NewsJune 5, 20240 comments

How to Use Dashcam Footage to Fight a New York Speeding Ticket Violation

You can use your dashboard’s camera to your advantage, whether traveling on a long journey or driving a daily commute.

You can use the camera to show who is at fault in an accident or record footage to fight a speeding ticket in New York.

If you receive an unfair speeding ticket, contact a speeding ticket attorney.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!

Dashcam Features

A dashcam is popular among commercial drivers, transport companies, fleet owners, and motorists, as the device provides both versatility and security.

You can use a dashcam to fight the charge if you receive a speeding ticket. Most dashcams have GPS capabilities that record your location and speed.

Some camera models feature speed alerts that warn you when you exceed the posted speed limit while traveling.

High Resolution

When you’re fighting a speeding ticket in New York, you want to make sure the resolution of the dashcam’s footage is good.

A high-definition (HD) camera with good resolution can show the posted speed, which may further support your claim that you did not break the speed limit.

Otherwise, you may not use the evidence in court. It helps if your camera features night vision capabilities that capture the road in low-light conditions.

Impact Sensors

Some cameras have impact sensors, which detect G-forces or vibrations during an accident. This feature can determine the severity of an incident and provide important details for insurance purposes.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to view dashcam footage with your tablet or smartphone—a helpful feature when you’re not in your vehicle or need to present evidence in court.

You can fight a speeding ticket with the information from your dashcam device. Because New York strictly enforces traffic laws, having a dashcam recording of your speed can save you from paying a fine or keep you from accumulating points on your driving record.

The Points System

A speeding ticket may cause you to add three to 11 points to your driving record, depending on how fast you were going over the speed limit when you were caught speeding. Receiving 11 points within 18 months can lead to a suspension of your license or driving privileges.

With a dashcam to record your speed, you may use your device to spar with the cameras and radar used by police and New York jurisdictions.

Understanding the Laws for Speeding in New York

New York operates under a system that, again, supports strict speed regulations, using automated speed cameras and law enforcement support.

Speed Limits in New York

The speed limit throughout New York is lower than in other states. The maximum speed limit is 55 miles per hour unless signs indicate another speed. On the state’s interstate highways, such as I-495 and I-787, the speed limit drops to 40 miles per hour.

New York follows a “reasonable and prudent” limit law. This legislation requires you to adapt your speed to avoid accidents, depending on road conditions and the weather.

A conviction or guilty plea carries a maximum fine of $150 plus a required surcharge of $93, or $88 in New York City. So, you can save a great deal of money if you can prove you weren’t speeding with a dashcam in place.

You might even save your job. Some commercial truck drivers can lose their jobs if caught speeding and do not have the evidence to defend themselves.

The following list gives the speed limits established for different areas:

Within the city limits – 25 to 45 miles per hour
Highways outside of cities – 55 miles per hour
Interstates – 55 to 65 miles per hour

How a Dashcam Can Help You Fight a Speeding Ticket

A dashcam’s primary advantage is its unbiased account of events.

If properly configured and maintained, it can capture a wide array of relevant data:

Actual Speed: Some dashcams have GPS technology that records your speed at any given time. You can use this data to show you did not exceed the speed limit.
Road Conditions: The video can demonstrate that you were driving at a reasonable speed, for example, in a construction zone.
Traffic Flow: Footage may depict the flow of traffic, which can sometimes indicate that maintaining a speed slightly above the limit was necessary to keep pace with other autos.
Speed Limit Signs: Sometimes, a debate will arise over poorly placed or obscured speed limit signs. A dashcam may capture these signs to corroborate your claim.
Calibration and Placement of Speed Cameras: Your dashcam may provide evidence that disputes the placement or accuracy of a camera or radar gun.

Steps to Beat a Speeding Ticket with a Dashcam in New York

The following steps will help you and your attorney prove your case when fighting a speeding ticket using a dashcam.

Preserve the Footage: Immediately save the recording from the time of the incident. Most dashcams overwrite old footage, so securing this evidence promptly is essential.
Assess the Quality of the Evidence: Review the footage closely. Recording a high-quality, clear video that illustrates your claims is paramount.
Understand the Evidence: When you retain a traffic ticket attorney, they can collect the proper evidence from your dashcam and gain the backing you need for a solid defense.
Secure Legal Representation: Again, an experienced traffic ticket lawyer can provide valuable insights into the viability of your dashcam defense.
Prepare Your Testimony and Evidence: Your defense lawyer will organize the footage and other supporting evidence. They will explain clearly and concisely how it complements your case. When you work with a traffic ticket attorney, you can ensure a more successful defense.
Obtain Dashcam Specifications: Technical information about the accuracy of the dashcam’s speed recording feature can help you.
File a Discovery Motion: Laws vary by locality, but your attorney might file a motion to discover all the evidence the prosecution has, including calibration records of radar guns or the history of speed cameras used in your case.
Prepare for the Court Appearance: Dress professionally and arrive on time. Knowing court procedures and having a lawyer present can greatly aid in presenting your case effectively.
Challenge the Officer’s Conclusion or Calibration of the Equipment: Your lawyer can use your dashcam to refute the speeding claim or question the speed detection device’s calibration and accuracy.
Highlight Any Contradictory Evidence: If the dashcam shows a different speed, traffic flow, or obscured signage, your attorney will ensure the judge understands these discrepancies.
Be Respectful and Concise: When necessary, address the judge respectfully. Your defense attorney should handle most communications with the judge.

Legal Considerations

You can admit dashcam footage as evidence, but it does not guarantee the dismissal of your ticket. The judge’s discretion plays a significant part in the outcome.

Consult a NY Traffic Defense Lawyer

A dashcam can be a potent tool when disputing a speeding ticket in New York state. However, its effectiveness hinges on the quality of the footage, the nature of the speed violation, and the interpretation of the law concerning the presented evidence. By relying on the skills of a New York criminal defense lawyer, you can make your case and do so successfully.