Congratulations! You just got your junior license and are ready to set out on the open road. Be careful though. As a young driver in the State of New York, you are punished extra-harshly for violating the rules of the road. Remember, driving is a privilege and the law has no problem taking it away from you if you commit serious traffic violations.
If you are a junior license holder, the State of New York will suspend your license if you commit a serious traffic violation. Under New York law, a “serious traffic violation” is one that is worth 3 or more points.
Speeding even just 1 MPH over the speed limit is a 3 point offense! Consequently, if you are a junior license holder and are convicted of speeding in New York, your junior license will be taken away for 60 days.
Some other examples of other offenses that are considered “serious offenses” are: Cell phone, texting (electronic device usage), passing a school bus, and reckless driving.
Imagine: you just passed the road test after diligently practicing your parallel parking and your junior license is suspended for 2 months because you chose to go slightly faster than the posted speed limit.
You might think this is unfair. After all, what is 1mph over the speed limit really going to do? Unfortunately, speeding in New York kills more people than other traffic violation. As such, New York law comes down tough on speeding and considers it an inherently serious offense.
Similarly, as a junior license holder you will only be allowed to commit 2 minor offenses before your license will be suspended for 60 days. Any offense that is less than 3 points is considered by the State of New York to be a minor offense.
In other words, if you are convicted of backing up unsafely, a violation of VTL 1211-(a), you will not be suspended (since it is only a 2 point offense). However, if you commit the offense twice, or violate any other VTL after it, your license will be suspended.
If you received a NY traffic ticket and are a junior license or restricted license holder, contact Rosenblum Law today. You could be facing a suspension of your license, points, and a large fine. Our team of NY traffic ticket lawyers will do all they can to protect your legal rights, fight to keep you on the road, and will diligently work to get you the results you want. Call us today at 888-434-0406.