Drivers convicted of traffic offenses in New York will soon face stiffer penalties under new point system changes aimed at improving road safety.
New and increased point values for major violations take effect Monday, Feb. 16, under regulations announced by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. The changes raise point totals for many serious offenses, assign points to some violations that previously carried none, and extend how long points remain on a driver’s record.
State officials and safety advocates say the new rules are intended to deter dangerous behavior and reduce traffic deaths.
“Unfortunately, AAA research shows that risky driving behaviors like distraction, speeding, and driving while impaired contribute to tens of thousands of traffic deaths each year,” said Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “We are hopeful the new points values for serious violations will send a strong message to bad drivers that they should change their behavior.”
Impaired Driving
Under the new regulations, any alcohol or drug-related conviction or incident, including refusal to submit to a chemical test, will now carry the maximum 11 points. Previously, these violations did not result in points.
Drivers who accumulate four alcohol or drug-related convictions or incidents will face permanent revocation of their license. State officials say one in five convicted impaired drivers in New York is a repeat offender, and 44 percent of fatal crashes statewide involve alcohol or drugs.
Unlicensed Operation and Speeding
Aggravated unlicensed operation will now result in 11 points. These violations previously carried no points.
Speeding more than 40 miles per hour over the limit will continue to carry 11 points.
School Bus Violations
Points for passing or overtaking a stopped school bus will increase from five to eight. The change applies only to tickets issued by law enforcement, not automated bus cameras.
From 2020 through 2024, more than 9,000 school bus tickets were issued statewide.
Bridge Strikes and Other Changes
Drivers who strike bridges or commit over-height vehicle violations will now receive eight points. Previously, these offenses carried no points. In 2024, officials recorded 350 bridge strikes statewide, mostly in downstate areas.
Other changes include:
Leaving the scene of a personal injury crash: increased from three to five points
Lending a vehicle to a suspended or revoked driver: increased from zero to five points
Participating in a speed contest or race: increased from zero to five points
Longer Record Period
Points will now remain on a driver’s record for 24 months, up from 18 months.
Under current law, drivers who accumulate 11 or more points within 18 months are considered persistent violators and may face suspension or revocation. Expanding the review period to two years is expected to increase the number of drivers classified as persistent violators by about 40 percent, according to state officials.
AAA Western and Central New York serves more than 850,000 members across the region, providing travel, insurance, financial, and automotive services, and has long advocated for roadway safety.
