NYC Summons Guide: Fines, Points & How to Contest

New York City issues over a million summonses every year. If you've received one, you're not alone — but you do need to understand what you're facing. This guide covers every major summons category in NYC, what the penalties look like, and how to contest.

Types of summonses in NYC

NYC summonses fall into three broad categories, each handled by a different tribunal:

Traffic violations — the most common

Traffic summonses are the most frequent. Here are the most common and what they cost:

Speeding

• 1–10 mph over: $45–$150 fine, 3 points
• 11–20 mph over: $90–$300 fine, 4 points
• 21–30 mph over: $180–$450 fine, 6 points
• 31–40 mph over: $300–$600 fine, 8 points

Speeding tickets are heard at TVB. The officer must produce valid radar/LIDAR calibration records. If they can't, the ticket may be dismissed.

Cell phone / handheld device

Using a handheld phone while driving: $50–$200 fine for first offense, 5 points. Escalates for subsequent offenses within 18 months.

Running a red light

Automated red light camera ticket: $50 (no points). Officer-issued red light ticket: $50–$350, 3 points.

Parking violations

Parking tickets in NYC are civil penalties — no points, no criminal record. But they add up fast:

• Fire hydrant: $115, possible towing
• Expired meter: $45–$65
• No sticker / expired registration: $65
• Blocking sidewalk / crosswalk: $115
• Double parking: $115 (commercial: up to $515)

Most parking tickets can be contested online through OATH. Photos are your best evidence.

Transit violations

NYC decriminalized fare evasion in 2023. Most cases are now a civil summons ($100) rather than a criminal charge. But repeat offenses can still be prosecuted as Theft of Services (A Misdemeanor).

Quality of life violations

These cover a wide range of behavior-based infractions:

• Disorderly conduct (PL § 240.20): $0–$250, violation level
• Unreasonable noise: $175–$1,050 depending on repeats
• Public urination: $50–$250
• Littering: $50–$200
• Unleashed dog: $100–$200

Surcharges and hidden costs

The fine isn't the only cost. Most NYC summonses include mandatory surcharges that are not negotiable:

• State surcharge: $88–$93 for traffic violations
• Crime victim fee: $25 for criminal charges
• Mandatory surcharge: $95 for criminal violations
• Driver Responsibility Assessment: $100/year for 3 years if you accumulate 6+ points

License points

Points only apply to traffic violations. They're tracked by the DMV and affect your insurance rates:

• 3 points: cell phone, failure to yield, improper lane change
• 4 points: speeding 11–20, failure to stop for school bus
• 5 points: following too closely, handheld device (repeat)
• 6 points: speeding 21–30, texting while driving
• 8 points: speeding 31–40, reckless driving

6+ points triggers the Driver Responsibility Assessment. 11+ points triggers license suspension.

How to contest any summons

• 1. Plead not guilty. This is automatic — just show up and say it.
• 2. Request evidence. For traffic: radar calibration records. For criminal: body-worn camera footage (via FOIL).
• 3. Challenge the officer's observations. Was the radar properly calibrated? Was the officer in a position to observe? Is the description accurate?
• 4. Present your evidence. Photos, receipts, witness statements, timeline.
• 5. Be concise and respectful. Judges and hearing officers appreciate brevity.

When to get a lawyer

You don't need a lawyer for most summonses. But consider one if:

• You're charged with a misdemeanor or felony (not just a violation)
• You have prior convictions that could enhance penalties
• Your license is at risk of suspension (11+ points)
• You're facing a mandatory minimum fine you can't afford
• The case involves a protective order or restraining order

See also: How to respond to a summons · NYC summons lookup · FOIL request guide