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School Zones 3 min read

Fines for §1180(c) - Speeding in a School Zone

By Seth M. Azria, Esq.

Understandably, speeding in a school zone is often a sensitive subject with prosecutors, and therefore plea bargaining for a reduction often becomes more difficult. These specific fines and penalties apply to speeding tickets issued during the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm on a school day.

1. Fines and Possible Jail Time

The base fines for speeding in a school zone escalate depending on your speed and whether you have prior speeding convictions within the last 18 months.

Speed Over Limit 1st Conviction Fine 2nd Conviction Fine 3rd Conviction Fine
1 – 10 mph $90 – $300 $60 – $450 $60 – $675
11 – 30 mph $180 – $600 $120 – $750 $90 – $975
31+ mph $360 – $1,200 $240 – $1,350 $180 – $1,575
Potential Jail Time:
• 1-10 mph over: No possible jail time.
• 11-30 mph over: Up to 15 days (1st conviction) or up to 30 days (2nd/3rd conviction).
• 31+ mph over: Up to 30 days in jail, regardless of whether it is your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd conviction.

2. License Suspensions

  • Standard Drivers: For three speeding convictions of any type within 18 months, the DMV will suspend your driving privilege for 6 months.
  • CDL Drivers: One conviction of 15 mph or more over the limit will cause a 60-day license suspension. After a second conviction within 3 years, you face a 120-day suspension.

3. Points for Speeding Convictions

Points are assessed based on how far over the posted limit you were traveling:

Speed Over Limit Points Assessed Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) Penalty
1 – 10 mph 4 Points (As of Feb. 26, 2026) None (Unless combined with other points)
11 – 20 mph 4 Points None (Unless combined with other points)
21 – 30 mph 6 Points $300 DRA**
31 – 40 mph 8 Points $450 DRA**
41+ mph 11 Points $675 DRA** + License Suspension

**Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA): A conviction resulting in 6 points or more in any 18-month period will trigger a DRA from the New York DMV in the amounts listed above. This assessment will be due in addition to the court fine and applies to all drivers, regardless of what state they are licensed in.

4. Mandatory State Surcharges

In addition to the fines and DRA fees, New York State adds a mandatory surcharge to every conviction:

  • $93 for town and village courts
  • $88 for other courts (e.g., city courts)
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