Where to pay your NYC traffic ticket

You can pay a New York City traffic violation through the Department of Finance's Parking Violations Bureau (PVB) website, by mail, or in person at a PVB office. The fastest route is online at nycparkingtickets.org — you'll need your violation number and license plate number to look up the ticket and pay when ready by credit card, debit card, or e-check.

If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket, or visit a PVB office in person during business hours. Payment by mail takes longer to process, so if your important date is approaching, online or in-person payment is safer.

For moving violations (traffic infractions like speeding or running a red light), you'll handle payment differently — through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles or the court that issued the ticket, depending on whether you received a ticket from a state trooper or a city officer.

Key Takeaways

  • Parking violations are paid through the Department of Finance's Parking Violations Bureau website, by mail, or at a PVB office in person.
  • You need your violation number and license plate to pay online at nycparkingtickets.org, and payment posts when ready.
  • Moving violations (speeding, running lights) are paid through the DMV or the court that issued the ticket, not the PVB.
  • Late payment adds penalties and can result in vehicle registration holds, so paying before the due date on your ticket matters.
  • If you dispute the violation, you must request a hearing before paying, or you lose the right to contest it.

Parking violations versus moving violations

New York City distinguishes between parking violations and moving violations, and each has a different payment process. A parking violation is a ticket for illegal parking — expired meter, no-standing zone, fire hydrant, or similar. A moving violation is a ticket for how you drove — speeding, running a red light, unsafe lane change, or reckless driving.

Parking violations go to the PVB and are handled as civil infractions. Moving violations go to the court or the DMV and are handled as traffic infractions or misdemeanors, depending on severity. The ticket itself will tell you which type you received and where to pay.

Payment important date and late penalties

The due date for payment is printed on the back of your ticket. If you pay by the due date, you pay only the violation amount. If you pay after the due date, the city adds a late penalty — the amount varies by violation type but typically ranges from $25 to $100 or more.

If you don't pay within 30 days of the due date, the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. This means you won't be able to renew your registration until the violation is paid in full, including all penalties and interest. If the violation remains unpaid for longer, it can also be reported to a collection agency.

Paying online at nycparkingtickets.org

To pay online, go to nycparkingtickets.org and enter your violation number (found on the ticket) and your license plate number. The system will display the violation details, the amount due, and the due date. You can then pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check.

Payment by credit or debit card posts when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number on screen. E-check payments take three to five business days to clear. Keep your confirmation number for your records — you can also print or email the receipt from the website.

If you can't find your ticket online, it may not yet be entered into the system (this can take a few weeks after the violation date), or the violation number or plate number may be incorrect. Call the PVB at 311 or (212) 639-9675 to verify the information.

Paying by mail or in person

To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount shown on your ticket, include the violation number on the back of the check, and mail it to the address on the back of the ticket. Payment by mail takes 7 to 10 business days to process, so send it well before the due date to avoid late penalties.

To pay in person, visit a PVB office. The main office is at 33 Beaver Street in Lower Manhattan, and there are satellite offices in each borough. Hours vary by location, so check the PVB website or call 311 before you go. Bring your ticket and a form of payment — cash, check, money order, or card.

What happens if you dispute the violation

If you believe the violation was issued in error, you can request a hearing before paying. You must request the hearing within 30 days of the violation date — the ticket will show how to request one, usually by mail or online through nycparkingtickets.org. If you request a hearing, do not pay the violation; paying it means you accept it and forfeit your right to dispute it.

At the hearing, you can present evidence or testimony to contest the violation. A hearing officer will decide whether the violation was valid. If the officer finds in your favor, the violation is dismissed and you owe nothing. If the officer upholds the violation, you'll be ordered to pay the full amount plus any accrued penalties.

Moving violations and court-issued tickets

If you received a ticket for a moving violation from a police officer or traffic enforcement agent, the ticket will direct you to a specific court or to the DMV. Do not send payment to the PVB — it won't be processed correctly.

For most moving violations, you'll either pay the fine through the court that issued the ticket or plead guilty by mail. Some violations allow you to take a defensive driving course to reduce or dismiss the fine. The ticket itself will explain your options and the important date for each one. If you're unsure which court issued your ticket, call 311 and provide your ticket number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a parking violation with a credit card?

Yes. Online payment at nycparkingtickets.org accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. In-person payment at a PVB office also accepts cards. Payment by mail requires a check or money order.

What happens if I don't pay a parking violation?

Late penalties are added after the due date. After 30 days unpaid, the city places a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. The violation can be reported to a collection agency, and you may face additional fees and interest.

How do I know if my ticket is a parking violation or a moving violation?

The ticket will say which type it is. Parking violations are for where you parked; moving violations are for how you drove. The back of the ticket will also tell you where to pay — PVB for parking, or a specific court or the DMV for moving violations.

Can I pay someone else's parking violation?

Yes. You can pay online using the violation number and license plate, or in person at a PVB office. You don't need to be the registered owner of the vehicle to pay the violation.

How long does it take to pay a violation online?

Payment by credit or debit card posts when ready and you'll receive a confirmation number. E-check payments take three to five business days to clear. Mail payment takes 7 to 10 business days.