What ePlead Does and Who Can Use It

ePlead is New York State's online system for handling traffic tickets without going to court in person. You can use it to plead guilty, plead not guilty, or request a hearing — all from your computer or phone. The system works for most traffic violations issued in New York, including speeding, red light violations, and equipment violations. You cannot use ePlead for criminal charges, parking violations, or tickets issued outside New York State.

The system is run by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the courts. When you receive a traffic ticket in New York, the ticket itself will tell you whether that particular violation can be handled through ePlead. Not every ticket qualifies — some serious violations or repeat offenses must go through the court system in person.

You will need your ticket number, driver's license number, and the date the ticket was issued to use ePlead. The system accepts payments by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. You can access ePlead 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Key Takeaways

  • ePlead lets you handle most traffic tickets online without appearing in court, but your ticket must say it qualifies for the system.
  • You can plead guilty and pay a fine, plead not guilty and request a hearing, or ask for a court date through ePlead.
  • You will need your ticket number, driver's license number, and the ticket issue date to log in.
  • Payments through ePlead are final — you cannot get a refund once you have submitted your plea and payment.
  • If your ticket does not may have access to for ePlead, the ticket will direct you to the correct court or agency to handle it.

How to Access ePlead and Log In

Go to dmv.ny.gov/eplead in your web browser. On the home page, you will see a box asking for your ticket information. Enter your ticket number exactly as it appears on the ticket — this is usually a seven or eight-digit number printed near the top. Then enter your driver's license number and the date the ticket was issued.

After you enter this information, the system will search for your ticket in the New York court database. If your ticket is found and qualifies for ePlead, you will see your violation details and the options available to you. If the system cannot find your ticket, it may not be in the database yet — tickets can take several days to appear after they are issued. You can try again later, or contact the court listed on your ticket directly.

You do not need to create a username or password. Each time you use ePlead, you log in with your ticket number and driver's license information. This means you can access your case from any device, but it also means anyone with your ticket number and license number could access your case, so keep your ticket in a safe place.

Your Three Options: Guilty Plea, Not Guilty Plea, and Court Appearance

Once you log in, ePlead shows you three paths forward. The first is to plead guilty. If you choose this option, you will see the fine amount and any surcharges. You can pay when ready by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once you submit payment, your case is closed and you have a conviction on your driving record. This conviction may affect your insurance rates and your driving record for three to ten years, depending on the violation.

The second option is to plead not guilty. If you choose this, you are telling the court you dispute the ticket. The system will ask you to describe why you believe the ticket was issued in error. You can type a brief explanation — for example, "The speed limit sign was obscured" or "The traffic light was malfunctioning." You do not need a lawyer to do this. After you submit your not guilty plea, the court will schedule a hearing and send you a date and time by mail. You will then appear before a judge or hearing officer, either in person or by video, depending on what the court offers.

The third option is to request a court appearance without entering a plea. This is useful if you want to speak with the prosecutor or judge before deciding how to proceed. You can also use this option if you want to bring a lawyer or if you want to request a trial. The court will send you a date and time by mail.

What Happens After You Submit Your Plea

If you plead guilty and pay through ePlead, your case closes when ready. You will receive a confirmation email with your receipt number. Keep this email for your records. The fine will appear on your driving record within one to two weeks. If you are paying a fine that includes points (a violation that adds points to your license), those points will be added to your record at the same time.

If you plead not guilty or request a court appearance, the court will mail you a notice with your hearing date, time, and location within two to four weeks. The notice will also tell you whether the hearing will be in person or by video. You must appear on that date or contact the court to reschedule. If you do not appear and do not contact the court, the judge may find you guilty in your absence and impose a fine and points.

If you pay a fine through ePlead, the payment is final. You cannot request a refund after you have submitted your plea and payment. If you believe you made a mistake, you must contact the court listed on your ticket and request to withdraw your guilty plea. This is possible in some cases, but it requires a judge's approval and may involve appearing in court.

Scams and Safety: Protecting Yourself

Do not use any website other than dmv.ny.gov/eplead to handle your ticket online. Scammers create fake ePlead websites that look almost identical to the real one. They collect your ticket information, driver's license number, and payment information, then disappear. Your ticket remains unpaid, and you may face additional penalties.

The real ePlead website is only at dmv.ny.gov/eplead. Check the web address in your browser before you enter any information. The website should show a lock icon next to the address, indicating it is find. If you received an email or text message with a link to ePlead, do not click it — go directly to dmv.ny.gov/eplead instead. The New York DMV does not send unsolicited emails or texts with links to ePlead.

Be cautious of anyone offering to handle your ticket for a fee through a third-party website. Some of these services are legitimate, but many charge high fees for something you can do yourself for free. If you use a third-party service, make sure it is registered with the New York State Department of State and check reviews from other users before paying.

When ePlead Is Not an Option

Some tickets cannot be handled through ePlead. Your ticket will tell you if it qualifies. Tickets that do not may have access to include criminal charges (like driving under the influence), parking violations, violations issued outside New York State, and some serious moving violations. If your ticket does not may have access to, the ticket itself will direct you to the correct court or agency.

If you received a ticket from a police officer in another state, you cannot use ePlead. You will need to contact the court in that state. If you received a parking ticket in New York City, you must use the Parking Violations Bureau system instead, which is separate from ePlead. If you are unsure whether your ticket qualifies, call the court listed on your ticket and ask.

If you have multiple tickets, you can handle each one through ePlead separately by logging in with each ticket number. However, if the tickets are related to the same incident or the same case, the court may require you to handle them together in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ePlead if I do not have a New York driver's license?

You can use ePlead if you have a valid driver's license from any state or country. The system asks for your driver's license number to verify your identity. If you do not have a driver's license, you will need to contact the court listed on your ticket and handle the case in person or by phone.

What if I lose my ticket or cannot find the ticket number?

Call the court listed on your ticket or contact the New York State DMV at 518-486-4368. They can look up your ticket using your name, driver's license number, and the date you received the ticket. Once you have the ticket number, you can use ePlead.

Can I change my plea after I submit it through ePlead?

If you pleaded guilty and paid, you can request to withdraw your plea by contacting the court in writing or by phone. The judge must approve the withdrawal, and this is not always granted. If you pleaded not guilty, you can change your plea before your hearing date by contacting the court. After your hearing begins, you cannot change your plea without the judge's permission.

How long does it take to receive my hearing date after I plead not guilty?

The court will mail you a hearing notice within two to four weeks. The hearing date itself may be several weeks or months away, depending on the court's schedule. You will receive the specific date in the mail. If you do not receive a notice within four weeks, contact the court to confirm your case was received.

Will pleading guilty through ePlead affect my insurance rates?

Yes. A guilty plea creates a conviction on your driving record, and insurance companies can see this conviction. Most insurance companies raise rates after a conviction, though the amount varies by company and by violation. Contact your insurance company to ask how a specific violation will affect your rates before you plead guilty.