Receiving a traffic ticket can be a stressful experience. In New York State, the Uniform Traffic Ticket is the standard form used by law enforcement officers to document traffic violations. This guide explains how to understand and respond appropriately to a uniform traffic ticket in New York.
Responding to Your Traffic Ticket
Once you receive a uniform traffic ticket from a New York State trooper or other law enforcement agency, it is crucial to respond promptly. The New York State Police clarifies that once a citation is issued, the matter becomes directly between you and the court. Here are the methods for responding:
Responding by Mail
To respond to your uniform traffic ticket by mail, carefully complete either the “Guilty” or “Not Guilty” section on the ticket itself. After completing the relevant section, mail the uniform traffic ticket to the court address printed on the ticket. It’s essential to keep a copy of the citation for your personal records before mailing it. The court will then contact you with further instructions or information regarding your case.
Responding in Person
Alternatively, you can respond to your uniform traffic ticket in person. The bottom of your ticket will indicate the court address, as well as the scheduled date and time for your appearance. Appear at the court as indicated on your uniform traffic ticket to enter your plea directly to the court.
Finding Out the Fine Amount
If you wish to determine the fine associated with your uniform traffic ticket, you should complete the “Guilty” or “Not Guilty” sections on the back or right side of the ticket. Then, mail the uniform traffic ticket to the court address provided at the bottom of the citation. Upon receiving your uniform traffic ticket, the court will notify you of the exact fine amount or inform you about a mandatory court appearance, including the time and location.
What to Do If You Lost Your Ticket
Losing your copy of a uniform traffic ticket can be inconvenient, but it’s still possible to address the citation.
Contacting the Court Directly
If you know which court is handling your uniform traffic ticket, the most direct approach is to contact that court immediately.
Contacting the Issuing Troop
If your uniform traffic ticket was issued by the New York State Police and you are unsure of the court, contact the specific troop responsible for the area where you received the ticket. The Troop Location Map can help you identify the correct troop to contact.
Contacting Other Law Enforcement Agencies
If an agency other than the New York State Police issued your uniform traffic ticket, you must contact that specific law enforcement agency directly for assistance, as traffic records are not universally accessible.
Contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
If you are uncertain about the court information and cannot reach the issuing agency, the Department of Motor Vehicles Call Center can often help. The DMV may be able to identify the local court or Traffic Violations Bureau where your uniform traffic ticket is answerable.
Dealing with Unreadable Court Information
Sometimes, the court information on a uniform traffic ticket may be difficult to read. In such cases, you can take the following steps:
Using the Troop Location Map
Refer to the Troop Location Map to determine the troop and zone you were in when you received the uniform traffic ticket.
Contacting Troop Headquarters
After identifying the troop, call the Troop Headquarters for that area and ask to be connected to the Traffic Section. Be prepared to accurately describe the location where you received the ticket to help NYSP personnel determine the correct court jurisdiction for your uniform traffic ticket.
Contacting the DMV
As a secondary option, if you cannot obtain sufficient information from the NYSP, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles for assistance in clarifying the court information related to your uniform traffic ticket.
***Please be aware that courts may have specific COVID guidelines in place. It is always advisable to contact the court directly if you have any questions or concerns regarding your uniform traffic ticket and court procedures.***
