Most unpaid traffic fines no longer cost you your New York license

New York generally no longer suspends your driver’s license solely because you cannot pay a traffic fine. When the law took effect on June 29, 2021, the DMV automatically lifted suspensions that were only for covered unpaid traffic fines and fees. Narrow exceptions include certain vehicle size and weight violations. If you owe fines, fees, or surcharges you cannot afford, you can ask for a payment plan. Monthly payments cannot exceed 2% of your net monthly income or $25, whichever is higher. Judges can also reduce or waive the debt in the interest of justice.

You can still lose your license for other reasons, such as drunk driving, too many points, or missing court. Failure to answer or appear can lead to suspension after additional notice. Answering the ticket or appearing in court clears that problem; after a default conviction, paying or entering a payment plan can also end the suspension.

Sen. Timothy Kennedy and Assemblymember Pamela Hunter carried the bill. The Senate first passed a version in 2019. The final original bill passed the Assembly 91–51 and the Senate 39–21 in July 2020; all Senate yes votes came from Democrats, while Assembly support crossed party lines. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed it on December 31, 2020, after requiring a chapter amendment. The final agreement preserved suspensions for failure to answer or appear and revised payment and notice details. The Senate passed the amendment 44–19 on February 9, 2021, and the Assembly passed it 138–11 on March 2, with support from both parties. Cuomo signed it on March 9.