BROOKLYN, N.Y. - eTradeWire -- Cooper Law Firm PC, a Brooklyn law firm representing drivers charged with traffic violations throughout New York City and New York State, is reminding motorists that paying a traffic ticket is a guilty plea, and that a conviction can carry consequences well beyond the fine.

"Many drivers pay a ticket to make it go away and only later learn what it did to their license and their insurance," said David M. Cooper, Esq., a former prosecutor and the attorney at Cooper Law Firm PC. "Before you plead guilty to any New York moving violation, understand the points, the state assessment fee, and how the court that issued your ticket works."

The New York State point system

The New York State DMV assigns points to moving-violation convictions based on the violation date. Under the updated point system that took effect February 16, 2026, a driver who accumulates 10 points within a 24-month period may have their license suspended. Speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit is 3 points; 11 to 20 over is 4; 21 to 30 over is 6; 31 to 40 over is 8; and more than 40 over is 11. Mobile phone use while driving is 5 points, reckless driving is 5, passing a stopped school bus is 8, and many other moving violations are 2.

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Assessment fees beyond the fine

Separately, New York State may also apply a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee to drivers who accumulate points or are convicted of certain offenses. Failure to pay can result in suspension of driving privileges.

How New York City tickets differ

Non-criminal moving violations issued in the five boroughs are handled by the DMV's Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB), not a local criminal court. At a TVB hearing, a judge hears sworn testimony from the police officer, and the driver or the driver's attorney may question the officer. Drivers may appear in person or virtually.

"If you don't answer a ticket on time, the DMV suspends your license, and if you keep ignoring it you can be convicted by default," Cooper said. "It is highly advisable to respond before the deadline and make an informed decision about how to plead."

About Cooper Law Firm PC

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Cooper Law Firm PC represents drivers throughout New York City and New York State in traffic ticket, suspended license, DWI/DUI, E-ZPass violation, and related matters. 6009 16th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11204. Visit https://helpfighttickets.com or call 212-222-9200.

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