VTL 340(a) Failure to surrender license / registration / plates

If your driver’s license is suspended, you are technically required to return your driver’s license to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Similarly, if the registration of your car is suspended you are required to return your license plates to the DMV. The failure to make this return is a misdemeanor criminal charge. The wording of the relevant statute is as follows:

Surrender of license and evidences of registration. (a) Any person whose operator's or chauffeur's license or registration certificates or registration plates have been suspended as provided in this article and have not been reinstated shall immediately return every such license, registration certificate and registration plates held by such person to the commissioner. Any person wilfully failing to comply with this requirement is guilty of a misdemeanor.

If you were charged with VTL 340 it is a serious matter. A conviction of this charge will result in a permanent criminal record. Any criminal conviction, even a misdemeanor, can impact employment status, among other consequences. The maximum penalty associated with this ticket is $1093, a jail term of max 90 days, or both.

To make matters worse, if you were charged with VTL 340, in all likelihood, you were charged with at least one other misdemeanor. The other misdemeanor would be driving with a suspended license or driving with a suspended registration. These are technically separate charges, and the penalties can incur separately.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York State law firm that opened in 2011. Since then, our main focus has been on Traffic Law. We like to be known for our zealous advocacy, fighting hard, and leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of the best possible disposition for each client. This is attested by the hundreds of five-star reviews our firm has received from former clients.

Over the years, the attorneys at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office have helped hundreds of motorists with this exact charge. Our lawyers have generally been able to get these charges dismissed entirely or reduced to minor traffic violations. We can appear in any New York court to help you, from The Bronx to Buffalo. Needless to say, we have the requisite experience needed to take on this charge. You can contact us at your convenience to discuss your case. We will provide you with a free consultation, whether you choose in-person or over the phone. You can also contact us via text message or email. Our team looks forward to helping you beat this charge.

Fight a VTL § 340(a) Ticket