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Friday, November 22, 2024

Suffolk Traffic Violations Agency Opens After Cyberattack

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Suffolk County Violations Agency is back up and running after the September cyberattack which shut down all county systems.

The cyberattack prevented people from clearing license suspensions, paying tickets and attending in-person hearings— late fees on tickets are being waived. The Violations Agency is expected to see 250 to 300 per day, according to Suffolk County. 

The operation hours of the agency are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and hours will be limited from December 19 to December 30 during the holiday season.

“As of earlier this month, TPVA (Traffic Parking Violations Agency) is now able to offer all services on-site,” Paul Margiotta, the agency’s executive director, told Newsday. 

Due to the cyberattack, the website and other web-based operations were offline. Suffolk residents’ personal identification was at risk. In November, an estimated 470,000 people’s newly issued driver’s licenses were compromised during the cyberattack. The county has offered identity protection services to all those who may be compromised. For more information, visit suffolkcounty.kroll.com

As of December 1, payments are being accepted on all violations, including moving and parking and red-light camera tickets, according to their website. In-person hearings, including pre-trial conferences, are also fully resumed and are conducted daily. 

April Adams, 32, of Huntington, was at the agency recently to discuss a ticket she received in August when she drove through a yellow light as it turned red. 

Her tickets racked up to a jaw-dropping price. 

“It’s December, right before Christmas. $400 in tickets later,” Adams told Newsday. “Such is life.”