Suffolk County ranks among the top in New York State for traffic enforcement. In fact, it issued the third-highest number of speeding tickets statewide in 2021.
With a population exceeding one million, Suffolk County experiences a significant influx of summer visitors and daily commuters. Major roadways like the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Sunrise Highway (Route 27), along with prominent institutions such as Stony Brook University, Touro Law Center, and Five Towns College, contribute to heavy traffic volume and increased police presence.
If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Suffolk County, the experienced traffic ticket attorneys at Rosenblum Law are here to help. We have successfully defended drivers facing traffic violations throughout Long Island.
The True Cost of a Speeding Ticket in Suffolk County
The cost of a speeding ticket in Suffolk County goes far beyond the initial fine. While base fines typically range from $90 to $600, penalties can be significantly higher for repeat offenses and violations in work zones.
On top of the fine, New York State imposes a mandatory surcharge of $88 or $93, depending on the court - which applies to all speeding violations. Additionally, if a driver accumulates six or more points on their license within an 18-month period, they will be subject to the Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA). The assessment fee starts at $300 and increases by $75 for each point beyond six. The DRA is paid directly to the DMV. Its purpose is to discourage high-risk driving behavior and improve roadway safety.
A speeding ticket can also have serious consequences for your car insurance. Just one violation can lead to a premium increase up to 30%, depending on your insurer’s internal point system and underwriting policies. Speaking with the insurance provider directly is the best way to understand how a ticket may impact specific rates.
Drivers looking to offset insurance hikes may consider taking a New York State-approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP), also known as a defensive driving course. Completion of the course can reduce the base rate of your auto insurance premium by 10% annually for three years. However, it will not eliminate premium increases resulting from accidents or traffic violations.
After factoring in fines, surcharges, the DRA fee, and increased insurance costs, a single speeding ticket in Suffolk County can cost well over $1,000.
Speeding Ticket Statistics in Suffolk County
Speeding violations are a common occurrence in Suffolk County, with between 29,000 and 39,000 tickets issued annually over the past decade. The Suffolk County Police Department is responsible for a majority of these citations, issuing approximately 73.9% of all speeding tickets. New York State Police account for 10.6%, while the remaining tickets are issued by other local law enforcement agencies.
While speeding tickets are distributed fairly evenly across all days of the week, Tuesdays see the highest volume, with 5,125 tickets issued. Sundays have the fewest at 4,012. Time of day, however, shows more variation. Only 2.5% of tickets are issued between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., while the most tickets (20.1%) are issued between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., a peak travel window likely tied to beachgoers and daytime commuters. Tickets are issued relatively consistently over the remaining hours.
Out-of-State, Student, and Tourist Drivers
Although Suffolk County is a popular tourist destination, more than 91% of speeding tickets issued in the county go to New York State drivers. The remaining tickets are primarily issued to out-of-state drivers, particularly those from the Northeast and nearby regions.
What Out-of-State Drivers Should Know:
Moving Violations
Drivers from nearly every U.S. state except Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, and Wisconsin can face a driver’s license suspension in their home state if they fail to respond to or resolve a moving violation issued in New York.
While New York State typically does not record out-of-state convictions for non-commercial licensed drivers, traffic offenses committed in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec may be reflected on a New York driver’s record.
Alcohol and Drug Violations
Out-of-state drivers who are cited for alcohol or drug-related offenses in Suffolk County, New York should consult the motor vehicle department in their home state or province to determine how a conviction may impact their driving privileges. Each jurisdiction applies its own rules regarding out-of-state violations, particularly for serious offenses.
Roads & Speeding Ticket Hotspots in Suffolk County
Key commuter routes such as the Long Island Expressway (I-495), Southern State Parkway, and Sunrise Highway (NY 27) are among the most heavily patrolled in the county. These roads experience high volumes of traffic, especially during rush hours and holiday weekends. Other frequently traveled routes include Montauk Highway (County Route 80) and Route 25, which runs under various local names like Jericho Turnpike.
Law enforcement maintains a strong presence along these roadways. The Highway Enforcement Section of the Suffolk County Police Department is tasked with patrolling the Long Island Expressway, including its HOV lanes, and limited-access sections of Sunrise Highway. These areas are often monitored for speeding, improper lane use, and other moving violations.
