Where and how to pay your NYC traffic ticket

You can pay a New York City traffic violation through the Department of Finance's online portal, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest method is online at nycserv.nyc.gov, where you can pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check using your ticket number and license plate. Payment by mail takes longer but requires only a check or money order sent to the address printed on your ticket. In-person payment at a Department of Finance office or authorized payment center is also available, though you will need to bring your ticket and a valid form of payment.

The amount you owe depends on the violation type. Parking violations range from $45 to $115 for most common infractions. Moving violations — speeding, running a red light, failure to yield — typically cost $90 to $600 depending on how far over the speed limit you were or the severity of the violation. The exact amount is printed on your ticket. If you pay within 30 days of the violation date, you may be may be able to access for a reduced fine, though this varies by violation type.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through nycserv.nyc.gov is the fastest method and requires only your ticket number and license plate.
  • Parking violations cost $45 to $115; moving violations range from $90 to $600 depending on the specific infraction.
  • Paying within 30 days of the violation date may reduce your fine for certain violation types.
  • If you disagree with the ticket, you can request a hearing before paying, which pauses any late fees.

Online payment through the Department of Finance

The Department of Finance website is the most direct payment route. Go to nycserv.nyc.gov, select "Pay a Violation," and enter your ticket number (found at the top of your ticket) and your license plate number. The system will display the violation details, the amount owed, and any applicable discounts. You can then pay when ready using a credit card, debit card, or e-check. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

A processing fee applies to online credit and debit card payments — typically 2.5% of the fine amount, with a minimum of $1. E-check payments have no processing fee. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number when ready. The Department of Finance will mail you a receipt within 10 business days, though your payment is recorded in their system right away. If you lose your ticket number, you can search for your violation using your license plate and vehicle identification number (VIN).

Mailing a payment to the Department of Finance

To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the full amount shown on your ticket and send it to the address printed on the back of your ticket. Include your ticket number on the check or money order. Mail should be sent to the Department of Finance Violations Bureau, and delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. The Department of Finance processes mailed payments within 5 to 7 business days after receipt, so total processing time is usually 2 to 3 weeks.

Do not send cash through the mail. Keep a copy of your ticket and a record of when you mailed the payment in case there is a delay. If your payment does not appear in the system within three weeks, contact the Department of Finance at 311 or visit a payment location in person to confirm receipt. Late fees begin accruing 30 days after the violation date, so mailing payment close to that important date carries some risk if postal delays occur.

In-person payment at Department of Finance locations

You can pay in person at any Department of Finance office or authorized payment center throughout New York City. Bring your ticket and a valid form of payment — cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. Most locations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours. You can find the nearest location and hours at the Department of Finance website or by calling 311.

In-person payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a receipt on the spot. This method is useful if you have questions about the violation or need to discuss payment options. Some locations also handle requests for hearing dates if you want to contest the ticket before paying.

What happens if you do not pay on time

If you do not pay within 30 days of the violation date, a late fee is added to your original fine. The late fee is typically 10% of the original violation amount, with a minimum of $25. If you still do not pay after 60 days, the fine increases again and the violation may be reported to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, which can affect your driving record and insurance rates.

Unpaid violations can also result in license suspension or vehicle registration suspension. The Department of Finance can place a lien on your vehicle or report the debt to a collection agency. If you cannot pay the full amount, you can request a payment plan by contacting the Department of Finance at 311 or visiting in person. Payment plans typically allow you to spread the cost over several months with a small administrative fee.

Requesting a hearing if you disagree with the ticket

If you believe the ticket was issued in error or you have a valid defense, you can request a hearing before paying. You have 30 days from the violation date to request a hearing. Submit your request online through nycserv.nyc.gov, by mail to the address on your ticket, or in person at a Department of Finance office. Include your ticket number and a brief explanation of why you are contesting the violation.

Requesting a hearing pauses any late fees while your case is pending. A hearing officer will review the evidence and the officer's notes. You can present your own evidence — photos, witness statements, or documentation of road conditions, for example. If the hearing officer rules in your favor, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If the ruling is against you, you will be notified of the amount owed and given a important date to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a parking ticket and a moving violation at the same time online?

Yes. On nycserv.nyc.gov, you can enter multiple ticket numbers and pay them together in a single transaction. The system will calculate the total amount owed and allow you to pay all violations at once.

What if I paid the ticket but the Department of Finance says I still owe money?

Contact the Department of Finance at 311 with your confirmation number or receipt. Processing delays sometimes cause the system to show an unpaid balance temporarily. If you paid online, the confirmation number proves the transaction occurred, and the Department of Finance can verify receipt within 5 to 7 business days.

Can I get a discount if I pay early?

Some violation types offer a reduced fine if paid within 30 days of the violation date. The discount amount varies — typically 10% to 25% — and is shown on your ticket and on the nycserv.nyc.gov payment page. Not all violations are may be able to access for early-payment discounts.

What if I lost my ticket and do not have the ticket number?

You can search for your violation on nycserv.nyc.gov using your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN). The system will display all outstanding violations on your vehicle. You can then pay directly from the search results without needing the physical ticket.

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

The registered vehicle owner is responsible for the fine, regardless of who was driving. You can request a hearing and provide evidence that someone else was driving, but the owner must initiate the process. If you were a passenger or the actual driver, the owner can request a hearing and present that information to the hearing officer.