DMV Point System in New York

If you receive a traffic infraction in the state of New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles will assign points according to the severity of the violation. If you receive a certain number of points, you may lose some or all of your driving privileges.

How the NY Point System Works

If you receive a certain number of points within a given time period, your driver's license may be suspended. In New York, a suspension may occur if you receive 11 points within 18 months.

Your suspension period begins from the date of the violation. After 18 months, points for that violation may still appear on your record BUT will no longer count towards the total.

For individuals who have tallied 6 points or more within 18 months, you may also be required to pay a driver responsibility assessment fee. This fee is in addition to other fines and penalties, and will need to be paid over a period of 3 years.

Your license may be automatically suspended or revoked for any of the following offenses:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Failure to pay traffic fines.
  • Failure to file motor vehicle accident reports.
  • Unpaid taxes.
  • Lack of liability auto insurance.
  • Involvement in a motor vehicle accident resulting in a fatality.

How long your license is suspended or revoked will depend on the offense. For more information on how to reverse these decisions, please contact your local DMV.

Each time points are added to your license, insurance premiums may also be affected. Most insurance companies have internal point systems to calculate your premiums, so be sure to check with your own insurance provider if you have received points on your driving record. If you happen to be looking for an insurance company, you'll find some helpful suggestions in our insurance center.

Common Point Violations in NY

In New York, the number of points assigned to your driver record depends upon the violation for which you have been convicted.

Here are some examples of common infractions that may result in points being added to your driving record:

3-Point Violations

  • Failure to recognize a stop sign or traffic signal: 3 points.
  • Failure to obey child safety restraint regulations: 3 points.
  • Fleeing the scene of an accident when resulting in property damage or the injury of an animal: 3 points.

4-Point Violations

  • Speeding 11 to 20 MPH over the designated limit: 4 points.

5-Point Violations

  • Texting while driving: 5 points.
  • Reckless operation of a vehicle: 5 points.
  • Passing a school bus when stopped: 5 points.

6-Point Violations & Above

  • Speeding 21 to 30 MPH over the speed limit: 6 points.
  • Speeding 31 to 40 MPH over limit: 8 points.
  • Speeding more than 40 MPH over limit: 11 points.

For the complete list of point violations, please see the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles' website.

New York Point & Insurance Reduction

In New York, attending a state-approved Point & Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) can help you subtract points from your driving record and reduce your insurance rates.

Benefits of the program include:

  • Refreshed knowledge of defensive driving technique and laws.
  • A possible point subtraction of up to 4 points for the purposes of calculating a suspension.
  • A reduction of auto and motorcycle insurance premiums by 10%.

However, the program will not prevent or reverse:

  • Mandatory suspensions.
  • Revocations.
  • Payment of driver responsibility assessment fees.
  • Point violations which occur in the future.

You can learn more about a PIRP course on our New York Defensive Driving guide; if you need information on or a copy of your driver record, visit our page on Driving Records in New York.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review