Under the Driver's License Suspension Reform Act (DLSRA), major legislative changes reformed how traffic debt, non-appearances, and driving privilege suspensions are handled across New York State. These reforms were designed to prevent low-income drivers from losing their licenses due to debt and provide realistic options to resolve outstanding traffic matters.
Existing License Suspensions Terminated Without Fees
The New York State DMV terminated open suspensions for failure to appear or non-payment issued under NYS VTL Sections 226(3), 227(4), and 510(4-a) without assessing a suspension termination fee.
Exceptions to Mandatory Termination: License suspensions resulting from violations of VTL § 385 (commercial vehicle weight limits), state tax laws, or transportation laws relating to traffic were excluded from this fee-free termination provision.
Mandatory Installment Payment Plans
Courts and Traffic Violations Bureaus (TVB) throughout New York State must offer installment payment plans for court fines, mandatory state surcharges, and related administrative fees imposed for Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.
Affordable Monthly Payments: These payment plans allow drivers to resolve their traffic debt through manageable monthly payments (often capped at 2% of a person's net monthly income or $25/month), ensuring drivers can keep their driving privileges while paying off fines over time.
Judicial Waiver of Fines and Surcharges
Local judges and administrative hearing officers have explicit statutory authority, in the interest of justice, to reduce or completely waive any fine or state surcharge assessed for violations of the Vehicle and Traffic Law based on financial hardship or individual circumstances.
Questions About Outstanding Traffic Fines or Suspensions?
If you have questions regarding money owed to a New York court or need assistance restoring your driving privileges, contact Azria Law Office today for a free evaluation.
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