Suffolk County

IF YOU ARE ISSUED A TICKET

Don't delay! Follow the instructions on the ticket for the plea you wish to make, and act promptly. If you don't answer the ticket in the time allowed, your driver license will be suspended. Later, you could be found guilty of the charge because of your failure to respond (a default conviction). Your license would be suspended for not paying the fine and a judgment would be entered against you.

Driving with a suspended license is a crime. A felony conviction may result in fines of up to $5,000, jail, probation, or confiscation of your vehicle. As the number of suspensions you have increases, the penalties also increase. A driver is suspended for each ticket not answered and each fine not paid.

To Plead Not Guilty - Read the "not guilty" instructions and check the "not guilty" box on the back of the ticket. Fill in the requested information, sign it and within forty-eight hours of the recorded violation date, mail the ticket to Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency ("SCTPVA"). SCTPVA will send you a letter telling you when and where to go for a conference with a prosecutor. If you are hearing impaired and require an interpreter, include a request for one when you mail your not guilty plea. An interpreter will be assigned to your hearing at no charge to you.

To Plead Guilty - Read the instructions and check the "guilty" box on the back of the ticket. Fill in the requested information, sign it and, within 15 days, either mail it to Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency ("SCTPVA") or bring it to the SCTPVA office. A JHO will impose a fine and you will be notified by mail of the fine amount and date to pay said fine. You may pay the fine and surcharge by Discover, Visa or Mastercard, or by money order payable to the SCTPVA. PERSONAL CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. Include the total fines and surcharges listed on the ticket for your violation(s). Failure to pay said fine by the date specified may result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

You may not plead guilty by mail if the charge against you will result in license or registration suspension or revocation upon conviction (such as driving without insurance or a third speeding violation within 18 months). If you plead guilty to such a charge by mail, you will be notified that you must go to the SCTPVA to answer the charge in person.

Your Address - If your mailing address is different from the address written on the front of the ticket, please write the correct mailing address in the space provided on the back of the ticket.

TO ADJOURN (RESCHEDULE) YOUR CONFERENCE

You may request your traffic ticket conference to be postponed and rescheduled to a different date. This may be done one time without an appearance. TPVA must receive your request in writing at least 10 days before the date of the conference. Said request must be by certified mail return receipt and proof of receipt at the agency must be available if requested. You may also make your postponement request in person at that office, also at least 10 days prior to the conference date. Any further adjournments will be considered and granted at the sole discretion of the Agency. Your request for a second or subsequent postponement also must include a "good cause," which is the reason you want the conference rescheduled. Your "good cause" is subject to approval by TPVA.

Good Cause IS NOT, including but not limited to: You have not retained an attorney yet, Transportation issues, job responsibilities, other engagements (other than court appearances with proof of required appearance, which will be verified with that court, personal appointments or prior engagements, vacation or you believe you are not guilty and do not want to appear in court.

TO ADJOURN (RESCHEDULE) YOUR TRIAL

You may request your traffic ticket trial to be postponed and rescheduled to a different date. This may be done one time. To request said adjournment you must appear at least 10 days prior to the date of your trial and request that said trial be postponed for good cause. Your "good cause" is subject to approval by the TPVA Judicial Hearing Officer. TPVA must receive notice of your request at least 10 days before the date of the trail. No second requests for adjournments shall be considered by TPVA.

WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR TRIAL

You are considered innocent of the charge against you unless you are proven guilty. You cannot be found guilty unless there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the violation. If you do not speak and/or understand English, you may request am interpreter. Your request must be received 10 days prior to the date of trial, in writing or in person at the TPVA. The JHO will listen to sworn testimony from the police officer who will explain why you were given the ticket. Then, you or your attorney may ask the officer questions. You also may bring witnesses to testify for you and/or present other evidence. The judge may ask witnesses questions to better understand their testimony.

You do not have to testify but you may if you wish. You cannot be found guilty just because you do not testify. When all of the evidence and testimony have been given, the JHO will decide whether or not you are guilty. That decision will be based only on the evidence and testimony presented at the hearing and what the law states. If the JHO decides the charge against you was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt, you will be found not guilty. If the charge is proven and you are found guilty, the judge will set a fine. Your license or registration also may be suspended or revoked, depending on the violation and your overall driving record.

APPEALS

If wish to appeal the decision of a Judicial Hearing Officer, you or your attorney must serve one copy of the NOTICE OF APPEAL on the prosecution in person at the Agency (public safety will direct you to the prosecution) and file two copies of the NOTICE OF APPEAL along with an affidavit of service with the clerk at the Agency at Suffolk County TPVA Office, H. Lee Dennison Building, 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, 11788, within 30 days from the date of sentence. You may not personally serve the prosecution. The affidavit of service must be sworn to by the person who served the prosecution.

LICENSE SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION

The most common reasons your license may be suspended or revoked are due to motor vehicle violations. Remember, your license also will be suspended if you do not answer a ticket or pay a fine. A JHO has the authority to suspend or revoke your license for violations other than those listed.

Speeding/Misdemeanors — If you commit three speeding and/or misdemeanor traffic violations within 18 months, your license will be revoked for at least six months.

New Driver Probation — You are on license probation for six months after you pass a road test. If you are found guilty of committing any two moving violations during your probation period, your license will be suspended for 60 days. It will also be suspended for 60 days if you are found guilty of committing a single, more serious violation during the probation period, including speeding, tailgating, unauthorized racing, or reckless driving.

