The New York driver point system was implemented to control the behavior of high-risk drivers who commit and have been convicted of multiple traffic violations. The system issues points in an amount which is specific to the severity of the traffic violation committed. Drivers that receive a certain number of points may incur fines or suspension of their license.
Which Violations Result in Points?
NY drivers license points are specifically assigned to traffic violations. Examples of traffic violations include:
- Speeding
- Failure to stop for a school bus
- Texting while driving
- Running a red light
- Reckless driving
- Improper child safety restraint
This means bicycle, pedestrian and parking violations are not assigned points. Additionally, unregistered, unlicensed or uninsured operation violations do not count, as well as violations related to motor vehicle inspections, weights, or dimensions.
What Are the Consequences of Accumulating Points?
Should a driver accumulate 6 or more points within 18 months, they will be required to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee.
Should a driver accumulate 11 points within 18 months, their license can be suspended for a month.
Additionally, a driver’s auto insurance company may choose to increase insurance premiums based on their driving record.
Is It Possible to Reduce Your Total Number of Violation Points?
Yes—while the violations themselves can remain on a driver’s record for a number of years, there are ways to have NYS DMV points not counted for the purposes of penalties (assessments, suspensions, or revocations). One of them is to sign up for a New York Point & Insurance Reduction Program.
Ticket School offers an ultra-convenient Internet Point & Insurance Reduction Program (IPIRP) that meets all the requirements for New York drivers. Completion of this 100% online, six-hour defensive driving course qualifies applicants to have up to 4 points not counted on their driving record and receive a mandatory 10% auto insurance discount.
Looking for more information regarding the New York driver point system? Below, we’ll highlight the most common traffic violations and their assigned points, as well as how point totals are calculated.
