When it comes to driving in New York, many people often get confused about the difference between traffic violations and parking tickets. These two issues may seem similar at first glance, but they are actually very different in terms of what they are, how they affect you, and the consequences you may face. It’s important to understand these differences because they can have a big impact on your driving record, your finances, and even your ability to keep your license. This guide will help you learn the key differences between traffic violations and parking tickets, and why it matters for anyone driving or parking in New York. At, Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case
Robert Friedman
Michael Ranzenhofer
Justin Friedman
John Dracup
What Is a Traffic Violation?
A traffic violation is when a person breaks a rule of the road while driving. In New York, there are many different rules that drivers must follow to keep everyone safe. These include following speed limits, stopping at red lights, using turn signals when changing lanes, and obeying signs that tell you what to do. If you break one of these rules, you can be given a traffic ticket, also known as a moving violation.
The most common traffic violations include speeding, running a red light, not stopping for a stop sign, and using your cell phone while driving. These are considered more serious than parking tickets because they happen while you are driving, and they can directly impact other people on the road. When you get a traffic ticket, it means you broke a law that was put in place to keep people safe, and the penalties can be much harsher than for parking tickets.
What Is a Parking Ticket?
On the other hand, a parking ticket is something you can get even when you are not driving. Parking tickets are given out when your vehicle is parked in a spot where it should not be or when you violate parking rules. For example, you might get a parking ticket if you park in a spot that is reserved for people with disabilities without having the proper permit. You can also get a ticket for parking in front of a fire hydrant, parking too close to a crosswalk, or parking for too long in a metered spot without paying.
While parking tickets are also issued by law enforcement officers, they are not considered moving violations because your car is not moving when the infraction happens. Parking tickets usually come with a fine, and although they can be annoying, they are not as serious as traffic violations. They usually don’t affect your driving record or your insurance rates. However, if you ignore them, the fines can add up, and in some cases, your car can be towed or booted.
How Traffic Violations Affect Your Driving Record
One of the biggest differences between traffic violations and parking tickets is how they affect your driving record. In New York, when you get a traffic ticket, points are added to your driving record. The number of points depends on how serious the violation is. For example, speeding just a few miles over the limit might get you a couple of points, while going more than 20 miles over the limit will add even more points to your record. Other violations, like reckless driving or driving under the influence, can lead to even more points and bigger consequences.
If you get too many points on your record in a short amount of time, you could lose your license. This is because New York has a point system in place to keep unsafe drivers off the road. If you reach a certain number of points, you may have your license suspended or revoked. In addition to losing your license, having points on your record can also lead to higher insurance rates. Insurance companies see drivers with points as a bigger risk, so they charge more for coverage.
How Parking Tickets Affect You
Parking tickets, on the other hand, do not add points to your driving record. This is one of the key differences between the two types of tickets. While parking tickets can still be costly, they usually do not affect your ability to keep your license or raise your insurance rates. Instead, parking tickets are more about paying a fine to the city or town where the violation happened.
If you get a parking ticket, it’s important to pay it on time because unpaid parking tickets can lead to bigger problems. For example, if you have too many unpaid parking tickets, your car could be towed or even booted, which means a device is placed on one of your wheels so you can’t drive your car until you pay your fines. In some cases, the city can even place a hold on renewing your registration, meaning you won’t be able to legally drive your car until the tickets are cleared up.
Can You Fight Traffic Violations and Parking Tickets?
In both cases, you do have the right to contest or fight a ticket if you believe it was given unfairly. For traffic violations, this typically involves going to court and pleading your case in front of a judge. You may be able to argue that you didn’t actually break the law or that there were special circumstances that caused the violation. In some cases, if you are successful, the ticket could be dismissed, or the penalties could be reduced.
Fighting a parking ticket is usually a simpler process. Many cities, including New York, allow you to contest parking tickets online or by mail. You can explain why you believe the ticket was unfair, and sometimes the ticket will be dismissed without you having to appear in court. However, it’s important to understand that not all tickets are easy to fight, and sometimes it may be quicker and easier to just pay the fine.
Traffic Violations Can Lead to Criminal Charges
Another important distinction is that some traffic violations can actually lead to criminal charges, while parking tickets cannot. For example, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a very serious traffic violation that can lead to criminal charges, including jail time. Reckless driving or causing a serious accident can also result in criminal charges, which can stay on your record for a long time and have major consequences for your life.
Parking tickets, on the other hand, are only civil infractions. This means they are not criminal offenses, and they won’t result in a criminal record or jail time. However, as mentioned earlier, failing to pay parking tickets can lead to other problems, like your car being towed or booted.
The Cost of Traffic Violations vs. Parking Tickets
When it comes to cost, traffic violations are usually much more expensive than parking tickets. Not only do traffic violations come with fines that can be quite large, but they also often result in higher insurance premiums. If you get a ticket for a serious traffic violation, you may find that your insurance rates go up for years, costing you much more money in the long run.
Parking tickets are typically less expensive, although the fines can still add up if you get multiple tickets or if you don’t pay them on time. However, parking tickets do not have the long-term financial consequences that traffic violations can have, especially when it comes to insurance rates.
The differences between traffic violations and parking tickets are important to understand because they can have very different effects on your life. Traffic violations happen when you are driving and involve breaking rules that are meant to keep everyone safe on the road. These violations can add points to your driving record, raise your insurance rates, and even lead to losing your license if you get too many points. Parking tickets, on the other hand, happen when your car is parked and don’t affect your driving record or insurance rates, but they can still lead to fines and other inconveniences if not paid.
If you are ever in doubt about what to do after receiving a traffic violation or parking ticket, or if you need help fighting a ticket, it’s always a good idea to seek legal guidance. The lawyers at Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC are here to help you navigate the legal system and understand your rights. Whether you’re dealing with a serious traffic violation or just trying to clear up a parking ticket issue, they have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process. Reach out to Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC today for assistance with any traffic-related concerns in New York.