Points — Most traffic violations carry violation points. The points will be added to your record using the date the violation occurred, not the date you are found guilty. If your violation points in any 18-month period add up to 11 or more, your license may be revoked or suspended following a hearing.

The JHO usually holds the "points" hearing immediately after you are found guilty of a violation that brings your total to 11 or more points in 18 months. The following is a list of common violations and the number of points for each. (Taking a DMV-approved accident prevention course can reduce your point total by up to four points and reduce your auto liability and collision insurance premiums by 10% for three years. Ask for more information at any motor vehicle office.)

This agency does not issue points for moving violations. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles issues points on moving violations pursuant to a schedule issued by the State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and authorized by law. You can visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (http://www.dmv.ny.gov/broch/c32a.htm). Contact information for the New York state DMV can be found at http://www.dmv.ny.gov/callorvisit.htm.

VIOLATION POINTS

This agency does not issue points for moving violations. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles issues points on moving violations pursuant to a schedule issued by the State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and authorized by law. You can visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (http://www.dmv.ny.gov/broch/c32a.htm). Contact information for the New York state DMV can be found at http://www.dmv.ny.gov/callorvisit.htm.

SUFFOLK COUNTY RED LIGHT SAFETY PROGRAM

Suffolk County’s Red Light Program is a safety program focused on changing driver behavior at red light intersections through a comprehensive effort involving engineering, education and enforcement. The Suffolk County Red Light Safety Program uses automated enforcement to enhance the safety of motorists at red light intersections located within Suffolk County.

The fine for a red light camera citation is $50, with an Administration Fee of $30. Additional late fees of $25 will be assessed if the citation is not paid in accordance with established timeframes. Citations are mailed to the owner and/or registrant of the vehicle. The owner and/or registrant is legally liable to pay the fine. According to New York State laws, the owner and / or registrant are legally responsible to pay the fine without regard to whether they were actually driving at the time of the infraction.

Failure to pay the fine or to contest liability prior to the due date of the Notice of Liability is an admission of liability, and failure to appear at a hearing after having requested a hearing is an admission of liability and constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal.

Failure to pay the fine by the due date will result in the imposition of an additional late-payment fee of $25. If the fine is not paid after the second notice date, collections proceedings may commence and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles may be notified to place a hold on your registration activity.

Payment options are as follows:

ONLINE PAYMENT: The fastest and easiest way to pay your fine is to pay online. Go to http://www.public.cite-web.com (Visa/MC/Discover) and log on with your Citation # and Pin # shown in the red box on the front of your notice. A $4.00 processing fee will be assessed for each credit card transaction.

PAYMENT BY PHONE: Call 866-637-0008 and follow the automated prompts. Please have your citation number and credit card ready. A $4.00 processing fee will be assessed for each credit card transaction.

PAYMENT BY MAIL: Bank or certified check or money order should be made payable to: Suffolk County Treasurer. Mail your payment and remittance stub in the envelope provided. Write the citation number and license plate number on your check or money order to ensure proper credit. Returned checks are subject to electronic redeposit for the face amount and a returned check fee of $20.00. DO NOT SEND CASH. The address is:

Suffolk County Red Light Safety Program

Denver, CO 80201-1730

Questions about citations should be directed to the Suffolk County Red Light Safety Program, 1-866-637-0008 from the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays.

• Reckless driving - 5 POINTS
• Failed to stop for school bus - 5 POINTS
• Followed too closely (tailgating) - 4 POINTS
• Inadequate brakes (private car) - 4 POINTS
• Inadequate Brakes (employer's vehicle) - 2 POINTS
• Failed to yield right-of-way - 3 POINTS
• Disobeying traffic control signal, STOP sign or YIELD sign - 3 POINTS
• Railroad crossing violation - 3 POINTS
• Improper passing, changing lane unsafely - 3 POINTS
• Driving left of center, in wrong direction - 3 POINTS
• Leaving scene of property damage incidents - 3 POINTS
• Child safety restraint violation - 3 POINTS
• Any other moving violation - 2 POINTS

I LOST MY TICKET, WHAT DO I DO?

You must appear at SCTPVA with governmental issued photo identification.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY TICKET IS ILLEGIBLE?

You must appear at SCTPVA with governmental issued photo identification.

WHAT ARE "SURCHARGE" FEES?

These are fees which are imposed by New York State. Refer to their website for further information.

I MISSED MY TRIAL DATE, WHAT CAN I DO?

You must appear with government issued photo identification at SCTPVA to address this matter.

I MISSED MY CONFERENCE DATE, WHAT CAN I DO?

You must appear with government issued photo identification at SCTPVA to address this matter.

HOW CAN I GET CONFIRMATION YOU RECEIVED MY PAYMENT?

We will send a receipt if you provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR PAYMENT THAT DIFFERS FROM WHAT WAS AGREED TO AT A CONFERENCE?

You may appear and request another conference for clarification.

CAN I PAY MY TICKET IN INSTALLMENTS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME?

No, partial payments are not accepted.

WHY CAN'T I DISCUSS MY CASE WITH SCTPVA VIA TELEPHONE?

The Suffolk County TPVA is a court of record and by law cannot discuss pending matters over the telephone. No specific matters may be addressed via the telephone. If you call the agency, you will be provided with recorded information also available on this website. If your question is not addressed by the phone message or this website, you must appear in person at the agency to address your question or request.