DMV Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) Manhattan South – New York, NY

Manhattan South Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB)

Jurisdiction and Purpose

The Manhattan South Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) is an administrative tribunal of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Located at 17 Battery Place near Battery Park, this office is responsible for adjudicating non-criminal moving violations that occur in the borough of Manhattan (specifically south of certain boundaries, though it handles tickets from across the borough). It is distinct from the criminal court system.

What They Handle

The TVB handles civil traffic infractions such as:

• Speeding
• Cell Phone Use/Texting while driving
• Disobeying Traffic Devices (Red lights, Stop signs)
• Improper Lane Changes or Turns

Crucial Distinction: This office DOES NOT handle parking tickets (which go to the NYC Department of Finance), red light camera tickets (also Dept. of Finance), or criminal traffic offenses like DWI or driving with a suspended license (which go to Criminal Court).

Services and Procedures

Motorists can visit the TVB to plead ”Guilty” (and pay the fine/surcharge) or ”Not Guilty” to schedule a hearing. Hearings are conducted before an Administrative Law Judge, not a jury. There are no prosecutors; the police officer who issued the ticket presents the case. If you plan to visit the office in person, you generally need to schedule an appointment or have a hearing notice. Walk-in service is extremely limited or non-existent for general inquiries.