(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) Starting in the fall as a pilot program, a new virtual plea system in Suffolk County has allowed thousands of drivers to resolve their traffic violations online, Newsday reported Monday.
Paul Margiotta, the executive director of the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency (TVPA), said the TPLEAS program has allowed the majority of over 13,000 tickets issued since the fall to be resolved online.
"We are in full swing now," Margiotta told Newsday. "Now the biggest issue is getting the word out."
Using the program at their own convenience, motorists can resolve their parking violations, red light camera tickets and request a review to have their fines and fees potentially reduced or dismissed.
If a motorist requests a review, a clerk and a prosecutor will review the case and the driver's history. If the prosecutor thinks a plea bargain makes sense, the driver will receive an electronic offer to consider and sign. If the driver rejects the plea, officials will then set a court date.
Officials, who were exploring the online program prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, said it would enable drivers to address their violations without having to take time off to go to court.
"It is no secret that having to appear in-person at TPVA can be a real hurdle for many drivers," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. "The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that many critical services can be completed online, saving our residents’ time and money while recognizing they need flexibility with their busy lives."
"With a traffic ticket, there was no way to get a plea without coming to court. People had to take a day off to avoid points," Margiotta said. "This is the way it should be. Who wants to come to court?"
According to Newsday, David Rich, the executive director of the Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency, said Nassau officials plan to offer a similar virtual plea system in the future, once the county finds a suitable vendor to handle the technology.
Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman also praised the program, saying it was a "good [example] of modernization creating convenience for residents" and that he was "glad Nassau is moving" in the same direction.