How to pay a New Paltz traffic ticket
There are at least five different police agencies with jurisdiction in New Paltz. The state troopers are the only ones who hand out tickets on the Thruway, but along Main Street (route 299) they are joined by sheriff’s deputies, town police officers, and sometimes even university and environmental protection police. In other words, it’s not that difficult to get a traffic ticket in New Paltz.
Paying a traffic ticket in New Paltz isn’t that difficult, but how you get to the point of paying can cause you problems for years to come, if you’re not careful. Never plead guilty to a New Paltz traffic ticket without getting legal advice first. It can be tempting, because you just get a fine notice in the mail and can put a stressful situation in the rear-view mirror. However, a plea of guilty means that you will receive the points for the original charge. If you rack up six points in just 18 months, you’re going to have to pay a driver responsibility assessment on top of your fine, and if you reach 11 points in 18 months then your license will be suspended. Most of my clients come to me because they want to avoid points on their licenses.
Pleading “not guilty “ does eventually involve going to court, or hiring an attorney to go to court for you. This is the only way to get a traffic ticket dismissed, and for many drivers with relatively clean driving histories the prosecutor will offer to reduce the charges to a non-moving violation. Charges like these do not accrue points, or incur hidden fees, or impact insurance rates. It takes a little longer, but you or your attorney will leave court with a fine notice and instructions to pay.
Once you have a fine notice, you can pay your New Paltz traffic ticket in person, through the mail, or online.
to pay in person, get a money order or bank check for the exact amount of the fine, or bring your credit or debit card with you. Personal checks are not accepted, and neither is US currency. The window hours can change, which is why it’s a good idea to call ahead to find out when it will be open. There will be an extra charge to put this on a card. You will be given a receipt.
to pay by mail, get a money order or bank check for the exact amount of the fine. Personal checks are not accepted, and neither is US currency. Enclose your payment and the fine notice in an envelope; if you don’t have a fine notice then make sure to write your case number on the bank check or money order. You can call the court to get that information. Mail it to the court at 59 N Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561. It’s a good idea to pay for a tracking number, and if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope you’ll get a receipt back.
to pay online you will need your case number or ticket number. You can call the court to get that information. Go to paycourtonline.com and click the button that reads, “I want to pay a traffic ticket.” Enter the informatoin requested. There will be an extra charge to put this on a card. You will be emailed a receipt.
Hold onto your receipt,. It’s a good idea to have proof you paid any traffic fine.