DMV reminds drivers of new point values for violations

ALBANY | Beginning Feb. 16, new points will be assigned for the most serious traffic violations, e.g., alcohol- and drug-related violations go up, points for excessive speeding and passing school buses also go up. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding motorists that beginning Monday, Feb. 16, some of the most serious traffic violations will have increased point values. These changes are aimed at strengthening the state's ability to keep persistently dangerous drivers off the roads and protect everyone else who drives, rides, walks, or bikes in communities across the state. Key changes include the following: Offense&emsp; Points for Violations before 2/16/26 Points for Violations after 2/16/26 Any Alcohol- or Drug-Related Conviction or Incident 0 11 Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 0 11 Overtaking Stopped School Bus 5 8 Speeding in Construction Zone Based on Speed 8 Over-height Vehicle /Bridge Strike 0 8 Leaving Scene of Personal Injury Crash 3 5 Failure to Exercise Due Care 2 5 In addition to the updated points, these regulations adjust the time frame in which DMV can take administrative action against a persistent violator, going from an 18-month look back to a 24-month look back. Many existing point assignments, such as the five points for any violation involving a mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving, or zero points for equipment violations, will remain as they are, with no additional changes. "These updated regulations will have no impact on drivers who follow the rules of the road, but they will have a big impact on dangerous drivers and repeat offenders whose poor choices always put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk," said NYS DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder. "Our job is to make sure that New York's roads are safe for everyone, and if someone chooses to be reckless and unsafe, they do not deserve to be behind the wheel, period." The changes were first announced as proposed regulatory amendments in September 2023, following Governor Kathy Hochul's 2023 State of the State proposal to get high-risk and dangerous drivers off New York's roads. They went through the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA) process, including multiple postings in the State Register and public comment periods. A prior regulatory change, which allows for permanent license denial for anyone with four alcohol- or drug-related convictions or incidents became enforceable in January 2025.

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DMV reminds drivers of new point values for violations

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