Where and how to pay your NYC traffic ticket

You can pay a New York City traffic ticket through the Department of Finance's Parking Violations Bureau (PVB) website, by mail, by phone, or in person at a PVB office. The method you choose depends on whether you have your ticket number, how quickly you want to pay, and whether you want a receipt when ready.

The fastest route is the PVB website at nycpvb.org. You enter your ticket number and license plate number, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check. Payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number on screen. If you pay online, you do not need to mail anything or visit an office.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to pay by check or money order, you can mail your payment to the address printed on the back of your ticket. Include the ticket itself or write your ticket number on the check. Mail payments take longer to process — typically two to three weeks — so allow extra time if you are close to a important date.

Key Takeaways

  • The PVB website at nycpvb.org is the fastest way to pay; you need your ticket number and can pay by card or e-check and receive confirmation when ready.
  • You can also pay by phone at 311 or the PVB's direct line, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at a PVB office in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or the Bronx.
  • Paying your ticket does not mean you admit fault; you can still contest the ticket in court if you believe it was issued in error.
  • If you do not pay or contest your ticket within the time shown on the back, the city can suspend your vehicle registration and report the debt to a collection agency.

Payment methods and what each one requires

The PVB accepts credit cards, debit cards, e-checks, checks, money orders, and cash. Each method has different requirements and timelines.

Online payment requires your ticket number, license plate number, and a credit or debit card. You can also pay by e-check if you have a U.S. bank account. Payment is when ready, and you get a confirmation number when ready. There is no fee for online payment.

Phone payment through 311 or the PVB's direct line (212-639-9675) requires your ticket number and a credit or debit card. You speak to a representative who processes the payment over the phone. This takes about five minutes. You receive a confirmation number verbally and should write it down.

Mail payment requires a check or money order made out to "NYC Department of Finance." Write your ticket number on the back of the check. Mail it to the address on the back of your ticket. Do not send cash by mail. Payment takes two to three weeks to process after the PVB receives it.

In-person payment at a PVB office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and cards. The PVB has offices at 33 Beaver Street in Manhattan, 210 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn, and 1932 Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Hours vary by location; check nycpvb.org for current hours. You receive a receipt when ready.

important date and what happens if you miss them

The important date to pay or contest your ticket is printed on the back of the ticket. It is usually 30 days from the date the ticket was issued. If you do not pay or contest by that date, the city treats the ticket as unpaid.

If your ticket remains unpaid, the PVB can suspend your vehicle registration. This means your registration becomes invalid, and you cannot legally drive the vehicle. The suspension stays in place until you pay the ticket and any penalties that have been added. You will also receive notices in the mail warning you before suspension takes effect.

Unpaid tickets can also be reported to a collection agency, which may contact you by phone or mail. The debt can affect your credit report. If you owe multiple unpaid tickets, the city may place a lien on your vehicle or deny you a vehicle registration renewal.

Contesting a ticket instead of paying

You do not have to pay your ticket. You can contest it by requesting a hearing before a hearing officer at the PVB. You have the same 30-day important date to request a hearing as you do to pay.

To request a hearing, write to the PVB at the address on your ticket, or request one online at nycpvb.org. Include your ticket number, your name, and a brief explanation of why you believe the ticket was issued in error. You do not need a lawyer, and you do not need to pay a fee to request a hearing.

The hearing is held by a PVB hearing officer, not a judge. You can present evidence — photos, witness statements, or documents — that support your case. The hearing officer decides whether to uphold the ticket, dismiss it, or reduce the fine. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the courts, though this requires a lawyer and court fees.

Paying a ticket issued to a rental car or company vehicle

If you were driving a rental car when you received the ticket, the rental company is usually the registered owner. The ticket may be in the rental company's name, not yours. The rental company will receive the ticket and may pass the fine to you, depending on your rental agreement.

Check your rental agreement before you rent. Many rental companies charge you a processing fee on top of the fine if a ticket is issued to their vehicle. Some agreements say you are responsible for all tickets; others say the company handles them. If you received a ticket in a rental car, contact the rental company to find out what you owe.

If you received the ticket and the rental company has not contacted you, you can still pay it yourself using the ticket number. Paying it does not prevent the rental company from also pursuing you for reimbursement under your rental agreement, so contact them directly to clarify who is responsible.

Paying a ticket for a vehicle registered to someone else

If you received a ticket but the vehicle is registered to another person, that person is the legal owner and will receive the ticket notice. They are responsible for paying or contesting it. You cannot pay the ticket online or by phone unless your name is on the registration.

If you want to pay on behalf of the registered owner, you can pay by mail or in person at a PVB office. Include the ticket number and a note explaining who is paying. Alternatively, the registered owner can authorize you to pay online by giving you their ticket number and license plate number.

If you were the driver and believe you should not be held responsible, you can submit a driver statement to the PVB. This is a written statement identifying yourself as the driver and explaining the circumstances. The PVB will consider it, but the registered owner remains responsible for the ticket unless the statement leads to dismissal.

Payment plans and fee reductions

If you cannot pay the full amount at once, the PVB may allow you to set up a payment plan. You must request this in writing or by phone before the important date to pay or contest passes. Contact the PVB at 212-639-9675 or write to the address on your ticket.

The PVB does not automatically reduce fines, but you can request a reduction if you have financial hardship. This is not common, and the PVB does not may provide a reduction. You must submit a written request with documentation of your financial situation — such as proof of income or unemployment — and explain why you cannot pay the full fine.

If you pay late, the PVB adds a late penalty to your fine. The amount varies depending on how late you are. Paying as soon as possible, even if you cannot pay the full amount, can help you avoid additional penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a traffic ticket online without my ticket number?

No. The PVB website requires your ticket number and license plate number to look up your ticket. If you lost your ticket, call 311 or the PVB at 212-639-9675 with your license plate number, and they can provide your ticket number.

What if I pay my ticket but still receive a suspension notice?

Suspension notices are mailed before your payment is processed. If you paid online or by phone, your payment is when ready, but the notice may have already been sent. Once the PVB records your payment, the suspension will not take effect. If you paid by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing before the suspension date arrives.

Do I have to pay a ticket if I was not the driver?

The registered owner is responsible for the ticket, not necessarily the driver. If you were driving someone else's vehicle, that person received the ticket. You can pay on their behalf, but they remain the legal owner responsible for it. If you want to identify yourself as the driver, submit a driver statement to the PVB.

Can I pay a parking ticket and a moving violation the same way?

Parking tickets go through the PVB and can be paid at nycpvb.org. Moving violations — such as speeding or running a red light — go through the Traffic Violations Bureau and are handled differently. Check your ticket to see which bureau issued it, or call 311 for clarification.

What happens if I ignore a traffic ticket completely?

If you do not pay or contest within 30 days, your vehicle registration can be suspended, and the debt can be sent to a collection agency. A collection agency can report the debt to credit bureaus, affecting your credit score. The city can also place a lien on your vehicle or deny you a future registration renewal.