If you're a New Jersey driver who has received a traffic ticket in New York, you may be wondering how this impacts your driving record and what consequences you might face. Thanks to the Driver's License Compact, both New Jersey and New York share driver information, meaning a traffic violation in one state can affect your record in the other.

 How New Jersey Handles Out-of-State Traffic Tickets

New Jersey recognizes most out-of-state moving violations, which typically add two points to your driving record under N.J.S.A. 39:5D-4. This means that if you're convicted of a traffic offense like speeding or reckless driving in New York, those points will be transferred to your New Jersey record. While the offense may seem minor, the added points can have long-term consequences, such as increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension if points accumulate.

New York's Approach to Out-of-State Tickets

Interestingly, New York treats out-of-state tickets differently. If you hold a New York driver's license and receive a traffic ticket in New Jersey, New York rarely adds points

to your license, except for serious violations like alcohol- or drug-related offenses. However, your insurance rates can still rise based on the ticket, regardless of whether points are added to your record.

 The Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA)

If you accrue six or more points within 18 months under New York's point system, whether you're a New Jersey driver or licensed in New York, you may be subject to a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA). This results in an annual fee for three years, starting at $100 per year for six points and increasing by $25 for each additional point. Drug- or alcohol-related offenses come with a higher assessment of $250 per year.

 Losing Your Driving Privileges in New York

Although your New Jersey license won't be suspended for New York violations, accumulating 11 points or more under New York's point system could result in the suspension of your New York driving privileges. This means you would be unable to drive in New York, even though your license remains valid in New Jersey.

 What You Should Do

Receiving a traffic ticket in New York as a New Jersey driver is more than just an inconvenience. The points transferred to your New Jersey record and the potential rise in insurance premiums make it crucial to fight these tickets. Consulting with a traffic attorney who understands the nuances of cross-state violations can help you minimize the impact on your record and finances.

If you've received a New York traffic ticket and need help protecting your New Jersey driving record, contact us for expert legal advice.