Pennsylvania Drivers: Impact of New York Traffic Convictions
by Seth Azria on 12/09/2014
PA Does Not Assign Points for Out-of-State Convictions
The Pennsylvania DMV does not assign points if a moving violation is committed out-of-state. However, if the out-of-state ticket is not taken care of in a timely manner, suspension of the Pennsylvania driver’s license could result. While Pennsylvania does not assign points to a driving record from out of state convictions they do honor suspensions from other states.
New York Driver Responsibility Assessments Still Apply
Even if you are NOT licensed in New York State, the New York State DMV will fine you if you accumulate 6 points in any 18 month period - these fines are called “Driver Responsibility Assessments (DRA)”. The New York DMV will send you a bill for at least $300. This DRA, will be assessed in addition to the fine imposed by the court.
It is surprisingly easy to get to 6 points and this extra fine in New York. For example, if you are ticketed for going 86 mph in a 65 mph zone and plead guilty you will face:
- A fine from the Court between $90-300 plus an $93 surcharge
- A speeding conviction that may transfer those points to your home state or province (see below)
- A speeding conviction that may cause your insurance rates to increase
- Failure to pay a DRA will result in a license suspension
Insurance Premiums are Still a Concern
While Pennsylvania may not record points against your license there, complete information about the conviction is still transmitted from New York to PA under and agreement called the Driver Licence Compact. As a result, you should count on your insurance company discovering the conviction.
Don't Plead Guilty by Mail
We advise against simply mailing in a guilty pleawithout exploring your opportunity to seek a reduction of the charge. If you are licensed in Pennsylvania and have received a speeding or other traffic ticket in New York please call (315) 364-1155 to speak to an attorney to help you minimize the impact of that ticket in NY and at home.