Do You Need Driver Responsibility Assessment in New York?

Reader’s Question:

I got a ticket in White Plains, New York for driving 24 mph over the speed limit. I have a drivers license in Connecticut. I paid the fine and am now being charged a hundred dollars a year for the next three years for a “Driver Responsibility Assessment”. This is totally unfair assessment I do realize that I will not be able to drive in the state of New York for at least the next 3 years and I’m fine with that but will there be any effect on me here in Connecticut if I just ignore this?

Mark

White Plains, NY

According to the State of New York it has deemed necessary for a driver to pay the driver responsibility assessment if after November 18, 2004 if you are convicted of an alcohol-related traffic offense, you are convicted of a drug-related traffic infraction, a DMV hearing decides that you refused a chemical test or you received 6 or more points on your driver record during a period of eighteen months. The different infractions are assessed with different fees to pay for 3 years.

If you receive a statement from the New York DMV that informs you to pay a driver responsibility assessment, you need to pay the assessment. If you decide to ignore this, the DMV will suspend your driver license, your driving privileges or learner’s permit. Your driver’s license being suspended will probably affect your driving privileges in CT as well. Both states are part of a Driver License Agreement that permits DMVs to exchange information. Probably your CT driver’s license will be suspended for not paying the assessment in New York but for the specifics of what will happen I suggest that you contact your local DMV.