New York Point System

How Many Points to Suspend License in NY?

The New York DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) enforces a point system to monitor drivers who accumulate traffic violations. Certain offenses may result in an immediate suspension, while others add points to your record. Accumulating 11 points within 18 months can lead to license suspension, fines, or other penalties. This system aims to encourage safe driving practices and penalize repeat offenders.

Key Point Thresholds:

• Accumulating 11 points in 18 months can result in suspension.
• Additional consequences include higher insurance rates and potential fines.

Do you have questions about the New York point system? Contact Gannes & Musico, LLP today to learn about how we can help.

New York Point Values for Common Traffic Violations

Following are the number of points which the New York DMV may assess for specific moving violations:

• Speeding: 3-11 points (depending on speed over the limit)
  • 1-10 mph over the limit: 3 points
  • 11-20 mph over: 4 points
  • 21-30 mph over: 6 points
  • 31-40 mph over: 8 points
  • Over 40 mph: 11 points (automatic suspension risk)
• Reckless Driving: 5 points
• Cell Phone or Electronic Device Use: 5 points
• School Bus Violation: 5 points
• Following Too Closely (Tailgating): 4 points
• Failing to Brake Properly: 4 points
• Improper Passing or Lane Change: 3 points
• Disobeying Traffic Signals/Signs: 3 points
• Seatbelt Violations (Child): 3 points
• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: 3 points
• Failing to Change Lanes or Pass Safely: 3 points
• Violating a Traffic Sign: 3 points
• Hit & Run: 3 points
• Red Light Camera Tickets: No points, but a fine applies

The Point & Insurance Reduction Program

As stated on New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles website, drivers can reduce their points (and insurance rates) by participating in a Defensive Driving Program (DDP). A DDP is a comprehensive driver safety course that tests the knowledge and techniques of drivers.

• Completing an approved DDP course ‘subtracts’ 4 points from your record when calculating a potential suspension. However, the points remain on your record.
• This program does not apply to mandatory suspensions, such as those for DUIs.
• Fighting tickets in court is another way to prevent points from being added.

Impact of Driving Record Points in New York

The accumulation of points on your driving record can have significant consequences in New York. Beyond the risk of license suspension if you accumulate 11 points in 18 months, points can also lead to:

• Increased Insurance Rates: Many insurance providers review your driving record when setting premiums. A higher point total often translates to higher insurance costs.
• Monetary Fines and Fees: Traffic violations resulting in points often come with hefty fines, and additional fees may apply for certain offenses.
• Professional and Personal Impact: For CDL holders, accumulating points could lead to disqualification from operating commercial vehicles, even for violations committed in a personal vehicle. For regular drivers, license suspension could affect daily activities such as commuting to work or school.

Understanding these impacts underscores the importance of monitoring your driving record and taking steps to reduce or contest points when possible. Defensive Driving Programs (DDPs) and legal assistance are effective ways to mitigate these consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Points Affect a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in New York?

Drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are held to higher standards in New York. Traffic violations that add points to your record as a CDL holder can lead to more serious consequences than for regular drivers. Multiple violations could result in disqualification from operating commercial vehicles, even for infractions committed in your personal vehicle.

Does Paying a Traffic Ticket Automatically Result in Points on My License?

Yes, paying a traffic ticket in New York is considered an admission of guilt, which will result in the associated points being added to your license. If you wish to avoid points, you must contest the ticket in court. If you plead guilty or fail to contest it, the DMV will apply the points based on the violation.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record in New York?

Points from a traffic violation stay on your record for 18 months from the date of the offense. However, the actual violation remains visible on your driving abstract for 4 years. For serious offenses like Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), the record may last longer.

Will Points from Traffic Violations in Other States Impact My New York License?

For most states, traffic violations will not result in points on your New York license, though the infraction may still appear on your record. However, violations in Ontario and Quebec are treated as if they occurred in New York, meaning points will be added accordingly. Always check with the DMV for specifics on interstate or international traffic violations.

After 18 months, points will fall off your driver's license. They will no longer factor into your insurance rates or count toward a license suspension. The New York State DMV assigns points for certain traffic violations. 

If you get 11 points in 18 months, your driving license may be suspended. While receiving points may not seem like a big deal, you could lose your license if you get 11 points on your record. 

Violating traffic laws could result in two main consequences for the accused: monetary fines and driving record points.  

How to Get Points Off Your License in NY?

You can complete an online defensive driving course to have the DMV forgive up to four points off your driving record. The points must have been added within the last 18 months. 

If you have questions regarding the exact number of points on your license, you can request a copy of your driving record from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. Not only do points put your driving privileges at risk, but your insurance premiums could significantly go up.

Understanding the impact that points could have, it makes it clear as to why you need to fight any citation you have been given. Please, do not hesitate to get in touch with our firm to learn how we could help you!

The New York DMV lawyers at Gannes & Musico, LLP are highly experienced in dealing with the New York DMV point system. We understand that these points can have dramatic effects on a person due to increased insurance rates, fines or license suspension. In order to prevent points from accruing on your license, please talk to a member of our team as soon as you receive notice of a traffic violation. With more than 30 years of collective experience and thousands of cases handled, we can capably fight on your behalf. 

Need help understanding the New York point system? Contact our New York City traffic point system lawyer today.