Where to pay your NYC traffic ticket

You can pay a traffic ticket in New York City through the Department of Finance's Parking Violations Bureau (PVB) online, by mail, by phone, or in person. The method you choose depends on what type of ticket you received and how quickly you want to resolve it.

For parking violations and most traffic infractions, the fastest route is the PVB website at nycparkingtickets.org. You'll need your ticket number and the license plate number. If you received a moving violation (like speeding or running a red light), you may need to go through the Traffic Violations Bureau instead, which handles those cases differently.

The PVB accepts payment 24 hours a day online. By phone, you can call 311 during business hours. In-person payment is available at PVB offices in lower Manhattan, though this typically takes longer than other methods.

Key Takeaways

  • The Parking Violations Bureau website at nycparkingtickets.org is the fastest way to pay most NYC traffic tickets, and it's open around the clock.
  • You will need your ticket number and license plate number to pay online, by phone, or in person.
  • Moving violations (speeding, running red lights) are handled by the Traffic Violations Bureau, not the Parking Violations Bureau, and may require a court appearance.
  • Payment by mail takes longer but is an option if you prefer not to pay online or by phone.
  • If you cannot pay the full amount at once, you can request a payment plan through the PVB.

Paying online through the PVB website

Go to nycparkingtickets.org and enter your ticket number and license plate number in the search box. The website will display the violation, the fine amount, and any penalties or interest that have accrued. You can then pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check.

Online payment is processed when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records. The website also shows you the important date for payment, which is typically 30 days from the ticket date, though this varies depending on the violation type.

If you cannot find your ticket on the website, it may not yet be entered into the system. Wait a few days and try again, or call 311 to confirm the ticket was issued.

Paying by phone or in person

To pay by phone, call 311 and ask to speak with the Parking Violations Bureau. Have your ticket number and license plate number ready. You can pay with a credit card or debit card. The representative will give you a confirmation number.

In-person payment is available at the PVB office at 33 Beaver Street in lower Manhattan, Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your ticket and a valid form of payment. Lines can be long, especially during midday hours.

Paying by mail

You can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your ticket. Include your ticket number and license plate number with your payment. Mail payments take longer to process — typically two to three weeks — so send your payment well before the important date to avoid late fees.

Make checks payable to the "Department of Finance." Do not send cash through the mail. Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records.

Payment plans and hardship options

If you cannot pay the full fine amount at once, you can request a payment plan through the PVB. Call 311 or visit nycparkingtickets.org to set up a plan. The PVB typically allows you to split the payment into installments over several months.

To request a payment plan, you will need to explain your financial situation. The PVB may ask for proof of income or other documentation. Once approved, you'll receive a schedule showing when each payment is due.

What happens if you don't pay

If you miss the payment important date, the fine amount increases with penalties and interest. After 30 days unpaid, the PVB may place a boot (wheel lock) on your vehicle or report the debt to a collection agency. Your vehicle registration may also be suspended.

If your vehicle is booted, you must pay the original fine plus a boot fee (currently $165) to have it removed. If your registration is suspended, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the ticket is paid.

Moving violations versus parking violations

Parking violations (like expired meters or no-parking zones) are handled by the Parking Violations Bureau and can usually be paid directly. Moving violations (like speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving) are handled by the Traffic Violations Bureau and may require you to appear in court or respond to a summons.

If you received a moving violation, check your ticket for instructions on how to respond. You may be able to contest the ticket, request a hearing, or plead guilty by mail. The process is different from paying a parking violation, so follow the specific instructions on your ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a parking ticket online if I don't have a credit card?

The PVB website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. If you don't have any of these, you can pay by phone with a debit card, or pay in person or by mail with a check or money order.

What if I lost my ticket number?

You can still search for your ticket on nycparkingtickets.org using just your license plate number. If that doesn't work, call 311 and provide your license plate number and the approximate date of the violation. The representative can look up your ticket.

How long does it take to pay a ticket online?

Online payment is processed when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number right away. However, it may take a few days for the payment to show as received in the PVB system.

Can I contest a ticket instead of paying it?

Yes. Your ticket will have instructions for how to contest it, usually by requesting a hearing or submitting a written response. You must do this before the payment important date. If you contest and lose, you'll then need to pay the fine.

What if I paid my ticket but still see it as unpaid online?

Processing delays are common. Wait three to five business days after payment before checking again. If it still shows as unpaid, call 311 with your confirmation number and they can verify the payment was received.