The Broome County District Attorney launched a new and expanded Traffic Diversion Program in 2016, whereby motorists charged with certain non-serious speeding, moving, and equipment violations may attend a traffic safety course approved by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in lieu of a conviction for the traffic offense. Upon the successful completion of this traffic safety course, the motorist's traffic ticket will be dismissed, there will be no fine or surcharge, and there will be no record of conviction on the motorist's driving record. The program was approved by the Broome County Legislature.
The revenue generated from the program helps fund the city, town and village courts, as well as aid to prosecution, aid to law enforcement, drug treatment programs, and crime victims services.
Description of the Program:
Upon acceptance to the program a motorist will be given 45 days to complete a 2 hour traffic safety course. This course must be completed online. After the motorist successfully completes the course, he or she will receive a certificate of completion from the course, a copy of which must then be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office within the 45 days. There will be a non-refundable application fee for admittance to the diversion program, the fee schedule is outlined below.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible to enter the traffic diversion program, a motorist must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- The motorist must not have previously completed the Broome County Traffic Diversion Program within the preceeding 18 months.
- The motorist must not have been involved in a motor vehicle crash at the time the motorist received the ticket that he/she is seeking to have dismissed.
- The motorist must not have had his/her license suspended for failing to answer the ticket he/she seeks to have dismissed through the diversion program.
- The motorist must have answered and plead not guilty to the ticket.
Application & Administrative Fees:
There will be a non-refundable application fee of $200 per ticket for all eligible offenses except for using a mobile phone or a portable electronic device while driving in violation of V.T.L. 1225-C or 1225-D, or all other speeds greater than 20 mph over the speed limit. The fee for a V.T.L. 1225-C, 1225-D, or other speed greater than 20 mph over the speed limit ticket is $400 per ticket. Examples: If a motorist is charged with speeding, 15 miles per hour over the speed limit, and failure to signal, the fee would be $400, or $200 per ticket. If a motorist is charged with speeding, and using a cell phone, the fee would be $600, $200 for the speeding ticket and $400 for the cell phone ticket. If a motorist is charged with speeding, using a cell phone, and failure to wear a seatbelt, the fee would be $800, $200 each for the speeding and seatbelt tickets and $400 for the cell phone ticket. Any motorist who submits false information with their application will be denied or terminated from the program and will not have their application fee refunded.
How to Apply:
Before applying, make sure that you have mailed in a plea of not-guilty to the court in which you are charged. Failure to do so could result in the suspension of your license by the court.
ONLINE TRAFFIC DIVERSION APPLICATION
After You Have Been Accepted:
If you are accepted into the traffic diversion program, you will be notified by mail of your acceptance. Once you receive this notice, you will have 45 days from the date on the notice to complete a Defensive Driving Class. Please note, the fee for the traffic safety course is not included in the administrative fee to enter the diversion program.
