New York State Driver Responsibility Assessment and Out-of-State Drivers
Drivers often struggle to understand traffic laws when these laws affect them outside their home state. The New York State Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) is one such policy that can confuse many. This lesser-known rule has serious consequences for drivers who rack up traffic violations. Out-of-state drivers need to know how the DRA works, as it can affect their right to drive in New York and their home state.
At the Law Office of Kristine A. Ciganek, we focus on guiding drivers through New York's traffic laws. We make sure your rights stay safe and you know all about what happens when you break traffic rules. This post will explore the New York State Driver Responsibility Assessment in depth. We'll look at how it affects drivers from other states and what you can do to lessen its impact.
What is the New York State Driver Responsibility Assessment?
The New York State Driver Responsibility Assessment is a money penalty the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) puts on drivers. This happens when drivers get too many points on their driving record or when courts convict them of certain traffic crimes. These crimes include driving drunk (DUI) or driving with no insurance. The DRA is not the same as court fines, penalties, and extra charges. Drivers must pay the DRA straight to the DMV.
New York started the DRA to make driving safer and cut down on traffic rule-breaking. The DRA applies to people who live in New York and to drivers from other states who break traffic laws in New York State.
How Does the Driver Responsibility Assessment Work?
The DRA kicks in two main ways:
1. Point Buildup: If you get six or more points on your driving record in 18 months, you'll face the DRA. Each point over six will make the assessment bigger.
2. Certain Traffic Violations: Some major traffic offenses, like DUI or driving without insurance set off the DRA, no matter how many points are on your record.
The assessment is spread over three years and is set up like this:
• 6 Points: A $300 assessment paid as $100 for three years.
• Each Additional Point: An extra $75, paid over three years.
• Serious Traffic Offenses: For DUI or driving without insurance, the assessment costs $750 paid as $250 yearly for three years.
How It Affects Out-of-State Drivers
The DRA applies to out-of-state drivers who break traffic laws in New York. If you're an out-of-state driver and you get points or commit a qualifying offense in New York, you must pay the DRA even if you live elsewhere.
What Happens When You Don't Pay the DRA
Not paying the DRA can lead to big problems. If you skip the payment, the New York DMV might take away your right to drive in New York. This means you can't drive in the state until you pay the full DRA. Also, many states work together with New York so losing your driving rights in New York could make you lose them in your home state too.
How to Fight the DRA
If you're dealing with the DRA, you can try a few things to maybe avoid it or pay less:
1. Challenge the Traffic Ticket: To avoid the DRA, try to prevent a conviction. Contesting the traffic ticket might lead to reduced or dismissed charges. This could stop points from piling up on your driving record or a conviction for an offense that qualifies.
2. Negotiate a Plea Bargain: Sometimes, you can work out a deal to lower the charges against you. This might result in fewer points on your driving record or help you dodge an offense that qualifies thus cutting down or getting rid of the DRA.
3. Attend a Defensive Driving Course: In New York, you can reduce up to four points on your driving record by taking a DMV-approved defensive driving course. This might help you avoid hitting the six-point mark that sets off the DRA.
4. Consult with an Experienced Traffic Attorney: It's tough to understand traffic law if you're from out of state and don't know New York's legal system well. Like those at the Law Office of Kristine A. Ciganek, a skilled traffic attorney can explain your choices and give you the strongest defense against the DRA.
Why Choose the Law Office of Kristine A. Ciganek?
At the Law Office of Kristine A. Ciganek, we know how stressful and annoying it can be to get a traffic ticket if you're out of state. Our team focuses on giving you personal and effective legal help to guide you through New York's traffic laws and protect your driving rights.
We've dealt with loads of traffic cases in New York and know all the tricks to fight traffic tickets and lower or get rid of the DRA. We want to help you get the best result possible in your case. This could mean working out a deal fighting the charges, or just helping you understand what you can do.
Contact Us
Have you gotten a traffic ticket in New York and now face the Driver Responsibility Assessment? Don't wait to get in touch with the Law Office of Kristine A. Ciganek. We're ready to help you grasp your rights and choices and give you the legal support you need to safeguard your driving privileges.
Give us a call today at +1 845-641-0756 to set up a meeting. We can help you deal with New York's traffic laws and get the best result possible for your case.
