Speeding Tickets in Tompkins County NY

Map of New York Counties Highlighting Tompkins

Tompkins County is named in honor of Daniel D. Tompkins, who served as the fourth Governor of New York (1807 to 1817) and sixth Vice President of the United States of America (1817 to 1825). Although known for its beautiful waterfalls and lakefront property, Tompkins is prized for being home to two world-class universities: Cornell University and Ithaca College. Many of the county’s thriving industries rely on these schools to supply them with educated and intellectual labor and other resources. 

Drivers should never pay a speeding ticket issued in Tompkins County. The hidden costs and penalties that come with a conviction can shock many unsuspecting individuals. These penalties could be avoided by calling an experienced traffic ticket lawyer who can beat or reduce the charge.

New York State Speeding Ticket Costs

A driver charged with speeding in NY can expect a fine of $150 to $600 in most cases. What most don’t expect, is the mandatory state surcharge of $88 or $93 that comes with each offense. In addition, if the ticket puts the total number of points on the license at 6 or more, the driver will be charged a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) fee by the DMV. The DRA is a separate fine and costs $300 for the first 6 points and $75 for each additional point. Once the speeding ticket appears on the driver’s record, his/her auto insurer is likely to raise rates by hundreds of dollars per month for several years.

Speeding Tickets Data from Tompkins County NY

Drivers in Tompkins County received 3,084 speeding tickets in 2018, just slightly more than the number written in 2017 (3,038). Speeding tickets made up about 20% of all tickets issued last year in the county, just slightly more than the statewide average of 18.6%. Weekends were the worst time to be speeding in Tompkins County last year, as a third of all such tickets were issued on Saturdays and Sunday. State Troopers were the most aggressive in enforcing speeding in Tompkins County in 2018, handing out almost 75% of the tickets. 

Tompkins County Graph Speeding Ticket

Number of Speeding Tickets Given in Tompkins County, NY

Year# of Speeding Tickets
2009 3,945
2010 4,375
2011 3,298
2012 2,470
2013 2,649
2014 2,832
2015 3,107
2016 3,462
2017 3,159
2018 3,084

Drivers hit with speeding tickets in Tompkins County would be well advised to fight the ticket and either get it dismissed or reduced to a low-point/no-point violation. Less than 7% of drivers were able to get their speeding ticket dismissed in Tompkins County courts last year. With such a high conviction rate, drivers should seek the help of a skilled attorney to avoid the worst consequences.

Tompkins County Geography and How It Relates to Traffic Tickets

Located near the finger lakes, Tompkins County cannot be directly accessed by any interstate highways. However, a number of state routes converge in the county around the city of Ithaca, including NY Routes 79, 34 and 96. Despite the lack of major thruways, the county experiences nearly 2 million vehicle miles of travel within its borders each year. This includes a mix of tourists and daily commuters (both local and those from nearby counties). Students attending Cornell University and Ithaca College also traverse the roads, giving police much to keep an eye on. 

Hiring a Tompkins County Speeding Ticket Lawyer

A speeding ticket in New York State is a serious matter. Any driver charged with speeding needs the help of an experienced traffic ticket attorney. An attorney offers the best chance of reducing or beating the ticket and thus avoiding the worst penalties. The best part is that, in most cases, those who hire legal representation may not have to show up to court themselves.

Contact the Rosenblum Law Firm to assist you with your speeding ticket matter in Tompkins County. We can offer you a free consultation about your case and have our attorneys fight on your behalf. Our attorneys have represented clients in all the courts in Tompkins County for both traffic and criminal matters including Caroline, Danby, Dryden, Enfield, Groton, Ithaca, Lansing, Newfield, and Ulysses. Call 888-434-0406 or email Rosenblum Law today for a free consultation about your case.

Speeding Ticket in Other Counties

Speeding Tickets in Otsego County NY

Otsego County is a largely rural county in central New York with a steady dairy farm industry. The exact origin of the name is unclear, deriving from either the Mohawk or Oneida word (possibly both) which means “the place of the rock.” The county covers about 1,000 square miles and is the northernmost county in the Appalachian Region. The Bassett Medical Center, the headquarters of Bassett Healthcare Network, employs more than 3,000 of Otsego’s 59,700 residents.

Don’t make the mistake of paying an Otsego County speeding ticket. Those who hope to just “make it go away” will instead find themselves paying huge fines, incurring points, and seeing insurance rates rise rapidly. Instead, it would be better to hire an attorney to fight the underlying charges. 

