In most circumstances, points are good things; they can signify achievements, help you win games, or let you purchase products from your favorite companies. However, when it comes to New York’s point system, there is nothing good about getting a high score. Therefore, Gannes & Musico is here to help you understand how the point system works in New York.
What Are Points?
As receiving a speeding ticket from time to time isn’t a big deal, The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) believes that obtaining several traffic tickets within a small time frame shows that a person is driving negligently. To combat negligence and keep drivers accountable, the DMV established the Driver Violation Point System to regulate motorists and their driving behaviors.
The New York traffic point system is like scoring in golf; your record is worse if you have a higher amount of points. A driver with a perfect record has 0 points while a “bad” driver can max out his or her driving record at 11 points.
Now that we understand what points are, let’s examine how points are determined.
How Are Points Determined?
A predetermined number of points are attached to every New York traffic violation. For example, a traffic conviction for failing to yield the right-of-way will result in three points being added to the convicted’s point record.
While most traffic violation point totals are fixed (three points for all failure-to-yield convictions), the points associated with speeding violations work on a sliding scale. A driver convicted of speeding 5 miles per hour over the speed limit will receive 3 points for the offense; however, a driver convicted of speeding 25 miles per hour over the speed limit will receive 6 points for the offense.
If a driver is convicted of speeding more than 40 miles per hour over the speed limit, he or she will receive 11 points, thus automatically maxing out his or her point total.
As you can see, every traffic violation conviction results in several points going on a person’s record. However, points from traffic violations don’t stay on a person’s record forever.
How Are Point Totals Calculated?
A driver’s point total is calculated by adding up the number of points he or she has received over the last 18 months. In other words, all points from traffic violations that occurred within the previous year and a half are added together to obtain someone’s point total.
It’s essential to note that points are not added to your point total until you are convicted of the traffic violation in question. Therefore, pending traffic violation tickets do not count towards one’s point total.
It’s also important to note that the 18-month period is based on the date of the violation, not the date of the conviction. Therefore, if a violation occurred 18.5 months ago, but you were convicted of the violation 17.5 months ago, the points from that violation will not go towards your point total.
Now you understand how New York calculates point totals, but why do these totals matter? Well, they matter because they can result in civil penalties for the accused.
Civil Penalties & Point Totals
If your point total is at least six, you will have to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee. Unfortunately, for each point you have over six, the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee increases.
Paying the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee is a hassle, but the worst punishment occurs when someone maxes out there point total. When a driver hits 11 points, he or she may have his or her driver’s license suspended, which means that can’t drive until their license is reinstated.
As you can see, the Driver Violation Point System can result in substantial fines and a suspended license for those whose point totals are high. However, Gannes & Musico can help drivers fight traffic ticket violations, keeping their point totals low and away from the potential penalties.
Need Help Fighting a Ticket?
If you or a loved one is facing a traffic violation, you have the right to hire experienced representation for your case. Gannes & Musico is an award-winning traffic ticket law firm that knows how to get results for its clients, which means we can fight on your behalf.
Call (877) 803-2603 now for a free consultation for your case!