Violation Sync

Violation sync is the automated nightly process that scans NYC Open Data APIs for new violations across every vehicle in a fleet's roster. The sync runs at a scheduled time each day (typically 8 AM UTC), querying the DOF parking/camera dataset, the OATH/ECB dataset, and the BIC dataset for any new or updated records.

During a sync cycle, Clear Plates checks each vehicle's license plate against NYC's databases, compares the results against previously known violations, and stores any new violations in the system. Updated statuses on existing violations (e.g., a ticket that moved from "unpaid" to "in judgment") are also captured. The sync process batches plates by state to minimize API calls — 150 New York plates can be checked in a single query.

For fleet operators, violation sync eliminates the need for manual lookups. Without it, you would need to check each vehicle individually on CityPay or the OATH portal — an impossible task for large fleets. Clear Plates runs the sync automatically and sends a violation digest email if new violations are found.