Getting a speeding ticket is an expensive proposition in New York. Speeding fines can range from $45 for driving 10 miles over the speed limit to $600 for going 30 miles per hour over the limit.
With rates getting higher and higher for New York drivers, a state lawmaker is proposing a solution. Rising costs are something Rep. Angelo Santabarbara says needs to be addressed.
“This bill aims to restore transparency in the system when it comes to traffic violations,” he said.
Santabarbara introduced a proposal this month to limit the amount of surcharges and fees that can be added to a speeding ticket in New York, an additional cost he says many motorists struggle to afford. Some surcharges can start as low as $85 for a first-time violation.
If approved, the fees would be limited to 10% of the initial fine. Santabarbra pointed to concerns raised by her own constituents who have pointed to increased surcharges in recent years. Even a relatively minor speeding violation can cost drivers dearly.
“Over the years, these surcharges have been progressively increasing more and more,” he said. “Even for a minor violation, you’re paying huge fees.”
Some tickets can have hundreds of dollars in additional penalties and fees on top of the original speeding ticket and often vary by locality. Still, the legislation also comes after traffic safety advocates this year sought to lower speed limits, including a move to allow New York City to adopt a 20 mph speed limit. The measure ultimately failed to pass.
Santabarbara’s proposal comes as New York state is also considering raising Thruway tolls in order to generate more money for the highway system and bolster infrastructure. Santabarbara has previously called for a freeze on toll hikes and wants state lawmakers to have more of a say in when tolls are raised.
“It seems to be focused on generating revenue, rather than imposing fines and penalties that align with the penalty itself,” he said. “It’s one of those things in a long list of things that cost a lot of money just to keep a car on the road.”
