Do NY MTA Police have jurisdiction to issue moving violation ticket?

[joejetski]

NY. This morning I was issued a ticket on a NYS road in the town of Southeast in Putnam county, for passing a vehicle illegally. The ticket was issued by a MTA Policeman (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) who, I thought only had jurisdiction along rail lines, train cars, stations, aboard buses, etc. Did he have jurisdiction to issue the ticket and if not, what should I do to have it dismissed? Thank you.

 

[You Are Guilty]

Uh, details? What was the ticket for? What were the circumstances around the citation? Where, exactly, were you when the infraction occurred?

 

[qcxlvr1]

To answer your question, yes, the ticket is valid.

New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Police officers have a statewide geographical area of employment (GAOE) and have the same authority as a New York State Trooper.

 

[joejetski]

Location/in fraction details

I was going south/west on North Brewster Road (where it becomes Tonetta Lake Rd) in the town of Southeast, county of Putnam, NY. The infraction was for passing a vehicle where there was a double yellow line.

 

[You Are Guilty]

Well then, you were on public property so you are going to have to come up with a better defense than the one you've currently got.


It reminds me of the time I was a passenger in a friend's car while crossing the George Washington Bridge. While doing about 80 along the lower level, I spotted a PA Police car ahead and told him to slow down. His (priceless) response , "Why? They're not real police" and proceeded to pass the officer at close to twice the limit.

Let's just say it's good he had a lawyer in the car with him that day.

 

[joejetski]

I wasn't looking for a defense. I was just looking for an answer for a specific question. Thanks, though.

 

[You Are Guilty]

I wasn't looking for a defense.

Did he have jurisdiction to issue the ticket and if not, what should I do to have it dismissed?

Coulda fooled me. However, lack of jurisdiction is but one of many potential defenses. Have a lawyer look it over - up in Putnam, you can almost certainly find someone for ~$200 or so, which is way less than what you'll be paying in increased insurance rates for the next few years if you're convicted.