Nassau County Traffic Ticket Defense: Protecting Your Record

Receiving a traffic ticket in Nassau County can be a financial and legal crisis. Most moving violations issued by the Nassau County Police or NY State Troopers are returnable to the Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency (NCTPVA), now located at 801 Axinn Avenue, Garden City.

Unlike the NYC Traffic Violations Bureau, the NCTPVA and Nassau's Village Justice Courts (like Old Westbury or Hempstead) allow for Plea Bargaining. This means we can often negotiate a high-point "Speeding" ticket down to a "Non-Moving" violation, such as VTL 1201-a (Parking), which carries zero points.

The 2026 DMV Point System: What has Changed?

As of February 2026, the New York DMV has implemented stricter penalties that significantly increase the risk of license suspension:

Extended "Look-Back": Points now remain active on your record for 24 months (up from 18 months).

Lower Suspension Threshold: Your license can now be suspended with just 10 points in that 24-month window (previously 11 points).

Increased Point Values: Common violations have become more "dangerous" to your record:

  • VTL 1180 Speeding: Minimum 4 points (up from 3).
  • VTL 1225-d Distracted Driving: Now 6 points (up from 5).
  • VTL 1212 Reckless Driving: Now 8 points (up from 5).

The Hidden Cost: Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA)

Fines are only half the battle. If you accumulate 6 or more points in an 18-month period, the DMV imposes a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA).

  • The Penalty: A mandatory $300 fee ($100 per year for 3 years).
  • Escalation: Each point over six adds another $75 to the bill.

The Risk: Failure to pay the DRA will result in an immediate license suspension, even if you paid the original court fine.

Common Nassau County Traffic Violations We Handle

We represent drivers facing a wide range of citations under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL):

  • Speeding (VTL 1180): We analyze the officer's Supporting Deposition for technical errors that could lead to a dismissal.
  • Cell Phone/Texting (VTL 1225-c/d): A 6-point violation that often triggers high insurance surcharges.
  • Passing a School Bus (VTL 1174): Now 8 points under the 2026 rules; Nassau prosecutors are notoriously strict on this charge.
  • Move Over Law (VTL 1144-a): Failure to yield to emergency vehicles is a major enforcement trend on the LIE and Northern State Parkway.

Why Local Experience Matters

Traffic courts in Nassau County operate differently than those in Suffolk or Westchester. Local judges, prosecutors, and traffic clerks have their own procedures and expectations. Our focus on Nassau County means we know how to navigate:

  • Court scheduling and appearance requirements
  • Common plea agreements and reduction opportunities
  • Enforcement trends and how they impact negotiations

This local insight ensures that every case is handled efficiently, with strategies tailored to maximize results.

Our Traffic Ticket Defense Process

  1. Ticket Review: We carefully examine the citation, the location, and the potential consequences.
  2. Defense Strategy: We assess whether dismissal, reduction, or negotiating alternatives is possible.
  3. Court Representation: When permitted, we appear on your behalf to manage filings, hearings, and communications.
  4. Resolution: Our goal is to reduce fines, avoid points, and protect your driving record.

We take a practical, driver-first approach, ensuring you understand every step and your options clearly.

Protecting Your License & Peace of Mind

A traffic ticket doesn’t have to disrupt your life. By acting early and using informed strategies, you can protect your license, reduce financial impact, and avoid unnecessary stress. Nassau County drivers benefit from our dedicated, localized focus, giving them the best possible outcome in traffic court.

If you have received a traffic ticket in Nassau County, contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your driving record.