Franklin County Traffic Ticket Records

Franklin County traffic ticket records are handled by about 20 town courts scattered across this North Country region of New York. The county seat is Malone, which sits along the Canadian border. Franklin County is part of the 5th Judicial District and has a Traffic Safety Board formed under Article 43 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. The county also offers a Traffic Diversion Program through the District Attorney's office that can result in ticket dismissal for eligible drivers. Each town court runs on its own schedule, and many hold sessions only once or twice a month.

Franklin County Traffic Diversion Program

The Franklin County District Attorney's office runs a Traffic Diversion and Plea Reduction Program for eligible drivers. The Traffic Diversion Program results in a full dismissal of your case upon completion. The cost is $200 plus the fee for a defensive driving course. A dismissal means no points on your record and no conviction showing on your driving abstract.

If you are not eligible for full diversion, a Traffic Reduction Program is also available. This reduces the points on your ticket but does not dismiss it. There is no fee for the reduction program itself, but certain offenses are excluded. You must submit several documents when applying: a clear copy of your traffic ticket, a certified state driving abstract from the DMV, an accident report if one applies, and proof of insurance if the ticket involved an accident.

You must notify the court if you are applying for either program. Not appearing on your scheduled court date can result in a license suspension. The court will tell the DMV if you fail to show up, and the suspension stays until you resolve it. Always contact both the DA's office and your court before your appearance date to make sure everything is in order.

Franklin County Traffic Safety Board

The Franklin County Traffic Safety Board was formed under Article 43 of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (Sections 1672 through 1677). The board is based at 355 West Main Street, Malone, NY 12953. The Traffic Safety Coordinator is Scott Premo, reachable at Scott.Premo@franklincountyny.gov. This is a part-time, grant-funded position.

Board members serve three-year terms and are not compensated. The membership includes representatives from NYSDOT, State Police, DEC, Parks and Recreation, the DA's Office, the County Manager, the Sheriff, Probation, STOP DWI, Highway, Public Health, Public Transportation, Emergency Services/911, and local police departments. Meetings take place on the fourth Wednesday of each month via WebEx, and the public is welcome to join.

The board runs several committees: Off Road Initiative, Victim Impact Panel, Events/Guests/Media and Legislation, Child Passenger Safety, and Website. While the Traffic Safety Board does not directly handle individual traffic ticket records, it shapes county policy on enforcement, safety, and education programs that affect how and where tickets are issued.

Franklin County Town Court Schedules

Franklin County has about 20 town courts. Each one has different days and times. Some meet during business hours. Others hold sessions in the evening. Here are some of the court schedules listed on the Franklin County government website:

• Malone: Tuesday 10 AM, Thursday 4 PM
• Harrietstown: Monday 9 AM to 3 PM
• Chateaugay: Monday 5 PM
• Fort Covington: Tuesday 6 PM
• Tupper Lake Village: Monday 5 PM
• Brighton: Monday 7 PM
• Bangor: Wednesday 4 PM

Other courts meet less often. Duane holds court on the third Thursday at 6 PM. Moira meets on the second Thursday at 4 PM. Santa Clara meets on the second and fourth Wednesday at 5 PM. Waverly holds sessions on the second and fourth Tuesday at 5:30 PM. Westville meets on the first and third Wednesday at 5 PM. Always call ahead to confirm your court date, since schedules can change. If you need to adjourn your appearance, contact the court clerk before your scheduled date.

Franklin County Traffic Ticket Fines and Points

Fines for Franklin County traffic ticket records follow state law. Under VTL Section 1800, a first conviction for a traffic infraction can be up to $150. Second offenses within 18 months go to $300. Third offenses reach $450. Speeding fines under VTL Section 1180 start at $45 to $150 for going 1 to 10 mph over and climb to $180 to $600 for more than 30 mph over.

The Driver Point System adds points for every conviction. At 6 points in 18 months, the Driver Responsibility Assessment applies: $300 plus $25 per year for each point above six. At 11 points, your license can be suspended. The Traffic Diversion Program's $200 cost is a bargain compared to the combined costs of fines, surcharges, higher insurance rates, and the Driver Responsibility Assessment that come with a conviction.

How to Answer a Franklin County Traffic Ticket

Follow the instructions on the back of your ticket. You can plead guilty by mail, pay online if the court supports it, or appear in person. View your ticket in MyDMV if you lost the paper copy. Do not ignore the ticket. The court will tell the DMV to suspend your license if you do not respond within 60 days. A $70 per-ticket fee gets added, and driving on a suspended license is a separate crime in New York.

Nearby Counties

Franklin County borders several counties in northern New York and the Adirondacks. Confirm which county court holds your ticket before reaching out to any clerk.