We’ve all been there where we are running late for work or in a hurry to get someplace. We may drive a little faster. Maybe we don’t fully yield at a right-on-red. Then, out of nowhere, a police officer is pulling us over and issuing a ticket.
In New York, a point system is used when you are convicted—found guilty of—a moving violation. If you rack up 11 or more points in an 18-month period, you can say goodbye to your driving privileges, as the DMV will issue a New York State license suspension.
Points can add up in numerous ways. For example, failing to yield the right-of-way earns you 3 improper turn points on your license. If you were speeding, New York has a sliding scale based on how fast you were going:
- 1 to 10: 3 Points
- 11 to 20: 4 Points
- 21 to 30: 6 Points
- 31 to 40: 8 Points
- Over 40: 11 Points
So, if you were speeding by more than 40 mph, that’s 11 points right there, so that means an automatic license suspension.
License suspensions can either be definite or indefinite, depending on the moving violations. Definite suspensions have a specific start and end date. Indefinite suspensions do not have an end date. Often, you must complete a particular action; once you do, then the DMV will change the indefinite suspension to a definite suspension.
Just keep in mind, getting too many points is not the only way you can have your license suspended or even revoked in New York.
Other Reasons for License Suspensions in New York
In addition to accumulating points, there are several other violations that can lead to a suspended license in New York.
These include:
- Failing to pay child support or parking fines
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Refusing a breathalyzer test
- Involvement in serious traffic accidents
- Failing to file required insurance documents
- Ignoring multiple traffic summons
While points may be the most common reason, it’s important to remember that non-driving offenses can also lead to serious consequences. Staying on top of your responsibilities both on and off the road is essential to maintaining your driving privileges.
What Happens if You Drive with a Suspended License?
Driving in New York on a suspended license is never a good idea. It is a criminal offense. It can be either a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the circumstances. If convicted and found guilty of the offense, you could face a minimum fine of $200 and 30 days in jail to a maximum fine of $5,000, with a longer period of incarceration.1
How Do You Get a Suspended License Reinstated?
If your license has been suspended in New York, getting it reinstated involves several steps depending on the reason for the suspension. You’ll need to complete any required courses, pay any associated fines or fees, and submit necessary paperwork to the DMV.
For indefinite suspensions, you must resolve the underlying issue, such as paying overdue child support or responding to traffic summons, before your license can be reinstated. Once these requirements are met, you may apply to have your driving privileges restored, but the DMV may still require you to wait for a set period before you can get back on the road.
Reinstating a suspended license comes with financial consequences beyond just fines. There are suspension termination fees, potential costs for required courses, and increased insurance premiums. You may also face fees for unpaid tickets or child support that led to the suspension. Understanding these costs can motivate drivers to stay on top of their obligations and avoid suspension altogether.
How Speeding Tickets Impact Your Insurance
Receiving a speeding ticket in New York can significantly affect your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies view speeding violations as a sign of risky driving, which often results in higher premiums. Even a single minor speeding ticket can cause a noticeable increase in costs. According to a 2024 analysis by NerdWallet, premiums typically go up by about 25%.2 The more serious the violation, such as excessive speeding, the higher the impact on your insurance costs.
For repeat offenders or those caught driving far above the speed limit, the consequences can be even more severe. Multiple tickets or reckless driving charges may lead to your insurance company canceling your policy or refusing to renew it. In some cases, you may be forced to seek coverage from high-risk insurance providers, which can be substantially more expensive. Taking steps to avoid tickets or reduce points can help minimize the long-term financial burden.
How Do You Get Points Removed from Your NY Driving Record?
If you are getting close to 11 points or have already exceeded it, you can enroll in a Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) a.k.a. online defensive driving course. Completing this online course will “forgive” four points from your driving record.
However, those points do not go away, and they do remain on your record. So, if you have 11 points, and you complete your IPIRP online driving course, the NY DMV will not count up to 4 points when counting your total, leaving you with only 7 points counted toward any penalties and/or license suspension. Yet, your driving record will still show 11 points.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your NY Driving Record?
Points incurred from a moving violation stay on your New York driving record for 18 months, but the traffic violations themselves can remain on your record for as long as 4 years.
For example, if you had a moving violation conviction on October 15, 2024. The points would stay on your license until April 15, 2026. The conviction would not fall off until January 1, 2028. New York removes convictions on the 1st of January of the fourth year.
Long-Term Consequences
Traffic violations can have far-reaching consequences beyond just higher insurance rates. Employers who run background checks might view frequent or serious violations as a red flag, particularly if the job involves driving. Certain violations, such as DUIs or reckless driving, can stay on your record for even longer and carry weight in future legal proceedings. It’s important to understand that your driving record follows you and can impact different aspects of your life for years.
Why Complete My PIRP Online?
The primary benefit of completing your PIRP as an online defensive driving course is you can access the content on any device, 24/7, from just about anywhere. You don’t have to rearrange your busy schedule to go sit in a classroom full of people at a set time, either. You can complete it at your own pace from the comfort and safety of your own home, or anywhere with internet access. Best of all, there is no final exam to worry about! The course uses a short quiz at the end of each unit while the information is still fresh on your mind.
To learn more about taking your PIRP online, or to enroll, please feel free to sign up for Ticket School’s Internet Point Insurance Reduction Program (IPIRP) online defensive driving course today! You can register right through the website. You can call us at (800) 558-9887 if you need assistance or have further questions about our state-approved driving courses.
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