On the ticket this prints as: PHTO SCHOOL ZN SPEED VIOLATION
Automated camera violation: 10+ mph over the limit in a school speed zone. Owner liability — $50, no license points.
10.1%
of contested cases are dismissed outright — and 32.2% end dismissed or reduced. From 937,655 decided hearings in the city's own records.
Is it worth fighting?
Only ~10% are dismissed and the camera evidence is strong. Real defenses are narrow: the vehicle or plate isn't yours (sold/stolen/cloned), the technician certification or notice is defective, or the images don't actually identify your plate. If the photo is clearly your car at speed, paying is usually rational — this page is honest about that.
What actually wins
Plate misread — compare the photo's plate character by character
Vehicle sold before the violation (DMV plate-surrender/bill of sale)
Fighting it is free. New York lets you dispute online, by mail, or in person — no fee, no lawyer required, decision from a hearing officer. Start at nyc.gov → Dispute a ticket. Check the response deadline printed on your ticket, and answer before it to avoid late penalties.