CAUCUS AND DMV ANNOUNCE OPTION TO APPEAR VIRTUALLY IN NYC TRAFFIC COURT

NEW YORK, NY (June 3, 2021) – After working with the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus to address concerns of equitable access, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles announced that motorists will now have the option to appear in New York City traffic court hearings virtually, in person, or by submitting a written Statement in Place of Personal Appearance. Beginning June 1, however, law enforcement will be required to appear in person even if the motorist appears virtually.

While the switch to virtual appearances for all parties involved during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was an understandable and reasonable policy in light of the public health crises, providing motorists with reasonable options while ensuring they will have the ability to adequately face their accuser is a positive step to protect due process in New York.

“The Caucus is pleased that the DMV is taking this approach to Traffic Violations Bureau hearings,” said Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. “Not all motorists have access to the technology needed to attend hearings virtually, and everyone reserves the right to face their accuser and the judge in person.”

“We began a virtual hearing pilot program this year to maximize safety for everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “As the State continues to make significant progress battling the virus, we are requiring law enforcement to begin appearing in person again, but we will continue to offer the virtual hearing option for motorists as a convenient alternative to appearing in person.”

For more information about virtual hearings, visit https://dmv.ny.gov/virtual-hearings and for details about the Traffic Violations Bureaus including what happens at a hearing, visit https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/traffic-violations-bureau.

Source: https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/05/05/traffic-court-to-remain-virtual/