In addition, Suffolk County operates a specialized unit known as SITE (Suffolk Intensified Traffic Enforcement). This initiative focuses on high-speed corridors within each precinct, especially in zones with a history of traffic fatalities, crashes, and aggressive driving. These targeted efforts contribute to Suffolk’s reputation as one of New York’s most active counties for speeding enforcement.
Conviction & Dismissal Trends in Suffolk County
According to recent data, only 6.8% of speeding tickets in Suffolk County are dismissed or result in acquittal, meaning that outright dismissal is relatively rare. The vast majority of cases end in some form of conviction, but not always for speeding.
- Only 4.2% of drivers are convicted of the original speeding charge.
- Just 0.7% are convicted of a different speeding violation.
- 88.3% of tickets result in a conviction for a non-speeding offense, often through a plea deal.
Although getting a ticket dismissed entirely is difficult, legal representation can make a significant difference in securing a favorable outcome. An experienced traffic attorney can often negotiate a reduction to a non-moving violation, helping drivers avoid points, higher insurance premiums, and the Driver Responsibility Assessment fee.
What to Do If You Receive a Speeding Ticket
Do Not Plead Guilty
Pleading guilty is treated as an admission of guilt and can result in points, fines, and higher insurance premiums.
Review the Ticket Details
Examine the citation for alleged speed, violation code, court location, and appearance date to assess potential penalties and next steps.
Request a Supporting Deposition
If eligible, request a supporting deposition to obtain the officer’s written account of the violation. This document may be useful in evaluating possible defenses. In many cases the supporting deposition is provided together with the ticket at the time of the traffic stop.
Consult a Traffic Ticket Attorney
An experienced attorney can assess the case, identify legal defenses, and advise on the likelihood of a reduction or dismissal.
Discuss Plea Options and Defenses
Many cases in Suffolk County are resolved through plea bargains that reduce the charge to a non-moving violation, minimizing or eliminating points and avoiding additional state penalties.
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Hire a Suffolk County Speeding Ticket Lawyer Today
Fighting a speeding ticket in Suffolk County can be time-consuming and costly without the right help. Hiring an experienced traffic ticket attorney can make the process faster, easier, and far more effective.
The Rosenblum Law Firm has extensive experience representing drivers in Suffolk County traffic courts, including those in Riverhead, Hauppauge, and towns across Long Island. With local knowledge of court procedures and a track record of successful outcomes, our attorneys can often appear in court on behalf of clients, eliminating the need for in-person attendance in many cases. Legal representation often leads to reduced charges, fewer or no points on a driving record, and lower fines.
Need help with a ticket in Suffolk County? Contact Rosenblum Law at 888-883-5529 for a free consultation and find out how we can help resolve the matter quickly and effectively.
FAQs About Suffolk County Speeding Tickets
What is the typical cost of a speeding ticket in Suffolk County?
A single speeding ticket can cost over $1,000 when accounting for the base fine, mandatory state surcharges, the Driver Responsibility Assessment (if applicable), and potential insurance premium increases. Fines typically range from $90 to $600, with additional penalties for repeat offenses or work zone violations.
How often are speeding tickets dismissed in Suffolk County courts?
Dismissals are relatively uncommon. Only 6.8% of speeding tickets are dismissed or lead to acquittal. Most tickets result in a conviction, but 88.3% of those are for reduced non-speeding violations, often resulting from plea deals.
Is a court appearance required for out-of-state drivers who receive a speeding ticket in Suffolk County?
In many cases, a court appearance is not required for out-of-state drivers. A traffic attorney can often appear on behalf of the driver, particularly when negotiating a plea deal or seeking a reduction. This helps avoid travel and missed work, while still allowing the case to be resolved efficiently through legal representation.
Where are speeding tickets most commonly issued in Suffolk County?
Major enforcement occurs on key roadways such as the Long Island Expressway (I-495), Sunrise Highway (NY 27), and Southern State Parkway. Additional hotspots include Montauk Highway and Route 25.
What are the benefits of hiring a traffic attorney for a speeding ticket in Suffolk County?
Legal representation can lead to reduced charges, avoidance of points, and lower fines. Attorneys familiar with local court procedures often secure plea deals that minimize long-term consequences such as higher insurance premiums or DMV penalties. In many cases, a lawyer can also appear in court on behalf of the driver, eliminating the need for personal attendance.
