What ePlead is and when you can use it
ePlead is New York's online system for entering a not guilty plea to a traffic ticket without going to court in person. You submit your plea and any supporting documents through the DMV website, and a judge reviews your case on paper. This option is available for most traffic violations — speeding, running a red light, improper lane changes, and similar infractions — but not for serious charges like driving under the influence or reckless driving.
The system saves you a trip to traffic court, but understand what you are choosing: you are not settling the ticket or negotiating a reduction. You are formally saying you did not commit the violation and asking a judge to decide based on the evidence you submit. If the judge agrees with you, the ticket is dismissed. If the judge agrees with the officer, you are convicted and may owe the fine, points on your license, or both.
ePlead works only for violations issued in New York State. If your ticket was issued in another state, you will need to contact that state's court system.
Key Takeaways
- ePlead lets you plead not guilty to a New York traffic ticket online instead of appearing in court, and a judge decides your case based on written evidence.
- You can use ePlead for most traffic violations like speeding or improper turns, but not for serious charges such as driving under the influence.
- You will need your ticket number, driver's license number, and the date the ticket was issued to start your ePlead submission.
- You can upload photos, dashcam video, witness statements, or other documents that support your not guilty plea.
- A judge will review your case and mail you a decision; you cannot withdraw your plea once you submit it online.
How to access ePlead on the DMV website
Go to dmv.ny.gov and look for the ePlead link, usually found under traffic ticket or violation services. You will be asked to enter your ticket number, driver's license number, and the date the ticket was issued. The system will pull up your ticket information and confirm the violation you are contesting.
If your ticket does not appear in the system, it may not be may be able to access for ePlead — serious violations and some local court tickets cannot be handled this way. You can also call the traffic court listed on your ticket to ask whether ePlead is available for your specific violation.
You do not need to create a DMV account to use ePlead, though having one can make the process faster if you have other DMV business. The system works on desktop and mobile browsers.
What information and documents you will need
Before you start, gather your ticket and have these details ready: your ticket number, driver's license number, the date the ticket was issued, and the officer's name if it appears on the ticket. You will also need a valid email address where the court can send you updates and your final decision.
Think about what evidence supports your not guilty plea. This might include dashcam or phone video from the moment of the stop, photos of road conditions or signage, witness statements from passengers or other drivers, GPS records showing your speed, or documentation that you were not the driver at the time. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances, but you can submit a not guilty plea with no supporting documents — the judge will still review the officer's report and decide.
Documents must be uploaded as PDF, JPG, or PNG files. Video files should be MP4 or MOV format. Keep file sizes under 25 MB each. If you have multiple pieces of evidence, you can upload up to 10 files per submission.
Entering your not guilty plea and submitting evidence
After you log in with your ticket information, the system will show you the violation you are contesting and ask you to confirm that you want to plead not guilty. You will then have space to write a statement explaining why you believe you did not commit the violation. Keep this clear and factual — explain what happened from your perspective, note any road or weather conditions that matter, and point out any inconsistencies you see in the officer's account if you have them.
Next, upload any supporting documents. The system will ask you to label each file so the judge knows what it is — for example, "dashcam video from 2:15 PM on ticket date" or "witness statement from passenger." Be specific about dates and times.
Review everything before you submit. Once you click submit, your plea is filed and you cannot change it or add more documents. The court will send you a confirmation email with a case number.
What happens after you submit and when you will hear back
After you submit your not guilty plea, the case goes to a judge assigned to that court. The judge will review the officer's report, your statement, and any documents you uploaded. This usually takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if the court is busy.
The court will mail you a written decision at the address on your driver's license. The decision will say either that the ticket is dismissed (you win) or that you are convicted of the violation (the officer's account was believed). If you are convicted, the decision will also tell you the fine amount, whether points were added to your license, and whether you have the right to appeal.
You can also check the status of your case online using your case number and ticket number. Some courts allow you to view decisions online before the paper copy arrives.
Scams and safety warnings about traffic ticket services
Do not pay anyone to file an ePlead for you. The system is free and takes 15 to 20 minutes to use yourself. Scammers advertise "traffic ticket dismissal services" online and charge $100 to $300 to submit a plea that you could file for nothing. They often disappear after taking your money, leaving you with no plea filed and a missed important date.
Be wary of websites that look like the DMV but are not. Check that the URL says dmv.ny.gov — not dmv-ny.com or similar. Fake sites collect your driver's license number and other personal information to commit identity theft.
Never send cash, gift cards, or wire transfers to anyone claiming they can make a ticket go away. Real courts do not accept payment to dismiss tickets, and no legitimate service charges you to file a plea.
If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the court asking you to click a link or read something, do not do it. Courts contact you by mail, not by email or text. If you are unsure whether a message is real, call the traffic court listed on your ticket directly.
What to do if ePlead is not available for your ticket
If your ticket is not may be able to access for ePlead — because it is a serious charge, a local court violation, or for another reason — you have two other options: you can appear in person at traffic court on the date listed on your ticket, or you can hire a traffic attorney to represent you.
If you choose to appear in person, bring your ticket, your driver's license, and any evidence you have. You can plead not guilty in front of the judge, present your evidence, and cross-examine the officer if they show up. Many officers do not appear, which often results in dismissal.
If you hire an attorney, they will handle the court appearance for you and may be able to negotiate a reduction in the charge or fine. Attorney fees vary widely depending on the violation and your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw my not guilty plea after I submit it online?
No. Once you submit your ePlead, it is filed with the court and cannot be withdrawn or changed through the online system. If you change your mind and want to plead guilty instead, you will need to contact the traffic court directly and ask to speak with the prosecutor or judge about changing your plea.
What if the officer does not show up for my case?
Since ePlead is decided on paper, the officer does not need to show up. The judge reviews the officer's written report and your statement. If the officer's report is incomplete or unclear, that can work in your favor, but the judge will still make a decision based on what is in the file.
Will points be added to my license if I lose?
If you are convicted after ePlead, points will be added to your license the same way they would be if you lost in person at court. The number of points depends on the violation — speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit is typically 3 points, for example. Your decision letter will tell you how many points were added.
Can I use ePlead if I was not the driver when the ticket was issued?
No. ePlead is only for the person named on the ticket. If someone else was driving your car, that person must file the ePlead or appear in court. You can provide them with the ticket information, but they will need to use their own driver's license number to access the system.
What if I do not have evidence to support my plea?
You can still file a not guilty plea without any supporting documents. Write a clear statement explaining your side of what happened, and the judge will compare it to the officer's report. Many people win cases on the officer's report alone if it contains errors or lacks detail, even without additional evidence.