The Price of a Ticket

A traffic ticket may feel like a momentary inconvenience or annoyance, but ignoring it has become even riskier since New York increased penalties for repeat suspended-license offenders, raised point values for moving violations and stepped up enforcement of unpaid tolls.

“People [sometimes] throw the ticket away, or say they’ll deal with it later but don’t,” says Amel Spahija, a criminal defense attorney and founder of Spahija Law. If you fail to answer to the DMV for a ticket, they can suspend your license. “And that’s how you end up with a bench warrant and getting brought into custody.”

Angelica’s Law

One of the most recent changes is Angelica’s Law, which took effect in 2024. It’s named after 14-year-old Angelica Nappi, who was killed in 2008 when an unlicensed driver with seven prior license suspensions ran a red light on Long Island. Because the driver had not reached the felony threshold of 10 suspensions, he was only charged with a misdemeanor. Under the new law, drivers can now face felony charges after five separate license suspensions, cutting the previous rule in half.

That doesn’t mean that, for example, five traffic tickets will automatically result in a suspension. “But ‘five on five’ isn’t that hard to get,” says Mehdi Essmidi, a criminal defense attorney and founder of The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi. If a driver misses court appearances, fails to pay required assessments or doesn’t satisfy other Department of Motor Vehicles requirements, “one incident can easily become three different suspensions,” he explains. 

Unpaid Tolls

Unpaid E-ZPass tolls are another good example of a small problem that can snowball, says Spahija. Some drivers might not realize their transponder has stopped working until unpaid tolls cause the DMV to suspend the vehicle’s registration, and it’s flagged during a routine traffic stop.

“It’s $2.50 to ride the toll, but it’s over $50 just for the surcharge for a toll violation,” Spahija says. “Let’s say you do that three times a day. You’ve racked up about $160. From there, they pile on.”

Continuing to drive after registration or license suspension can result in a misdemeanor charge. “This gives the police a reason to initiate an arrest and possibly search your vehicle,” he adds. “You’ve now gone from a simple suspension to potentially being charged with something more serious.”

Points Matter, Too

Changes to New York’s driver-point system early in 2026 increased point values for several moving violations. Once a driver accumulates six or more points within 24 months or is convicted of an alcohol- or drug-related traffic offense while operating a motor vehicle, boat or snowmobile, the state may impose a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee that must be paid annually for the next three years. At 11 points within a 24-month period, the DMV may suspend your license, and in general will, Essmidi says.

For example, speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit carries three points, while speeding 21 to 30 mph over the limit carries six. Other common violations, such as failing to yield the right-of-way or using a cellphone or portable electronic device while driving, also add multiple points.

Essmidi says it’s worth considering all the consequences an infraction might carry beyond just a fine. “In traffic court, you are taking responsibility and admitting guilt before a DMV administrative law judge,” he says. “You’re agreeing to pay the civil penalty, but that penalty can have criminal consequences down the line. People have to ask, ‘How many points does this carry? Is this going to affect my insurance or my license? Are there other fees?’”

That’s where an attorney’s help can be invaluable in DMV court, to track points and assess risk in the future. If criminal charges follow, they are prosecuted by the district attorney’s office and heard before a criminal court judge. An attorney may be able to negotiate reduced charges or even a dismissal. They can also explain to drivers the long-term consequences of accepting a plea and how it may affect their license, insurability and driving record.

If you’re pulled over, Spahija says, “Realize that you’re not going to talk your way out of it, so it’s best to keep quiet, provide your license, registration and proof of insurance, and just take the ticket.”

Afterward is the best time to take action, he says. Arrange a payment plan to pay outstanding fines or fees, work with the DMV to resolve any other issues or consult an attorney on more complex matters. Otherwise, he adds, “it can turn into a lot more headache than people think.”