VTL § 357, Failing to Report Convictions and Judgments

Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) 357 is a ticket given to individuals who neglect their responsibility to report convictions and judgments to the commissioner. If you were cited with this ticket, you are more than likely a civil servant who inadvertently forgot to report a conviction or judgment you were supposed to process.

VTL § 357 Statute

Failing to report convictions and judgments. Any person required to forward to the commissioner a record of a conviction or a judgment for damages as provided in section three hundred thirty-six, who willfully fails or neglects to do so, shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten dollars for each separate offense.

Source: NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law § 357 (nysenate.gov)

Plain-English summary

VTL § 357 punishes anyone who is supposed to send the DMV commissioner records of certain convictions or court judgments—and who willfully doesn’t. The obligation comes from VTL § 336 and falls on courts and other offices that handle those records, not on individual drivers. Fines start at ten dollars per offense. For most people charged with traffic tickets, this section is not the one they’ll see; it’s aimed at making sure the system gets the paperwork it needs to enforce financial responsibility.

What are the penalties?

• Fine: According to VTL § 357, a fine of not less than ten dollars for each separate offense.
• Points: No points, but may appear on CMV record.
• Context: This provision applies to persons (including courts and officials) who have a duty under § 336 to forward conviction or judgment records to the commissioner.

Possible Defense Options

If you are wondering "what possible defenses can I or anyone else make for my case", don't worry; we have you covered. Some possible defenses include:

1. You (the defendant) were not a “person required to forward” records under VTL § 336;
2. The failure was not “wilful”—e.g., inadvertent delay, reasonable belief that another office was responsible, or timely compliance;
3. The record at issue was not a “conviction” or “judgment for damages” as provided in § 336;
4. The defendant did forward the record.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

If you were charged with a VTL § 357 violation, the Benjamin Goldman Law Office can advise you. We have successfully defended over 100,000 traffic-related charges in the 15 years of our operation. We have also received thousands of positive reviews from our clients. Contact us for a complimentary consultation via our contact page.

Fight Your VTL § 357 Charge