Fighting a Speeding ticket in New York State and impact on New Jersey License

[victor8698]

I got a ticket 4 nights ago on Monday, Jan. 8th, 2007, when I was driving down the New York Thruway, and I was pulled over by a New York State trooper who alleged that I was going 97 mph by radar. I have a New Jersey license and registration, and after handing those items to him, he proceded to write me a ticket. He also took my Thruway ticket and pointed out to me that at the time I entered relative to the time on his watch, I had to be speeding. However, this was not noted on the supporting deposition he gave to me, only that he observed me speeding and that it was verified by radar. He asked me why I was speeding, and I told him I was just talking to my friend, listening to my iPod, and that I wasn't paying attention to how fast I was going. He sounded convinced, and told me that although he had to write the ticket, I should plead not guilty.

So, I mailed in the ticket within 48 hours pleading not guilty.

I would like to know the following:
1) How does this impact my NJ license? Will this get reported? I heard something that out of state moving violations are only 2 points, so if this does get reported, will it go on my driver record in NJ? Can I do defensive driving to get the 2 points removed, and not face an insurance hike?
2) I go to school in Texas. How many times are you allowed to reschedule a court appearence due to legit reasons, such as that I am away in Texas and not in nearby NJ?
3) If I switch my license to Texas and surrender my NJ license, will New York still be able to find out that my license moved to Texas? If I apply for a Texas license, will Texas see that I have a pending ticket?
4) If I do go to court, what is New York Traffic Court like, specifically, the New Paltz Town Court (if anyone knows or has been there)? Does the trooper have to show up? Do you meet with the prosecutor to negotiate, or is it a trial where you have to cross examine, etc.? And what is the best way to negotiate so that I don't face an insurance hike, and pay a lower fine? I really don't want to face an insurance hike since I'm only 19, my name is not on the insurance policy for that vehicle I was driving, and I am a good student with no prior moving violations or accidents.

[seniorjudge]

2) I go to school in Texas. How many times are you allowed to reschedule a court appearence due to legit reasons, such as that I am away in Texas and not in nearby NJ?

A: Once or maybe (if the judge is in a good mood) twice.


3) If I switch my license to Texas and surrender my NJ license, will New York still be able to find out that my license moved to Texas? If I apply for a Texas license, will Texas see that I have a pending ticket?

A: Yes and yes.

[lwpat]

A: Yes and yes.

Actually yes and no. New York does not report speeding tickets to other states so it will not show on your record. However, this may put you in the surcharge zone and you will have to pay extra to NY for the next three years in order to keep then from notifying NJ to suspend your license.

You might be able to talk to the ADA and get the charge reduced. Once you get your court date, call the clerk and ask. Be sure to keep them notified of any change in address. Some NY courts are very slow and if you miss the letter and do not pay or show up, they will suspend your NJ license.

[victor8698]

so even though i'm not a resident of NY state, I can still be assessed the manditory surcharge? the trooper told me about that $350 a year for 3 years, but i wasn't sure if it applied to out of state people.

thanks guys for all the input. i appreciate it.

[lwpat]

The surcharge does apply to out of state drivers but I am not sure if that is legal. Several states are starting to do this so we will just have to see what develops.