An Extra Fine Drivers in New York

A Driver Responsibility Assessment is a fine certain drivers must pay in addition to fines, surcharges, and other penalties from the courts. 

The DMV will send you a bill for a driver responsibility assessment if:

1. A driver is convicted of an alcohol related violation.
2. A driver is convicted of a drug related violation.
3. A DMV hearing determines a driver refused a drug or sobriety test.
4. A driver receives 6 or more points on their driving records in a 18-month period.

For 1, 2, or 3, above, related to alcohol or drugs, the annual assessment is $250 per year for a total of $750 over the 3 year period.  

For having 6 or more points on your driving record, the assessment is $100 per year for 3 years.  For every point over 6, there is an additional charge of $25 per point per year. 

This assessment comes as a big surprise to many people. We often see drivers that plead guilty to a speeding ticket 86mph in a 65mph zone or similar, be surprised by the DMV assessment.  Speeding 21 miles an hour over the speed limit is 6 points will cause the assessment. The New York DMV will impose the assessment regardless of where the driver is licensed. Be it in New York, Ohio, or Ontario the DMV will send the bill and suspend New York driving privileges if it goes unpaid. 

We think the best course of action is to never plead guilty to a traffic ticket but instead seek a reduction. We have helped thousands of drivers with their tickets and we invite your call to discuss your ticket. If you have already pleaded guilty and you are now facing a driver responsibility assessment, we may still be able to help you. We may be able to reopen the case and negotiate a reduction with a coram nobis motion to the court. Please call us (315) 364-1155 now to discuss this option. 

Read more at the New York DMV