Overhaul Of NYS Driver Point System Comes Into Effect

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has overhauled its point system used to penalize drivers, and the changes could impact you significantly.

Up until now, if you racked up 11 points within 18 months, you faced the potential of having your driver’s license suspended. Under the new system, suspension is possible with 10 points in 24 months.

It’s also going to be easier for drivers to reach that 10-point threshold.

Many violations are increasing in points, for example:

-Speeding up to 10 miles over the limit used to be 3 points, now it’ll be 4

-Using your cell phone while driving is increasing from 5 to 6 points

-Failure to yield to a pedestrian will increase from 3 to 5 points

-Reckless driving will go from 5 to 8 points

“Construction zones are a particular new focus under the new law, even speeding one or two miles an hour over the limit in a construction zone, is an increased amount of points now,” Pam says.

There are also new point-carrying violations, for example:

– Equipment violations will now be 1 point each

– Illegal U-turns will add 2 points

– Obstructing traffic will also be a 2-point violation

– Failure to move over for emergency vehicles now carries a 3-point penalty