New York / Arizona ticket reciprocity?

Jgordon · 06-27-2005, 04:54 PM

Hey. In this cross country trip, I got nabbed in AZ for a ticket, 75 in a 65. I called the county DA's office, and got a plea offer for wasting a finite resource. the finite resource penalty is $190 plus no insurance hit, while the ticket is $68 plus reporting. DOes AZ have reciprocity with New York?

Also, the paper I was given quoted waste of a finite resource as $50, while the woman in the DA's office said it was $150. Any leeway there?

Thanks.

stefang · 06-27-2005, 05:54 PM

NY only exchanges ticket info with Canada per the NY DMV website.

Stef

safecracker · 06-27-2005, 06:47 PM

I am not trying to hijack your thread, so stefang does that mean NY doesn't exchange with Mass. I just got a ticket a few weeks ago in the Syracuse area doing 82 in a 65. So are you saying that they don't share info with Mass. Thanks Phil

stefang · 06-27-2005, 06:59 PM

Exactly. Be aware though that NYS keeps a tally of your points even if you're out of state. A friend of mine found that out the hard way.

From NYS DMV FAQ:
"If I get a ticket for a moving violation in another state, do I receive points on my NYS driver license?

The NYSDMV does not record out-of-state violations committed by NYS drivers in other jurisdictions. The exceptions are alcohol-related violations, drug-related violations, and moving violations committed in Quebec or Ontario. Under special agreements, traffic convictions in Quebec or Ontario are recorded on NYS driver license records and carry points. Except for violations in Ontario and Quebec, points are not added to your NYS record for out-of-state violations."

And while that doesn't specifically address the exporting of points, I think it's usually reciprocal. And in the case of the above mentioned friend, who holds a CT license, but has enough points in NYS to make a traffic judge cry, we know that to be the case. BTW, some insurance companies (Geico) will go trolling accross state lines to see if you've been naughty (again, anecdotal evidence).

Stef

safecracker · 06-27-2005, 07:04 PM

Steph, Thanks for the reply!

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

It is true that a NY driver will not have points carry over from an out of state ticket (with the exception of the 2 Candian provinces). HOWEVER, Please keep in mind that if you are not a NY driver, but get a ticket here in NY, you very well may accumulate points on your license in your home state. The points may not be the same amount, but can be the legal equivalent. I know that California DMV will assess points on a NY conviction. NJ does as well. Not sure about all the others, but I'm sure there are many out there. The reciprocity issues are very tricky, and in many cases not logical.

Regards,

SCOTITUDE · 06-27-2005, 08:53 PM

no points.....just $$$$.

Jgordon · 06-27-2005, 08:58 PM

So, in this case, it makes more sense for me to pay the ticket and admit fault in AZ? I'm just curious as to the penalties that could follow me back here, mostly insurance related.

Thanks.

SCOTITUDE · 06-27-2005, 09:04 PM

unless you feel like flying back to AZ for your court date or hiring a local attorney to handle your case. Either way its more $$ out of your pocket. I'd pay the fine and forget about it. Which fine you'd rather pay is a toss up. More $$ and not a speeder or less $$ and a speeder.

MRM · 06-27-2005, 09:53 PM

Your insurance company might pick up certifiable offence, even if your home state doesn't have reciprocity for offenses that have been certified by another state's motor vehicle department.

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

JG,

MRM is correct. While you may not gather any points on your NY license, if your insurance carrier determines that you have out of state moving violations (speeding, etc.), they very well may increase your rates. However, they would have to do a search in every state to find this info., which is a very costly search if they were to do it for everyone. I'm sure they do perform similar searches for some high risk drivers, but generally do not.

Also, from what I understand, if your ticket is for 5 m.p.h. or less, no surcharge will result? I'm sure this will vary carrier to carrier though. Also, if your conviction or convictions over time result in your priveleges being suspended in another state, then that may carry over into New York. Also, if you don't pay an outstanding ticket, that can result in the suspension of your priv. in the other state, AND your home state.

Regards,

yelcab1 · 06-28-2005, 07:07 AM

It may be better to ask AZ for a "suspension" of your ticket. They want your money, and as long as you are nice paying it, they give you a bone. Suspension means they dismiss the ticket after 6 months of your nose being kept clean in AZ, and after you paid your fine.