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Bike Tickets in New York

Bike Tickets in New York

Bike Tickets in New York

Note: New York Bike Lawyers, Flanzig and Flanzig, LLP does not focus on representing cyclists who are ticketed. We are a New York Bike Crash firm. However, if you determine that you would like to consult with a traffic lawyer, we would be happy to recommend an attorney with whom we have a close working relationship to undertake your bike summons case.

To look up your bike ticket you can use this easy link: http://a820-ecbticketfinder.nyc.gov/searchHome.action

If you ride in New York you are aware of the NYPD's push to write more cycling tickets. Cyclists are obligated to follow the same rules of the road as motorists. Within the confines of the City of New York, the New York State vehicle and traffic law allows the City of New York, as well as other municipalities, to substitute certain portions of the VTL for the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and the Traffic Rules and Regulations of the City of New York.

The most common bike summons given are:

  • Riding on the Sidewalk
  • Failure to have proper lights or reflectors
  • Failure to use and/or ride within available bike lanes
  • Failing to obey a traffic control device (red light tickets)

When given a ticket, most people are understandably angry and are in shock that they actually received a " bike ticket". The next feeling that pops into their head is "I am going to fight it". Depending upon the ticket and the penalty, this may make sense. You can fight alone, or you can hire a lawyer to fight it for you. The reality is, in the City of New York, your chances are slim. Unlike other jurisdictions, there is no plea bargaining with a prosecutor in a traffic violations bureau. There's just you, the officer, and the administrative law judge. Also, given the recent "ticket fixing" scandal in the N.Y.P.D., officers are being watched and come prepared for trial. There are now actual monitors in the court rooms watching the police. If the case is dismissed, the officers now have to answer to their supervisors as to what went wrong. Your hope that you will tell your sob story is never going to happen because there is no one to hear it. You will have the right to confront the officer, and offer evidence and testify, but this is only after you plead not guilty and proceed to trial. The trial will be short, and the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will make his or her finding.

Common Questions about Bike Tickets in NY

Is it worthwhile to hire a lawyer to fight a bike summons?

The answer to this question depends upon a number of circumstances, including the type of ticket issued. Is the summons a violation of the Vehicle and Traffic Law or E.C.B.? Is it a misdemeanor or violation of the Administrative Code? Do you have an A.C.O.D. or other adjudication that requires you to remain out of the Court system? Have you filed an application for immigration to the U.S? What stage is the process in? What is the cost and penalty of the ticket vs. the cost of the lawyer? All of these are factors to consider when deciding to retain an attorney to fight the ticket, and should be considered before you decide to hire a lawyer. A lawyer will not be cheap, and also does not guarantee a dismissal. It does, however, give you the advantage of having someone who has done this before, is familiar with the process and burdens of proof, and is there to fight on your behalf.

Does a bike ticket in New York mean points on your license?

Answer: No. Under Sec 131.3 of the NYCRR, bike and pedestrian violations are not subject to the N.Y. State Point System

131.3 Point values (a) All traffic violations shall be assigned a point value of two points, except as otherwise prescribed in subdivision (b) of this section.

(b) Exceptions: 

  • (7) The following violations shall not be assigned any point value:
  • (iv) Any parking violation
  • (v) Any pedestrian or bicycle violation

Am I obligated to pay a surcharge?

Answer: No!

Under the law, the $88 surcharge for traffic violations only applies to motorists, not cyclists.

Can I get a ticket for riding on a sidewalk in New York City? 

The relevant text of the statute:

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