Pennsylvania Drivers: Impact of New York Traffic Convictions
by Seth Azria on 12/10/2014
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.
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
If an out-of-state driver is caught driving in New York State with a suspended privilege, that driver will be charged a misdemeanor crime. The suspension will also likely interfere with your ability to transfer licenses between states.
It is important to handle traffic tickets in New York with the utmost of care - no matter where you are licensed.
We advise against simply mailing in a guilty plea without exploring your opportunity to seek a reduction. Our goal is to minimize the affect of your New York traffic ticket. If you are licensed to drive in Pennsylvania and have received a speeding or other traffic ticket in New York call (315) 364-1155 to speak to an attorney to help you minimize the impact of that ticket in NY and at home.