Disorderly Conduct Public Order
PL § 240.20
Fine: $0–$250 (Violation)
Surcharge: $95 mandatory surcharge
Includes making unreasonable noise, using abusive language, obstructing pedestrian/vehicular traffic, creating a hazardous conditi…
Open Container of Alcohol Public Order
NYC Admin Code § 10-125
Fine: $25–$100
Surcharge: $88 criminal court surcharge if summons
Drinking or possessing an open container of alcohol in a public place (street, sidewalk, public transit, park unless permitted). N…
Harassment in the 2nd Degree Public Order
PL § 240.26
Fine: $0–$250 (Violation)
Surcharge: $95
Intentionally harassing, annoying, or alarming another person by striking, shoving, kicking, or following them in a public place, …
Public Intoxication / Disorderly Conduct Public Order
PL § 240.20(5)
Fine: $0–$250 (Violation)
Surcharge: $95
Being publicly intoxicated alone is not a crime in New York State. However, NYPD may issue a Disorderly Conduct summons under PL §…
Unreasonable Noise / Noise Code Violation Quality of Life
NYC Admin Code § 24-218
Fine: $175–$350 (first offense); up to $1,050 (repeat)
Surcharge: Varies
Playing music, construction, or causing excessive noise above permitted decibel levels. Residential: 45dB nighttime / 50dB daytime…
Littering / Improper Disposal of Refuse Quality of Life
NYC Admin Code § 16-118
Fine: $50–$300 (civil); up to $450 (repeat)
Surcharge: $88 if criminal
Throwing, dropping, or depositing any litter, waste, or garbage on any public area — streets, sidewalks, parks, or subway. Also ap…
Public Urination Quality of Life
Admin Code § 16-118(6) / PL § 240.20
Fine: $50–$250 (violation / civil)
Surcharge: $88–$95 depending on summons type
Urinating or defecating in a public space that is not a restroom. Can be charged as a Disorderly Conduct (PL § 240.20) or an Admin…
Making Graffiti Quality of Life
PL § 145.60
Fine: Up to $500 (A Misdemeanor)
Surcharge: $175
Etching, painting, drawing on any public or private surface without owner's consent. A Misdemeanor — this is a criminal charge, no…
Spitting in Public Quality of Life
NYC Health Code § 173.09
Fine: $50–$250
Surcharge: Varies
Spitting on any public sidewalk, street, subway, or public building. Rarely enforced unless accompanied by other conduct. NYPD may…
Promoting Gambling in the 2nd Degree Quality of Life
PL § 225.05
Fine: Up to $1,000 (Class A Misdemeanor)
Surcharge: $175
Running or participating in an unlawful gambling enterprise — card games, dice, three-card monte, or numbers operations. Playing i…
Jaywalking / Failure to Use Crosswalk Traffic & Driving
VTL § 1152
Fine: $0–$250 (rare enforcement post-2023 NYC policy change)
Surcharge: $88 if issued
NYC largely decriminalized jaywalking enforcement in 2022 via NYPD policy. VTL § 1152 remains on the books but NYPD rarely issues …
Speeding — 1 to 10 mph Over Limit Traffic & Driving
VTL § 1180(d)
Fine: $45–$150 (first offense)
Surcharge: $88–$93
Points: 3 points
Driving 1–10 mph above the posted speed limit. In NYC, the default speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. School zones and…
Speeding — 11 to 20 mph Over Limit Traffic & Driving
VTL § 1180(d)
Fine: $90–$300 (first offense)
Surcharge: $88–$93
Points: 4 points
Driving 11–20 mph above the posted speed limit. Four points on your license. A second conviction within 18 months can trigger a Dr…
Speeding — 21 to 30 mph Over Limit Traffic & Driving
VTL § 1180(d)
Fine: $180–$600 (first offense)
Surcharge: $88–$93
Points: 6 points
Driving 21–30 mph over the posted limit. Six points — accumulating 6+ points triggers a mandatory $300 Driver Responsibility Asses…
Speeding — 31+ mph Over Limit Traffic & Driving
VTL § 1180(d)
Fine: $360–$600+ (first offense); license suspension likely
Surcharge: $88–$93
Points: 8 points
Driving 31+ mph over the posted limit. Eight points on your license. Magistrates have broad discretion to suspend a license at thi…
Failure to Obey Traffic Signal (Running a Red Light) Traffic & Driving
VTL § 1111(d)
Fine: $138–$338 (first offense)
Surcharge: $88–$93
Points: 3 points
Entering an intersection after the traffic signal has displayed a steady red light. NYC also operates automated red light cameras …
Failure to Stop at Stop Sign Traffic & Driving
VTL § 1172(a)
Fine: $138–$338
Surcharge: $88–$93
Points: 3 points
Rolling through or failing to fully stop at a posted stop sign. A complete stop must be made at the stop line, crosswalk, or befor…
Cell Phone / Handheld Device While Driving Traffic & Driving
VTL § 1225-d
Fine: $50–$200 (first); $50–$250 (second); $50–$450 (third+)
Surcharge: $88–$93
Points: 5 points
Using a handheld mobile telephone or electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Five points on your license per offense. N…
Texting While Driving Traffic & Driving
VTL § 1225-d
Fine: $50–$450 depending on prior offenses
Surcharge: $88–$93
Points: 5 points
Composing, sending, reading, or viewing a text message while operating a motor vehicle. Same statute as handheld device use. Court…
Reckless Driving Traffic & Driving
VTL § 1212
Fine: $100–$300 (first); $100–$525 (second); criminal penalties possible
Surcharge: $88–$93
Points: 5 points
Operating a motor vehicle in a manner that unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of a public highway, or unreasonab…