Where and how to pay your NYC speeding ticket
You can pay a New York City speeding ticket online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest method is online at nycpay.gov, where you can use a credit card, debit card, or e-check. You will need your ticket number (also called a violation number) to start.
If you prefer to pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket. Include your ticket number and a copy of the ticket itself. Payment by mail typically takes two to three weeks to process, so allow extra time if you are near a important date.
In-person payment is available at Department of Finance offices across the city. The main office is located at 33 Beaver Street in Lower Manhattan, but there are satellite locations in each borough. Bring your ticket and a form of payment — cash, check, money order, or card.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through nycpay.gov is the fastest option and takes minutes once you have your ticket number.
- Mail payment requires a check or money order sent to the address on the back of your ticket, with processing time of two to three weeks.
- In-person payment at a Department of Finance office accepts cash, check, money order, or card and is processed when ready.
- Paying your ticket on time avoids additional penalties and suspension of your vehicle registration.
- If you received a camera ticket (red light or speed camera), you have 30 days from the ticket date to respond or pay.
Payment important date and what happens if you miss them
The important date to pay or respond to a speeding ticket is typically 30 days from the date the ticket was issued. This important date is printed on the back of your ticket. If you do not pay or respond by that date, the city will send you a notice of failure to respond, and additional penalties will be added to your bill.
If you continue to ignore the ticket, the Department of Finance can suspend your vehicle registration, place a lien on your vehicle, or refer the debt to a collection agency. Your driver's license can also be suspended if you accumulate too many unpaid violations. These consequences make it important to address the ticket within the 30-day window, even if you plan to contest it.
Paying online through nycpay.gov
To pay online, go to nycpay.gov and select "Pay a Violation" from the menu. Enter your ticket number and the last name on the ticket. The system will pull up your violation and show the amount due. You can then choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or e-check.
Credit and debit card payments are processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. E-check payments take one to two business days to clear. Keep your confirmation number for your records — it serves as proof of payment if there is ever a dispute.
The website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a small convenience fee added to credit and debit card payments, but no fee for e-check payments.
Paying by mail or in person
To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount shown on your ticket. Write your ticket number on the check or money order. Include a copy of the ticket (front and back) and mail everything to the address printed on the back of your ticket. Use certified mail if you want proof of delivery.
In-person payment at a Department of Finance office is when ready. The main office at 33 Beaver Street is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Borough offices have varying hours, so check the Department of Finance website for the location nearest you. Bring your ticket and a valid form of payment.
What to do if you want to contest the ticket
If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing instead of paying. You must submit your request within 30 days of the ticket date. You can request a hearing online at nycpay.gov, by mail, or in person at a Department of Finance office.
When you request a hearing, you are not admitting guilt, and you do not have to pay the ticket yet. A hearing officer will review your case and the officer's evidence. If you win, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If you lose, you will be ordered to pay the full amount plus any applicable penalties.
Requesting a hearing does not stop the 30-day important date — you must submit your request within that window. If you miss the important date, you lose the right to a hearing and must pay the ticket.
Understanding ticket amounts and additional fees
Speeding ticket fines in New York City vary based on how far over the speed limit you were driving. Fines typically range from around $45 for speeds 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit to $600 or more for speeds 41 miles per hour or more over the limit. The exact amount is printed on your ticket.
If you pay late, a failure-to-respond penalty is added to your bill. This penalty can be substantial and increases the longer you wait. Paying on time avoids these additional charges. If your ticket was issued by a speed camera (rather than a police officer), the fine structure may differ slightly, but the payment process is the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a speeding ticket online if I don't have my ticket number?
You need your ticket number to pay online through nycpay.gov. If you have lost your ticket, you can call the Department of Finance at 311 or visit a Department of Finance office in person with your driver's license and vehicle registration to look up your violation.
What payment methods does NYC accept for speeding tickets?
Online, you can pay with credit card, debit card, or e-check. By mail, you can send a check or money order. In person, you can pay with cash, check, money order, or card at any Department of Finance office.
What happens if I pay my ticket late?
Late payment triggers a failure-to-respond penalty added to your original fine. If you continue to ignore the ticket, the city can suspend your vehicle registration, place a lien on your vehicle, or suspend your driver's license. Paying as soon as possible, even if late, stops these escalating consequences.
Do I have to pay the ticket if I want to fight it?
No. You can request a hearing within 30 days of the ticket date without paying. If you lose the hearing, you will then be ordered to pay. If you win, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up in the system?
Credit and debit card payments are processed when ready and you receive a confirmation number on screen. E-check payments take one to two business days. Mail payments take two to three weeks. Keep your confirmation number as proof until the payment appears in the city's system.