Parking Ticket Amnesty Program Extended Countywide

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — In a valentine to residents, the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violation Agency announced that the county’s amnesty program to waive all late fees and penalties for moving violations, parking tickets, and red light camera citations has been extended through Feb 28.

Since the amnesty program launched in December, more than 2,300 residents have settled outstanding penalties, officials said.

However, once the amnesty program has concluded, TPVA will embark on an "aggressive collection and enforcement program," including the use of an outside boot and tow contractor, officials said.

“We can think of no better Valentine’s Day gift than offering our residents an extra week to rectify their outstanding violations," Paul Margiotta, executive director of the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violation Agency, said: "Before it is too late, I urge everyone to take advantage of this program before enforcement action is taken.”

The amnesty program applies to Red Light Camera Safety Program citations, as well as those with moving violations and parking tickets.

The program also applies to moving violations, including those that may have been pleaded down to parking tickets, a release said.

Amnesty does not apply to cases where a judge has suspended the driver’s registration/privilege to register a motor vehicle in New York State or cases in which a hearing for suspension is pending, officials said.

After the amnesty program wraps up on Feb. 28, offenders’ vehicles with multiple outstanding fines are be subject to booting and/or towing. Parking tickets with an existing judgment on the ticket will be eligible for amnesty, too, the release said.

For Red Light Camera citations with an existing judgment but not with a suspended registration or pending suspension hearing, the TPVA will waive late fees of $25, the release added.

Those interested in taking advantage of the amnesty program can visit Suffolk County traffic court in the H. Lee Dennison Building, located at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge, before Feb. 28.

If you have questions, call 866-637-0008 between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except during holidays.

Patch file photo.