New York assigns driver violation points to your record upon conviction of moving violations under the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL). Points are calculated as of the date of the violation. As of February 16, 2026, the NY DMV uses an updated point schedule and a 24-month lookback (previously 18 months) for the 11-point suspension threshold.
| Violation | VTL section | Pts (pre 2/16/26) | Pts (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1–10 mph over limit | VTL §1180 | 3 | 3 |
| Speeding 11–20 mph over limit | VTL §1180 | 4 | 4 |
| Speeding 21–30 mph over limit | VTL §1180 | 6 | 6 |
| Speeding 31–40 mph over limit | VTL §1180 | 8 | 8 |
| Speeding more than 40 mph over limit | VTL §1180 | 11 | 11 |
| Speeding (unspecified) | VTL §1180 | 3 | 3 |
| Reckless driving | VTL §1212 | 5 | 5 |
| Failure to stop for school bus | VTL §1174 | 5 | 8 |
| Following too closely (tailgating) | VTL §1129 | 4 | 4 |
| Improper / unsafe lane change | VTL §1128 | 3 | 3 |
| Improper passing | VTL §1122 | 3 | 3 |
| Driving left of center / wrong way | VTL §1126 | 3 | 3 |
| Leaving scene of personal injury crash | VTL §600 | 3 | 5 |
| Aggravated unlicensed operation (AUO) | VTL §511 | 0 | 11 |
| Disobeying a traffic control signal | VTL §1110 | 2 | 3 |
| Failure to stop at stop sign | VTL §1172 | 2 | 3 |
| Failure to yield right of way | VTL §1140–1146 | 3 | 3 |
| Railroad crossing violation | VTL §1170 | 5 | 5 |
| Cell phone use while driving | VTL §1225-c | 5 | 5 |
| Texting while driving | VTL §1225-d | 5 | 5 |
| Inadequate brakes (employer veh.) | VTL §375 | 2 | 2 |
| Inadequate brakes (non-employer veh.) | VTL §375 | 4 | 4 |
| Speeding in a construction zone | VTL §1180-f | 3–11 | 8 |
| Child safety restraint violation | VTL §1229-c | 3 | 3 |
| Seat belt violation (driver/passenger 16+) | VTL §1229-c | 0 | 0 |
| Move-Over Law violation | VTL §1144-a | 2 | 3 |
| Open container of alcohol | VTL §1227 | 0 | 0 |
| DWI / DWAI / Aggravated DWI | VTL §1192 | 0 | 11 |
| Other moving violation | VTL (various) | 2 | 2 |
| Driving without a license | VTL §509 | 0 | 0 |
| Driving without insurance | VTL §319 | 0 | 0 |
| Unregistered vehicle | VTL §401 | 0 | 0 |
Under the 2026 rules, the NY DMV can suspend your license if you accumulate 11 or more points within any 24-month period. The previous threshold was 11 points within 18 months. Drivers with 7–10 points may be required to attend a mandatory DMV safety clinic. Drivers with 4+ alcohol or drug convictions will have their driving privileges permanently revoked.
The Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) is a state fee owed directly to the DMV when you accumulate 6 or more points within 18 months. The base fee is $100/year for 3 years ($300 total) for 6 points. Each additional point above 6 adds $25/year ($75 total per point). A DWI or DWAI conviction triggers a separate $750 DRA fee. Failure to pay the DRA results in license suspension.
No. Points are only added to your record upon conviction — meaning after you plead guilty, pay the fine, or are found guilty in court. If you contest a ticket and win, no points are added. Points are dated as of the date of the violation (not the conviction date), which matters for the 24-month lookback calculation.
Significant changes took effect February 16, 2026: DWI/DWAI now carries 11 points (was 0); passing a stopped school bus increased from 5 to 8 points; leaving the scene of a personal injury crash increased from 3 to 5; aggravated unlicensed operation went from 0 to 11 points; speeding in a construction zone is now a flat 8 points regardless of speed; and the lookback period expanded from 18 to 24 months.
Yes — and it's often worth it. Pleading not guilty and requesting a hearing gives you the opportunity to have the charge reduced or dismissed. Traffic attorneys frequently negotiate reductions to non-moving violations (0 points) or have tickets dismissed entirely.
Usually yes. New York participates in the Driver License Compact (DLC) with most states. NY applies its own point values to reported violations — so the points on your NY record may differ from the issuing state's.
Commercial drivers face much harsher consequences under federal FMCSA rules. Two serious violations in 3 years = 60-day CDL disqualification; three serious violations = 120 days. Major violations such as DWI, leaving the scene, or using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony result in a 1-year disqualification on the first offense and lifetime on the second.
Yes. Drivers under 18 with a junior license (Class DJ/MJ) or learner permit face much stricter consequences. A single conviction for a serious violation, or two convictions totaling 2–3 points within six months, can trigger a 60-day suspension. A second conviction within six months of restoration results in revocation.
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Commercial Driver's License (CDL) analysis is based on federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Part 383) and general FMCSA enforcement guidance. CDL disqualification consequences are especially severe and frequently depend on factors not captured by this Tool, including whether you were operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of the violation, the hazmat endorsement, prior out-of-state violations, employer notification requirements (49 CFR §383.31), and pending civil/administrative actions. CDL holders should consult a qualified traffic attorney before pleading to any moving violation.
New York's revised Driver Violation Point System took effect February 16, 2026. Point values, the 24-month lookback period, and certain suspension thresholds changed on that date. This Tool attempts to apply the correct point schedule based on the violation date you enter, but you must verify the applicable rule with your court, attorney, or the DMV. Violations occurring before February 16, 2026 are generally governed by the prior schedule and 18-month lookback. Pending or transitional cases may be treated differently by individual courts.
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