New York Speeding Ticket Costs

Speeding tickets issued in any county in NYS can be very costly. Fines run between $150 to $600, in some cases even higher. Each ticket also comes with a mandatory NYS surcharge of $88 or $93. A possible DMV Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) fee is charged to drivers who reach at least 6 points on their license within 18 months. A DRA costs $300 plus $75 for each additional point. Even worse, auto insurance rates can rise by hundreds of dollars each year for several years upon conviction.

Speeding Tickets Data from Otsego County NY

In 2018, speeding tickets comprised 34.4% of all tickets issued in Otsego County. The number of speeding tickets issued any given year varies more widely in Otsego than in other U.S. counties, with figures rising and falling by as much as 40% in some years, including between 2017 and 2018. More than half—52%–of speeding tickets were issued on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The vast majority were written by State Troopers: 91%! 


Drivers charged with speeding in Otsego County can choose to fight the charge(s) against them and either win a dismissal or negotiate a reduction in fines and points. In New York State, only about 7.8% of drivers get their ticket dismissed. With such a high conviction rate, drivers will likely need the help of a skilled attorney to avoid suffering the full penalties.

Number of Speeding Tickets Given in Ostego County, NY

Year# of Speeding Tickets
2009 5,573
2010 5,084
2011 4,454
2012 3,992
2013 3,564
2014 4,283
2015 5,953
2016 4,441
2017 3,734
2018 5,263

Otsego County Geography and How It Relates to Traffic Tickets

The largely rural Otsego County experiences a moderate amount of vehicle traffic most years. Some of this is tourism, as the county is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Otsego also has a notable arts community, including the Glimmerglass Opera. Drivers also pass through Otsego on I-88, which connects the I-81 in Binghamton to the New York Thruway (I-90) in Schenectady. Students attending SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College also frequent the roads. With such lightly traveled roads compared to other NY counties, police are sure to notice those who do not obey speed limits and other traffic laws. 

Hiring an Otsego County Speeding Ticket Lawyer

In addition to the hefty fees, a speeding ticket can cause increases in auto insurance premiums for several years. At the same time, ignoring the ticket can result in having one’s driving privileges in NY suspended and even revoked. Drivers who are charged with speeding or other traffic violations have the option to fight the charge and possibly win a dismissal or negotiate a reduction in fines and points.

An experienced traffic defense attorney can analyze the traffic violation matter and provide a solid defense, keeping the fines and points to a minimum. In almost all cases, a person who hires an attorney will not be required to come to court.

If you received a speeding ticket in Otsego County, contact Rosenblum Law. Our traffic ticket attorneys represent clients in Burlington, Butternuts, Cherry Valley, Decatur, Edmeston, Exeter, Hartwick, Laurens, Maryland, Middlefield, Milford, Morris, New Lisbon, Oneonta, Otego, Otsego, Pittsfield, Plainfield, Richfield, Roseboom, Springfield, Unadilla, Westford, and Worcester. Call 888-434-0406 or email Rosenblum Law today for a free consultation about your case.

Speeding Ticket in Other Counties

Speeding Tickets in St. Lawrence County NY

Named after the river that forms part of the boundary between Canada and New York, St. Lawrence County is the largest county in the state, with an area greater than the entire state of Delaware. Of the county’s 2,600 square feet, the bottom third reside within the Adirondack Park. It is one of several NY counties that border Ontario and one of just two that border Quebec. 

Paying a St. Lawrence speeding ticket means accepting huge fines, points on one’s license, and major insurance increases. Drivers would be well advised to hire an attorney to fight the underlying charges. 

New York Speeding Ticket Costs

The fine for a speeding ticket in St. Lawrence County starts at around $150 and go as high as $600 or more. Drivers are often surprised to find they must also pay a NYS surcharge of $88 or $93. If the ticket puts one’s point total at 6 or more, the DMV charges a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) fee. A DRA costs $300 for the first 6 points and $75 for each additional point. If convicted of a speeding ticket, one’s auto insurance rates will likely increase by several hundred dollars per year.

Speeding Tickets Data from St. Lawrence County NY

Police in St. Lawrence issued 5,077 speeding tickets in 2018, which was just shy of a quarter of all tickets written that year. The weekends were the worst time to drive in St. Lawrence County last year, as half of all speeding tickets were issued on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Of those who were ticketed, 82% were New Yorkers. Despite the county having two border crossings, only 2.9% of speeding tickets went to Canadian drivers.

