VTL § 510(7), Failure to Surrender License After Revocation

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office works has worked with 100,000+ clients in a wide variety of violations under New York Vehicle & Traffic Law. If you were charged with wilfully failing to surrender your license or registration to the commissioner after revocation under VTL § 510(7), we can help. Our Firm is eager to assist you through suspension and revocation matters in courts across the New York State. See our testimonials and courts we appear in; you can also contact us for a free consultation.

VTL § 510(7) Statute

Failure of the holder or any other person possessing the license card or number plates, to deliver the same to the suspending or revoking officer is a misdemeanor.

Failure of the holder or of any person possessing the license card or number plates to deliver to any police officer, bridge and tunnel officer of the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority, or agent of the commissioner who requests the same pursuant to this subdivision shall be a misdemeanor.

Source: NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law § 510, subdivision 7 (nysenate.gov)

Plain-English summary

When the DMV revokes your license or registration, it can require you to hand over the physical document. If you wilfully don’t turn it in, you’re guilty of a misdemeanor under VTL § 510(7). The key word is “wilfully”—if you never got the notice, or you turned it in as soon as you could, that can be a defense. This charge sometimes shows up along with driving while revoked (VTL 511). Penalties include fines and up to 30 days in jail. Surrendering the license or registration as soon as possible after a revocation can help avoid or resolve this charge.

What are the penalties?

• Fine and jail: Per the NY State Legislature, this is a misdemeanor. First offense: $0–$300 fine, 0–30 days in jail; second and third offenses within 18 months carry higher penalties.
• Points: 0 points.
• Surcharge: $88 or $93 surcharge applies.

Source: NY Assembly/Senate bill search; VTL § 510(7); NYS CJI.

Defense analysis

Defenses include: (1) the defendant was not “wilfully” failing to comply—e.g., did not receive the surrender requirement, or surrendered promptly once aware; (2) the defendant did surrender the license or registration to the commissioner; (3) the underlying revocation was invalid or has been reversed; (4) the commissioner had not actually required surrender for this revocation. See VTL § 510(7).

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

If you were charged with a VTL § 510(7) violation, the Benjamin Goldman Law Office can advise you. We can help with license revocation and surrender matters across New York. Contact us for a complimentary consultation via our contact page.

Fight Your VTL § 510(7) Charge