Uh oh! Did someone get a ticket in the Big Apple?
Let's face it, parking in New York City is a jungle (and don't even get us started on alternate side street cleaning). If you've found a colorful little piece of paper tucked under your windshield wiper, you might be wondering: how do I check my summons online in NYC?
Well, fret no more, fellow driver! This guide will have you navigating the NYC court system like a seasoned subway rider (emphasis on not getting lost).
Don't sweat it, there's an app for that (well, a website)
That's right, you can ditch the frantic phone calls to friends and family (who probably got a ticket themselves at some point). Head on over to the MySummons.NYC website. It's like a one-stop shop for all things NYC summons-related.
Here's the thing to remember: Information about your summons won't be available immediately. The website says it takes a few weeks for things to show up in the system. So if you just got your ticket, don't go refreshing the page every two minutes – you'll wear out your mouse and frustration will only get you another ticket (for jaywalking, maybe?).
MySummons.NYC lowdown
Alright, so you've cruised on over to MySummons.NYC. Now what?
This user-friendly website (or at least, as user-friendly as a website about traffic tickets can be) will show you your:
- Court appearance date: Mark this on your calendar in big, bold letters! Missing your court date is a recipe for more trouble than a jaywalking pigeon trying to cross a six-lane highway.
- Summons details: This will tell you the nitty-gritty of your offense. Did you block a fire hydrant? Park in a bus lane? Knowledge is power, my friend!
Bonus! You can also use this website to pay your fine online in some cases (but only if you're pleading guilty).
My summons isn't on MySummons.NYC, what's the deal?
There are a couple of reasons why your summons might not be showing up yet. As mentioned before, it could just be a waiting game (give the system a few weeks to catch up).
If you're still feeling anxious (and it's been more than a few weeks), you can always call the NYC Criminal Court Call Center at 646-386-4900. They'll be able to help you track down your information.
There you have it!
Now you can navigate the world of NYC traffic tickets like a pro (or at least someone who knows how to use the internet). Remember, parking in the city is tough, but with a little bit of know-how, you can avoid getting too bogged down in summons stress.
Just try to avoid those double-parked taxis and tempting alternate side parking spots next time!