Drivers charged with speeding in St. Lawrence County should fight the charges against them. This may be challenging as less than one-in-10 were able to get their ticket dismissed in St. Lawrence last year. Those who hire a skilled traffic attorney will likely get better results. An attorney can either win a dismissal or negotiate to have the ticket reduced to a low- or no-point violation.

Number of Speeding Tickets Given in St. Lawrence County, NY
20098,623
20107,804
20116,321
20125,827
20136,417
20146,491
20156,122
20165,730
20174,902
20185,077

St. Lawrence County Geography and How It Relates to Traffic Tickets

St. Lawrence County is a mix of private and public lands, with several hamlets, paper and wood products industries, and vacation destinations in the Adirondack Park. There are no interstate highways in the county, although U.S. Route 11 and several state routes run through it, providing pathways for drivers from adjacent counties to reach Canada. In addition, students are a staple on St. Lawrence roads, as the sizable county is home to several colleges, including SUNY Potsdam and its Crane School of Music, Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, SUNY Canton Technical College, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s Ranger School, and Wadhams Hall and Seminary. With the county experiencing 2.7 million vehicle miles traveled each year, police watch the traffic carefully for those who would make the roads unsafe. 

Hiring a St. Lawrence County Speeding Ticket Lawyer

A speeding ticket in St. Lawrence County can result in heavy fines, points, and a hike in auto insurance premiums. Drivers ticketed for speeding or other traffic violation can choose to fight the charge and aim to either win a dismissal or negotiate a reduction in fines and points. This is difficult to do, however, unless one hires an experienced traffic ticket attorney. In most cases, a person who hires an attorney does not need to come to court in person.

If you received a speeding ticket in St. Lawrence County, contact Rosenblum Law. Our traffic ticket attorneys represent clients in Brasher, Canton, Clare, Clifton, Colton, De Kalb, De Peyster, Edwards, Fine, Fowler, Gouverneur, Hammond, Hermon, Hopkinton, Lawrence, Lisbon, Louisville, Macomb, Madrid, Massena, Morristown, Norfolk, Oswegatchie, Parishville, Piercefield, Pierrepont, Pitcairn, Potsdam, Rossie, Russell, Stockholm, and Waddington. Call us today at 888-434-0406.

Speeding Ticket in Other Counties


Difference Between Yellow vs White Speed Limit Signs

What’s the Difference Between Yellow and White Speed Limit Signs?

Speed limit signs seem like the simplest thing in the world. You may have noticed, however, that some speed limit signs are yellow, while most are white. Seems like a minor thing, but there’s a difference between them that you should be aware of.

Yellow speed limit signs are also known as advisory speed limit signs. You’ll see these most often when roads curve. You might also see them on a stretch of road that is hilly or which suddenly narrows. Either way, it is a warning to drivers to reduce speed.

The limit on an advisory speed limit sign is always at least 5 mph lower than the rest of the roadway. The yellow color is intended to draw your attention so that you adjust your speed accordingly. In most cases, the advisory limit is temporary; once you have passed the stretch of road with the advisory-inducing conditions, a white sign will typically be posted indicating you can return to the old speed. However, it is possible for multiple advisory limits to appear back to back.

Can I Get a Ticket for Exceeding an Advisory Limit?

Advisory speed limits are not a legal speed limit; only the standard white speed limit signs carry the force of the law. Therefore, you cannot get a speeding ticket for disobeying an advisory speed limit sign. Yellow signs are simply a warning to drivers of a change in road conditions that may make their current speed dangerous. The number is usually based on the physics of the road, taking into account things like centrifugal force (around a bend) and angular momentum (at the top of a hill).

If an officer issues a speeding ticket, it is most likely for exceeding the official (white) speed limit. This will cost at least $150 plus a mandatory surcharge of $88-$93 and will lead to no less three points but as many as 11 points on your New York license, depending on how far above the standard limit you were going. Alternatively, there’s a chance you could get hit with a ticket for failure to reduce speed. This rarely-issued ticket penalizes drivers who do not slow down for special hazards, such as when approaching train tracks or the crest of a hill. It carries a maximum fine of $150 plus a mandatory surcharge of $88-$93 and three points on your license.

While exceeding an advisory speed is not illegal per se, it can be considered negligent. That means if you are involved in an accident while exceeding the advisory limit, you can be liable.

