 (1).jpg?ver=2020-04-03-225642-747 "Effect of NY Traffic Tickets on Canadian and Out-of-State drivers")
Even though your license may not be issued by New York State, many states and provinces still record traffic convictions from New York directly on your home state driving record.
Even if your home state does not actively record out-of-state points, having New York State traffic convictions can still cause you severe problems in terms of additional out-of-pocket fines, New York driving privilege suspensions, and multi-year insurance premium increases.
U.S. Drivers and the Driver License Compact
New York is a participating member of the Driver License Compact, an interstate agreement designed to exchange information concerning traffic violations between a motorist's home state and the state where the ticket was issued. If you plead guilty in New York, your home state DMV will likely be notified and may assess points or suspend your license based on how its own state laws treat the equivalent offense.
Canadian Drivers: Ontario & Quebec Reciprocity
New York maintains special reciprocal driver-record agreements with the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
- Ontario Drivers: NY traffic convictions are reported directly to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, which records the conviction and applies Ontario demerit points based on the equivalent Ontario offense.
- Quebec Drivers: NY convictions are reported to the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), which records the conviction and applies Quebec demerit points accordingly.
The New York Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA)
Regardless of where you are licensed, any driver who accumulates 6 or more points under New York's point system within an 18-month period is subject to the mandatory NY
Driver Responsibility Assessment.
Hidden Fines: This assessment costs a minimum of $300 ($100 annually for three years), plus an additional $75 for every point over 6. Just one speeding ticket for 21 mph over the limit carries 6 points, triggering this massive penalty instantly. Failing to pay this fee will result in the suspension of your driving privileges in New York.
Never Plead Guilty
It is important to handle traffic tickets in New York with the utmost care—no matter where you are licensed. Never plead guilty even if you are just passing through.
How Will a NY Ticket Affect Your Specific State?
Select your home state or province from our directory to learn exactly how a New York conviction will impact your local driving record.
View the Complete State List