Search Rochester Traffic Court Records
Rochester traffic court records are handled by the Rochester Traffic Violations Agency, one of only a handful of local traffic violations agencies in New York State. The RTVA adjudicates most non-criminal moving violations issued within city limits. Rochester City Court handles criminal traffic cases and some infractions that fall outside the RTVA's scope. If you got a ticket in Rochester, the information below covers how the system works, where to find your case, and what to do next.
Rochester Traffic Court Records
Rochester Traffic Court Records Violations Agency
The Rochester Traffic Violations Agency is at 200 East Main Street, Suite B-002, Rochester, NY 14604. It processes Uniform Traffic Tickets for moving violations issued in the City of Rochester. The RTVA assists Rochester City Court in administering certain traffic infractions.
The RTVA page on the City of Rochester website has full details on how to plead, pay, and attend hearings for traffic cases.
Most traffic infractions are handled by the RTVA. Some specific infractions go to Rochester City Court instead. Your ticket will indicate which one has jurisdiction. Non-criminal Uniform Traffic Tickets for moving violations in the city go through the RTVA. Criminal charges go to city court.
Rochester Traffic Court Records
To plead not guilty, sign Section "B" of the ticket, fill in the requested details, and mail it to the RTVA at 200 East Main Street, Suite B-002, Rochester, NY 14604. After they get your plea, the Traffic Prosecutor may send a reduced plea offer by mail if your case qualifies. This is something worth waiting for. Many people get a better deal through this process than they would by just paying the original fine.
To plead guilty, sign Section "A" of the ticket and mail it to the same address. But the RTVA recommends pleading not guilty first to see what offer the Traffic Prosecutor might make. That is their official suggestion on the website. Even if you think you are guilty, the prosecutor may reduce the charge to something with fewer points.
The RTVA Traffic Prosecutor handles all prosecution, conducts trials, and questions witnesses. Defense attorneys should contact the prosecutor ahead of time at the RTVA address or by fax at (585) 428-7225.
Rochester Traffic Court Records
Traffic trials at the RTVA happen on Tuesday and Thursday. Morning sessions start at 9:00 AM with check-in at 8:30 AM. Afternoon sessions begin at 1:00 PM with check-in at 12:30 PM. Arrive on time. Late arrivals may have their case decided without them.
You can request one postponement of your trial date. The request must be in writing and received at least 10 days before the trial. You need to show "good cause" for the delay. The Judicial Hearing Officer decides whether to approve it. If they say no, you must appear on the original date or risk a default conviction.
At the trial, you can testify, bring witnesses, and present evidence. A lawyer can represent you. The hearing officer makes the final decision on guilt and the fine amount. If convicted, points go on your record right away.
Rochester Traffic Court Records
The RTVA accepts payment through several methods. You can pay in person at the office. Mail payments go to the RTVA address. Phone payments are taken at (888) 912-1541 using a credit or debit card, but only after you have pleaded guilty or been convicted. Service charges apply to phone payments. Online payment is also available, again only after a guilty plea or conviction.
Failure to answer a traffic ticket could result in license suspension. The suspension lift fee is $70 per suspended ticket. This fee must be paid in cash or money order. There is no monthly payment option for suspension lift fees -- you pay the full amount upfront. If you have multiple suspended tickets, the fees add up fast.
Rochester City Court is at 150 S. Plymouth Ave., 123 Public Safety Building, Rochester, NY 14614. Phone is 585-371-3413. The court handles criminal and civil matters along with traffic cases that fall outside the RTVA's authority.
Monroe County DA Traffic Reduction
The Monroe County District Attorney offers a traffic violation reduction program. You can submit an application online for Monroe County courts. The process has four steps. First, fill out the Vehicle and Traffic Reduction Request and sign it. Second, include a copy of the front of your ticket. Third, get your NYS Driving Abstract from the DMV. Out-of-state drivers need their license copy and abstract. Fourth, email everything as PDFs to DistrictAttorneyTrafficReduction@monroecounty.gov.
Allow two weeks for a reply. The office will send back an offer and plea affidavit good for 60 days. Print it, sign it, and mail it to the town or village court where you got the ticket -- not back to the DA's office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. This program can significantly reduce points and fines on certain violations.
Points and Costs
The NYS point system applies to all Rochester traffic convictions. At 6 points in 18 months, the Driver Responsibility Assessment kicks in -- $100 per year for three years. At 11 points, your license is suspended. Three speeding convictions in 18 months also cause a suspension regardless of total points.
Defensive driving courses can remove up to 4 points and may earn a 10% insurance discount for three years. The Monroe County Clerk can provide certified copies of court records if you need documentation of a case.
County Information
Rochester is the county seat of Monroe County. The 7th Judicial District covers Monroe County courts. The Monroe County Courts page on the NYS Courts website has information about the full court system including district, city, and town courts.
Nearby Cities
Other Monroe County and nearby cities with traffic court pages: