DMV Point System

We all want to score points―in games, with the boss, on a credit report― but you don't want to score points on your driving record. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles issues points on your license for certain types of traffic violation convictions, and more is definitely not better.

New York's point system is designed to identify drivers who commit many traffic violations in a short period of time. In other words, dangerous drivers. While we all sometimes make mistakes and one or two minor offenses isn't usually enough for the DMV to suspend or revoke your license, several violations raise a red flag indicating that the DMV might need to take action.

And while multiple offenses can result in the DMV suspending or revoking your license, all it takes is one or two slip-ups for the department to assess you a hefty annual "driver responsibility" fee of at least $100 for three years.

The DMV isn't the only organization to worry about. Not only will you have to pay court fines and DMV assessment fees for moving violations, but insurance companies have their own independent point systems and can increase your premiums based on your driving record.

Insurers check your record when they renew your policy, and sometimes all it takes is one speeding ticket to jack up your rates. In extreme cases, you risk having your insurance cancelled outright if the company decides your driving habits put you at greater odds of becoming involved in an accident. At that point it may become difficult for you to find another insurer willing to cover you, and driving without insurance is illegal and carries significant penalties in New York (including losing your license for at least one year).

Beyond that, if you are dinged 11 points for traffic convictions in an 18-month period, the New York DMV may suspend or revoke your license for (usually) 31 days. You may be given the option to appear for a hearing with an administrative law judge to argue that someone else committed the offense instead of you, but be careful: The judge may actually increase the period of suspension or revocation originally imposed by the DMV. Points are assessed according to the date of the offense, not the date of the conviction.

NEW YORK DMV POINT SYSTEM

• Speeding (1-10 MPH over posted limit): 3 points
• Speeding (11-20 MPH over posted limit): 4 points
• Speeding (21-30 MPH over posted limit): 6 points
• Speeding (31-40 MPH over posted limit): 8 points
• Speeding (more than 40 MPH over posted limit): 11 points
• Reckless driving: 5 points
• Failing to stop for a school bus: 5 points
• Following too closely (tailgating): 4 points
• Inadequate brakes: 4 points
• Inadequate brakes while driving an employer's vehicle: 2 points
• Failing to yield right-of-way: 3 points
• Violation involving a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign: 3 points
• Railroad-crossing violation: 3 points
• Improper passing, unsafe lane change, driving left of center, or driving in wrong direction: 3 points
• Leaving the scene of an incident involving property damage or injury to a domestic animal: 3 points
• Safety restraint violation involving a person under 16: 3 points
• Any other moving violation: 2 points

The point system is not the only way to lose your license; there are mandatory suspensions and revocations outside this classification. For example, your license will be suspended for three speeding violations within 18 months even if your total is less than 11 points. And serious offenses such as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs carry serious consequences, starting with a six-month license revocation.

While the traffic convictions themselves remain on your record for at least three years, the points are automatically removed from your total 18 months after committing an offense. You may also remove four points from your total by completing an accident-prevention course approved by the DMV (read the DMV's Point and Insurance Reduction Program brochure).

The DMV has provided a summary of the state point system, and you might also want to read in detail about other traffic offenses and reasons you might lose your license.

Driver Responsibility Program

New York is unique in countless wonderful ways, but one matchless feature that bad drivers won't like is how the state tries to prevent traffic offenders from repeating their problem behavior. Sure, you'll pay penalties, fines, and fees for the violation itself, plus the reinstatement fees you'll pay to get your license back after a revocation. But even decent drivers who maybe got a little careless once or twice will find themselves subject to a "driver responsibility assessment"―a fine paid once a year for three years to the DMV.

The kicker is that you only need to accumulate six points in an 18-month period to be subjected to this assessment, and the monetary dent is significant: $100 a year for six points plus $25 a year for each additional point, for three years. Alcohol- or drug-related traffic violations cost $250 a year for three years. Read more about New York's Driver Responsibility Program.

How to Get Your License Back

You must pay $35 to terminate a suspension (you may do this online or at a local DMV office). To reapply for a license that has been revoked, you must appear in person and pay an additional $50 reapplication fee in addition to the normal driver license application fees.