OK, I got a speeding ticket in early November. The cop wrote the incorrect address on the ticket-- he used the one on my license, even though I wrote my new address on the back and changed it at DVM over a year ago.
Pled the ticket down over the phone. Gave them the correct address. Got a form in the mail AT THE RIGHT ADDRESS, filled it out NOTING THE RIGHT ADDRESS, sent it back. Today I got a notice of what the fine was. They sent it to the wrong address, it got returned, and they sent it back. Problem is, the fine was due on 12/5/06. They said they would suspend my license if I didn’t pay it by that date.
Of course, the only proof I have that I gave them my new address is that they sent the first envelope to the correct address and were able to re-address the returned letter somehow, proving that they did have the address. But all the arrangements with the ADA were on the phone, and I don’t have a copy of the form I filled out with the correct address.
So have they suspended my license already? Can they? What if I pay the ticket on Monday? Can they unsuspend it? Will there be a penalty? I’m in New York, don’t know if that matters in terms of the outcome. I am a little bit freaking out here, because I did what I was supposed to do and do not want to have a problem with my license. Let me know if you guys have experience with this sort of thing.
They can suspend it and they can unsuspend it.
That happened to me. I went from an old address with a separate mailing address PO box to a new one with just a street address.
I told them several times to remove the mailing address, but they never did.
A notice went there, not even a ticket.
When I failed to get it they suspended my license.
I first learned I was suspended when I was unable to rent a car.
It took months to get someone to even look into it.
It was “unsuspended”, but now it appeared on my record as a “suspended - code 2” which means unsuspended but the rental clerk still won’t believe that. So I can drive but not rent cars for 2 years until it falls off the report. All for their error.
It does depend on what state you’re in, and I’m sure someone familiar with New York laws will be along shortly. However, something similar happened to me when I lived in Iowa, except the ticket went unpaid due to my forgetfulness. They did suspend my license, but it was reinstated as soon as I paid the ticket and an additional new license fee, and they told me the suspension would be wiped from my record (which actually wasn’t the case, it WAS there when I went to get new insurance after moving to California, but it didn’t affect my premium at all because it wasn’t a serious kind of suspension).
For most departments it’s usually policy to use the address that appears on the front of the license. Even if you provide a new address, even if the officers dispatcher or MDT gives a different address, the one that appearse on the license itself is usually the one used for a ticket.
If you changed it at the DMV why didn’t you recieve a new license card with the correct address on it? Or did you change over the phone/mail?
I can’t comment on New York, but California doesn’t bother issuing a new license just because your address has changed. You are required to notify the DMV within 10 days of moving in one of several ways, and then either they will provide (or you must make yourself) a card on which to write your new address, to be carried with your license. Details are here.
I had to carry that dumb piece of paper in my wallet for a couple of years the last time I moved. It was kind of nice in 2003 when I got a licence that had my real address on it again.
This current license has a spot on the back where it looks like you’re supposed to write a new address, labelled “Address Change:”
When I had my licence suspended in NY - albeit for entirely different reasons - all they wanted me to do was fix the non-license problem and pay a nominal fee. It was $15.00 to renew the suspension, and X amount of dollars to pay the fine that caused te suspension.
But best thing to do is check the website and then visit. I don’t know how your DMV is but mine seems to lose points if you get all your ducks in a row the first time.
You’re supposed to write it on a sticker on the back of the license, which I did. The officer saw it but said the ticket was issued to the address on the front of the card because they scan it. So even though I did what I was supposed to do, because NYS does not issue a new license and cops scan them, my license is probably now suspended.
It’ll get paid Monday. I wrote a letter explaining it all to the justice. Hope it turns out OK. Grrr.
Hand writing the new address on a sticker doesn’t sound very official looking. They should send out a computer generated sticker that is placed over the original front printing. That’s what Wisconsin does. Doing things like changing addresses by mail is a good idea, though. It helps fight lines at the dmv offices.
We can get a new license anytime by just walking in and asking, there is a small fee. We always keep the address current, makes the CC permit legal too, they have to match the license and it has to be you current physical address. No PO Boxes.
What I’m not understanding is why they would suspend your license for a single offense. I’ve only got one speeding ticket (my only ticket) and paid it off so I’m not sure how this works.
They suspended it because he failed to handle the matter through the court system, which of course is kind of tricky if the summons goes to the wrong location…
Sucks, though. Sorry to hear that, OP.
I suggest calling your congressman, as this is BS.
It’s because I didn’t pay it on time. It was supposed to be paid by 12/5, but I didn’t get the notice until 12/8. I am assuming (and hoping) that, if it’s paid on Monday, with a note explaining what happened and a photocopy of their misaddressed, returned letter, they will unsuspend quickly. Meantime, I’m going to drive as little as possible this weekend and carefully obey all traffic laws.
Also beware right after you get a divorce. The ex got the truck in the split. Divorce becomes finale. Wife gets ticket for tail light out and no insurance. She ignores ticket. I get suspended license and find out a year later when a stop gets my license run that it is suspended and had been for almost a year said the officer. I am not allowed to got to the house.
She will not respond to a request to change or provide the title so I can do it.
Since I am the registered owner, I go and file for a lost title. $$$$ I then have the new title changed to her name. $$$$ I then pay to have it delivered special delivery, return receipt so I have proof I gave it back to her and she is aware that it is now her responsibility. $$$$$
The World is Round,
It is Not Fair,
It is Just Damn Round !!!
I can’t speak to licenses, but here in Maryland I have had, due to one error or another: my car’s registration suspended (for almost 18 months, without my knowing about it!) and a bench warrant for my arrest (for about 6 months.) Both of these were straightened out with minimal delay and no extra cost.