Tickets received in New York City

DMV’s Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) processes tickets for non-criminal moving traffic violations issued in the five boroughs of New York City. 1   For more information about the TVB, you can read our brochure.

 

How do I answer a TVB ticket?

You can answer most TVB tickets online. You can either schedule a hearing for the traffic ticket, or you can pay the fine and surcharge with your credit card. For more information, see how to plead to or pay TVB tickets.

To answer your ticket by mail, enter your plea on the ticket and include the appropriate fee if pleading guilty.

Mail to

Traffic Violations Plea Unit
P.O. Box 2950 - ESP
Albany, NY  12220-0950

To answer your ticket at a TVB office, follow the instructions on the ticket. Be sure to bring proof of identity such as your driver license.

 

What happens if I do not answer a TVB traffic ticket?

If you do not answer a traffic ticket on time, your driver license will be suspended. It is a crime to drive with a suspended license. A suspension for the failure to answer a ticket does not indicate that you are guilty of the charge. The suspension only indicates that you failed to answer the ticket. 

We will remove a suspension for failure to appear if you answer the ticket if you

  • you plead guilty or not guilty
  • you pay the fine if you were default convicted
  • you schedule a hearing, or
  • the ticket is dismissed.

 

What happens if I do not respond to my TVB ticket after I receive a suspension notice?

If you continue to ignore the ticket after your license is suspended for failure to answer the ticket, you will automatically be convicted of the charge. This is known as a 'default conviction.' The default conviction is equivalent to a guilty finding. The DMV then suspends your driver license for your failure to pay the fine. 2

You will remain suspended for failure to answer your ticket or appear at your traffic violation hearing until you

  • enter into a payment plan, or
  • satisfy this debt in full (pay the total fine)

Payment options

  • online - see how to plead to or pay a traffic ticket online
  • by phone with a credit card: (718) 488-5710
  • by mail with check, money order, or credit card
    • complete and detach the bottom portion of your ticket
    • if paying by check or money order
      • make payable to 'Commissioner of Motor Vehicles'
      • write your ticket number on the check or money order
    •  send the form and payment to

Traffic Violations Division Plea Unit
PO Box 2950 - ESP
Albany NY 12220-0950

 

Note: Some convictions can cause the suspension or the revocation of your driver license. For more information, see Suspensions and Revocations or read the DMV brochure Suppose Your License Were Taken Away.

You can apply once to reopen the default conviction.

 

What happens if I plead guilty to a violation that results in 5 or more points?

If you have 3 or more alcohol-related convictions on your entire driving record, a plea of guilty to a violation that results in 5 or more points may result in the revocation of your license under Part 132 of the Commissioner's Regulations. You may want to consult with an attorney before entering your plea.

  1. 1. In other parts of New York State, traffic violations are processed in the criminal or traffic court of the city, county, town or village where the alleged offense took place. To answer these types of traffic tickets, contact the court directly.
  2. 2. A suspension due to a traffic ticket is an 'indefinite' suspension. An indefinite suspension means your driver license or privilege to drive is taken away until you satisfy the terms of the suspension.