NY drivers license suspension period. But, in order to apply for a conditional license, you must first participate in New Yorks Drinking Driver Program.

Once you have fulfilled all the requirements of your DUI conviction, you will then have the opportunity to reinstate your drivers license. The process to do so will depend on the violation you committed.

However, your Order of Suspension or Revocation from the NYS DMV will clearly outline what instructions you must follow. Keep in mind that you may need to pay several fees, and this varies depending on each persons individual case.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New York

What are the different types of driving records?
You can order various types of driver records through the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. These include:
  • Certified driving record abstracts.
  • Lifetime driving records.

Driving records can also be ordered online here.

For more information: Your New York Driving Record

What are the penalties of being convicted of driving under the influence?
Some of the DUI/DWI penalties you may face include the following:
  • Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated For instances whereby the drivers BAC is 0.18% or higher. $1,000 – $2,500 fine with a maximum jail sentence of one year, and a revoked license for at least a year.
  • Second Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated – $1,000 – $5,500 fine with a maximum jail sentence of four years, and a revoked license for at least 18 months.
  • Driving While Intoxicated (First Offense) – $500- $1,000 fee with a maximum jail sentence of one year, and a revoked license for at least six months.
  • Driving While Intoxicated (Second Offense in 10 years) – $100- $5,000 fine with a maximum jail sentence of four years, and a revoked license for at least one year.
  • Chemical Test Refusal – $500 civil penalty fee with no jail time, and a revoked license for at least one year.
  • Zero Tolerance Law – $125 civil penalty fee and $100 fee to terminate suspension with no jail time, and a revoked license for six months.

It is important to note that fees may vary.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New York

What happens if I get traffic ticket fines and I have a CDL?
The penalties you face will depend on the violation you have committed. For example, it can range from jail times, high car insurance rates, losing your job, strict fees and even a revoked or suspended drivers license. Additionally, you will be required to notify your employer of any convictions you receive.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in New York

What information does a driving record contain?
The information on the record in question depends on the kind of New York driving record you order. A lifetime record, for instance, features all of the information that the Department of Motor Vehicles still has on file. A standard abstract record only features the elements that the DMV is required by law to maintain, such as:
  • Suspensions and revocations from the last four years.
  • Refused chemical tests from the last five years.
  • Accidents and most traffic convictions from the last year.
  • DUI or DWI convictions from the last 10 years.
  • All major violations, like vehicular homicide, are displayed permanently.

For more information: Your New York Driving Record

What is considered the legal alcohol limit?
What is the cost of a DUI?
The fees in which you will be required to pay for a DUI depend on your violation, your age and what type of vehicle you operate (commercial or standard). They can range anywhere between $125 for a civil penalty fee to a $5,000 fine for multiple offenses. Keep in mind that these different amounts can add up and cost you thousands of dollars.

For DUI convictions, it is highly advisable that you consult a DUI defense attorney to help you with your case.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New York

What is the cost of a traffic ticket?
There are a number of factors that determine the cost of your traffic ticket fines. Some of these include the city/borough in which you were issued the ticket and what violation you committed. However, you should be able to see the traffic ticket price on the ticket itself.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in New York

What is the cost to get a driver record?
The fee to check your driving record will depend on the method you choose:
  • By Mail – $10 (only money orders and checks are accepted)
  • By Phone – $10 search fee and $5 service fee
  • Online, through MyDMV service – $7
  • In Person – $10

Keep in mind that fees may vary.

For more information: Your New York Driving Record

What is the DUI penalty for a CDL driver?
Commercial drivers are charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .04% or over, which is lower than the BAC for regular licensed drivers. Therefore, the consequences and penalties for operating a commercial vehicle while under the influence is much harsher and more severe.

For example, CDL drivers convicted of a DUI will ultimately face higher fees, more jail time and a longer suspension period. They will also have points added to their driving record.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New York

What is the DUI penalty for a minor?
Drivers under 21 are charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .02% or over.

For a first DUI offense, a minor will face the following consequences:

  • $125 civil penalty fee
  • $100 fee for suspension termination
  • Drivers license suspension for six months
  • May be required to enroll in the New York Drinking Driver Program (DDP) and cover all-related costs
  • May be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and cover all-related costs

For a second offense, the following consequences will take place:

  • $125 civil penalty fee
  • $100 fee for suspension termination
  • Drivers license suspension for a year or until 21 years of age.
  • May be required to enroll in the New York Drinking Driver Program (DDP) and cover all-related costs
  • May be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and cover all-related costs

It is important to be aware that fees may vary.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New York

What must I do to reinstate my driver’s license as a result of a DUI/DWI?
If you have been convicted of driving under the influence in New York, then you will need to abide by all the terms, rules and regulations as set forth by your drivers license suspension period. Depending if this is your first or multiple offense, your requirements may vary. Generally speaking, however, you may need to complete the following:
  • Pay any required reinstatement fees, along with penalty fees.
  • Serve any required jail time.
  • Follow through with your suspension period.
  • Enroll in a Drinking Driver Program.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New York

Where can I find more information about an ignition interlock device?
If you have been ordered by the court to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle due to an aggravated DWI, you can find out more about where to obtain one by visiting the NY Ignition Interlock Devices page. In the majority of cases, you will be required to have this device in your car for at least six months.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New York

Where can I find my traffic or parking ticket information online?
To find a traffic citation or parking ticket online, visit the NYS DMV Traffic Ticket Pleas, Hearings and Payments online. Once on this page, enter your traffic ticket number information pertaining to the ticket itself will be generated.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in New York

Why doesn’t a recent traffic ticket I received appear on my driving record?
There are times when your New York driving record will not be up-to-date with your most recent ticket. To find out the ticket information, you can simply go to the Court Clerks office in the county where you received the citation and request the information you seek directly.

For more information: Your New York Driving Record

Will I have points against my driver’s license if I get a ticket?
If you are convicted of a moving violation, points will be added to your driving record. If you disagree with the conviction, it’s advised that you contact a traffic ticket attorney. You may also enroll in traffic school to remove points from your driving record. Visit the following pages for more details:

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in New York

Will I have to take an alcohol awareness class to reinstate my driver’s license?
If you would like to obtain a conditional drivers license during your DWI suspension period, then you will need to complete New Yorks Drinking Driver Program. The Order of Suspension or Revocation you receive from the NYS DMV will provide instructions on where you can enroll for said course, and thereafter obtain a conditional license.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for New York