New York County (Manhattan) Traffic Lawyer | SRIS, P.C.
Traffic Lawyer in New York County (Manhattan), NY
A traffic ticket in New York County (Manhattan) can lead to points, fines, and license suspension under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL). As a Traffic Attorney New York, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for speeding, reckless driving, and license suspension cases. Our firm, founded in 1997, uses its experience to handle cases at the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) and local courts.
New York Traffic Law and Penalties
New York traffic offenses are defined by the NY Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL). The law establishes a point system where convictions add points to your driving record. Accumulating 11 or more points within an 18-month period results in a mandatory driver license suspension. The Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) handles all moving violations issued within New York City’s five boroughs, including Manhattan, and does not allow plea bargaining.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the NY Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) (official New York State Senate). For court procedures and hearing information, visit the New York State Unified Court System Traffic Violations Bureau website.
Handling a Traffic Ticket in Manhattan
In Manhattan, tickets are adjudicated either at the TVB or in New York County Supreme Court for more serious charges. A key procedural fact is that the TVB does not permit plea bargaining; you either contest the ticket at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge or plead guilty. For charges like Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO), which is handled in criminal court, different rules apply.
- Determine if your ticket is a TVB ticket (issued in NYC) or a criminal court summons.
- Do not ignore the ticket. A failure to answer leads to a default conviction and possible license suspension.
- Gather any evidence, such as photos, witness information, or your own notes about road conditions.
- Consult with a Traffic Attorney New York to evaluate defense strategies and potential outcomes.
- Appear for your scheduled hearing or arraignment with your attorney.
- If convicted, understand your options for appeal or addressing the consequences like the Driver Responsibility Assessment.
Potential Penalties for Traffic Violations
In New York County (Manhattan), traffic convictions carry points (3-11 per offense), fines, and potential license suspension. The Driver Responsibility Assessment adds $100 per year for three years if you accumulate 6 or more points in 18 months.
| Offense | Classification | Points | Fine Range | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding (1-10 mph over) | Traffic Infraction | 3 | $90-$150 | Possible suspension at 11+ points | Driver Responsibility Assessment |
| Reckless Driving | Traffic Infraction | 5 | $300-$525 | Possible revocation | Possible jail time (up to 30 days) |
| Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd Degree | Unclassified Misdemeanor | N/A | $200-$500 | Further suspension/revocation | Up to 30 days in jail |
| Leaving Scene of Accident | Traffic Infraction / Misdemeanor / Felony | 3-8 | $250-$1,000+ | Mandatory revocation for felony | Criminal charges, possible imprisonment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Traffic Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, the firm has a documented record of handling traffic matters. Our approach is based on a detailed review of each case’s facts and the applicable law.
Seeking Legal Help for a Traffic Matter
If you are facing a traffic charge in Manhattan, contact a Traffic Law Firm New York for guidance. The immediate consequences of points and fines can be significant, and a suspension can affect your livelihood. Our firm offers 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your situation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 | Local: (716) 229-4525
By appointment only.
Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts. As a Traffic Lawyer New York near Manhattan’s court complex, we represent clients from neighborhoods including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plea bargain a traffic ticket in Manhattan?
No, not if it’s a TVB ticket. The Traffic Violations Bureau, which handles most moving violations in NYC, does not allow plea bargaining. You must either fight the ticket at a hearing or plead guilty. For non-TVB charges in criminal court, plea negotiations may be possible.
How long do points stay on my New York driving record?
Points for a violation remain on your NYS DMV record for 18 months from the violation date. However, the conviction itself may stay on your driving abstract for longer, typically 3-4 years or more for serious offenses.
What is the Driver Responsibility Assessment?
It is a fee the DMV charges if you get 6 or more points on your record in 18 months. It is $100 per year for three years. If you get 6 more points during those three years, you pay another $100 per year for another three years.
What happens if I ignore a traffic ticket in New York?
If you fail to answer a ticket (plead guilty or not guilty), the court will enter a default conviction. Your license will be suspended, and you will owe the fine plus additional penalties. A suspension for failure to answer can lead to more serious charges if you are caught driving.
Is a traffic ticket a criminal offense?
It depends. Most standard moving violations (speeding, red light) are traffic infractions, not crimes. However, charges like Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO), DWI, or Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident are criminal misdemeanors or felonies with potential jail time.
Related Legal Information
For more information, visit our New York Traffic Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, you may also consult our Albany County Traffic Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Manhattan, consider our services as a DUI Lawyer in New York County (Manhattan).
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Under N.Y. Bus. Corp. Law § 101, state law governs this practice area.