NYSP, or New York State Police, is the fourth-largest state police organization in the United States. Tasked with the responsibility of patrolling the state highways and offering law enforcement services across the entirety of New York, it has a long and distinguished history that dates back to the 1918 Spanish Flu outbreak. The NYSP also played a major role in handling the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
Originally established in 1917, the New York State Police currently employs over 5,000 sworn troopers and over 700 voluntary workers. Even today, the organization continues to be a vital cog in New York’s law enforcement landscape, including its specialized units such as the Special Operations Troop, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Aviation Unit. Keeping in mind the NYSP’s commitment to providing civilian security and safety, it is crucial that any pending fine/penalty related to traffic citations be cleared without delay. And to do that, our comprehensive guide can help you take the correct steps.
Steps to Pay Traffic Ticket Online
According to the New York State Police, a Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) traffic ticket is only issued for non-criminal moving violations. With a TVB ticket, you can decide to plead “guilty” or “not guilty,” or simply decide to pay the fines, fees, and surcharges, as stated in the ticket. Ticket payments can be made online or via mail. Additionally, you can also visit a TVB office near you and submit the fine/penalty personally.
It should be known that to access your TVB ticket (either online or offline) – especially when making payments – you will need to state your traffic ticket number along with your DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) ID number. Alternatively, instead of your DMV ID number, you can provide your full name, date of birth, and gender, as stated in the traffic ticket. To make your traffic fine payment for the NYSP today, follow the suggested steps mentioned below.
- Kick-start the process by heading over to the official website here.
- On the landing page, click on the “Pay” option. Make sure you have the required information available at your disposal beforehand.
- The first step involves answering a question where you will have to state whether you have a New York State license, permit, or non-driver ID. Once you have selected your preferred option, click on “Continue”.
- Based on what you have selected in the previous step, your options will alter accordingly. For instance, if you have stated that you have a New York State license, permit, or non-driver ID, then you have to provide your DMV ID, your email address, and then retrieve your traffic ticket details by either providing your traffic ticket number or the last four digits of your SSN (Social Security Number).
- On the other hand, if you have stated that you do not have a New York State license, permit, or non-driver ID, then you need to provide your name, date of birth, gender, traffic ticket number, and email address. Once done, click on “Continue”.
- The full details of your traffic fine/penalty will be retrieved from the NYSP database system, and you will be given the option to pay for the same.
After successfully making the payment, do not forget to take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
What are the Other Ways to Pay
Besides paying your traffic citation fee online, you can also mail your payment to the following mailing address: Traffic Violations Plea Unit, P.O. Box 2950-ESP, Albany, NY 12220-0950. In addition to that, you can also find a TVB office near you by simply visiting the official location finder here.
Lastly, you can get in touch with TVB customer support via phone at 718-488-5710. Phone lines are open from 8 AM to 4:15 PM every day (except state holidays). And if you want to schedule an appointment, then you can use the official reservation system here.
Different Types of Offenses
There are a variety of traffic violations for which you could be charged by the New York State Police. And based on the specific violation, you will be provided with infraction points. If you accumulate more than 11 points or are convicted of three speeding violations within an 18-month period, then your driver’s license will be revoked or suspended. Also, remember that your yearly vehicle insurance cost may also increase due to the accumulation of the infraction points.
The following list goes through some of the most notable traffic violations under the NYSP.
Speeding: Driving your motor vehicle over the stated speed limit will grant you infraction points. For instance, a difference of 1-10 MPH over the speed limit will cost you 3 points, while a difference of more than 40 MPH will cost you 11 points.
Reckless Driving: Driving without any regard for human lives or property will count as reckless driving; it does not matter if the violation is done willingly or not. Reckless driving carries an infraction of 5 points, as per the NYSP.
Failing To Stop For A School Bus: It is the sheer responsibility of motor vehicle drivers to stop and inspect the surroundings, especially when passing by or overtaking a school bus. Failing to do so will cost you an infraction of 5 points.
Inadequate Brakes: Having a proper braking system is critical, especially when driving on a highway. If your vehicle does not have a proper working braking system, then the chances of accidents are increased multiplefold.
Following Too Closely (Tailgating): Tailgating another vehicle while driving on the road is not only a dangerous course of action but also a traffic violation that can cost you an infraction of 4 points.
Passing Improperly/Changing Lanes Unsafely/Driving In The Wrong Direction: Each of these violations will carry an infraction of 3 points.
Failing To Obey A Traffic Signal/Stop Sign: Jumping a red light at a traffic intersection will cost you an infraction of 3 points.
Seat Belt Violation: Not wearing driver or passenger seat belts, along with lack of child safety measures for passengers under the age of 16, will lead to an infraction of 3 points.
Lastly, leaving the scene of an accident that includes the injury of a domestic animal or damage to property will lead to an infraction of 3 points. For any other moving violation, the penalty will be 2 infraction points. For any further assistance, you can contact the NYSP by dialing 911 (for emergencies).