In addition to the fines and points, a conviction for any kind of speeding ticket can cause your auto insurance rates to skyrocket. If you or a loved one has been caught speeding, it is advisable that you consult an attorney to help you avoid the costs and points associated with a ticket. The lawyers of the Rosenblum Law Firm are skilled New York traffic ticket attorneys who are experienced in handling tickets for speeding as well as other driving-related offenses. Call 888-203-2619 or email the Rosenblum Law Firm today for a free consultation about your case.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes by Teen Drivers?

Speeding is one of the most common mistakes by teen drivers. Photo courtesy State Farm via Flikr.
Speeding is one of the most common mistakes by teen drivers. Photo courtesy State Farm via Flikr.

Teen drivers were involved in nearly 14,000 fatal crashes over the past five year. Of those, more than 4,200 involved speeding, one of the most common mistakes that teen drivers make.

Last month, AAA released a survey of driving instructors’ observations about teen drivers. The result is a list of the top three dangerous mistakes that teens make behind the wheel. 65% of driving instructors claim that teens taking a road test are less prepared to drive than they were a decade ago. Parents, they say, are largely to blame.

“Nearly two-thirds of people injured or killed in a crash involving a teen driver are people other than the teen,” said Bill Van Tassel, AAA’s manager of Driver Training Operations. “Involved parents really can help save lives, so it’s important for parents to coach their teens to slow down, as well as to avoid other common mistakes.”

The top three mistakes teens make when learning to drive are:

  • Poor Visual Scanning: Too much focus on hazards coming from a specific or limited area
  • Speeding: Traveling over posted speed limits or too fast for road conditions
  • Distraction: Using a smart phone, talking with passengers, or looking at other objects in the vehicle

Other dangerous behaviors [PDF] common to teen drivers include:

  • Risk taking
  • Not using a seat belt
  • Overconfidence
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

In addition to inadequately preparing teens, parents often set a bad example through their own behaviors, the survey found. A separate survey from the AAA revealed that drivers between the ages of 35 and 55 commonly engaged in dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. For example:

  • 77% of drivers reported talking on a cell phone while driving, compared to 68% of teen drivers
  • 45% of drivers reported driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway (46% of teens say the same).

A speeding ticket will impose 3 or more points on your licenses. It can cost hundreds in fees and fines and increased insurance rates. Teens with a junior or restricted license can see their driving privileges suspended for even minor traffic violations. If you or your teen has been fined for speeding, contact an attorney right away to protect your rights. The lawyers of the Rosenblum Law Firm are experienced in handling tickets for speeding as well as other driving-related offenses. Call 888-203-2619 or email the Rosenblum Law Firm today for a free consultation about your case.

New York City’s New Lower Speed Limit Will Mean More Enforcement, Some Leniency

Effective November 7, New York City is lowering the default speed limit on local streets from 30mph to 25mph.

Bill de Blasio
Mayor de Blasio who stated under the new NYC speed limit, police officers will have discretion about ticketing low-level speeders. (Photo Source: Wikipedia)

This new law is seen as the largest and most influential policy change enacted by Mayor Bill de Blasio in his “Vision Zero” initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities within the 5 boroughs. The law’s potential impact on pedestrian safety and, as cynics point out, on the city’s traffic ticket revenue could be huge.

Continue reading “New York City’s New Lower Speed Limit Will Mean More Enforcement, Some Leniency”

Over One Hundred Tickets Issued in 3 Hours by New York State Police on I-84

New York I84
A sign for New York Interstate 84 where State Troopers recently issued over 100 tickets in a 3-hour ticket blitz.

On January 12th, New York Troopers engaged in a ticketing blitz on I-84 where the highway passes through the town of East Fishkill in Dutchess County, approximately 60 miles north of New York City. Over the course of 3 hours, 79 drivers were ticketed for exceeding the highway’s 65 mile per hour speed limit. Another 31 tickets were issued for various traffic infractions including failure to wear a seat belt, use of a hand-held cell phone or other electronic device while driving, and violation of New York’s “move-over” law (VTL 1144-a).

As part of Governor Cuomo’s hard-line stance against speeding and distracted driving, ticketing blitzes are becoming a more common occurrence to deter drivers driving in New York from exceeding the speed limit. This past Sunday comprises the most recent ticketing blitz by the New York State Police. Previous major ticketing blitzes have traditionally occurred in July and August, during the summer weeks leading up to Labor Day, when many vacationers are on the road and eager to get to their holiday destinations. During “speed week” and other major ticketing blitzes, police have been known to issue over a thousand speeding tickets in a single week.

 

(Source: http://www.vosizneias.com/152086/2014/01/13/troopers-issue-130-tickets-on-nys-i-84-in-3-hours/)