New York’s Traffic Violation Point System

Like most states, New York issues fines and fees for traffic infractions. But New York also keeps track of and penalizes moving violation convictions using a point system. This article explains New York's traffic ticket point system, including the consequences of getting too many points on your record.

How Does New York's Traffic Ticket Point System Work?

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns points for each moving violation conviction. The number of points loosely corresponds to the seriousness of the offense (see chart below).

New York drivers who rack up too many points face license-related consequences. A driver might have to complete a driver improvement client (traffic school) or actually lose his or her driving privileges.

The good news is that points don't count against you forever, and drivers have options for removing points from their records (explained below).

License Suspension and Class Requirements for Traffic Violation Points in New York

When a driver accumulates four points within a year, the DMV will issue a warning letter informing the driver of the current point total and the penalties for future violations.

New York's Driver Improvement Clinic Requirement

A driver with seven to ten points will be required to complete a driver improvement clinic. Failure to timely complete the clinic will result in license suspension.

When Points Can Lead to License Suspension in New York

The DMV can issue a notice to appear for a hearing after the driver has accumulated:

• at least 11 points in 18 months
• at least nine points in 18 months related to speeding violations,
• at least four points in 12 months if the driver has a previous hearing notice within the last 12 months, or
• three moving violations within a relatively short period of time, which would indicate a danger to other drivers.

At the hearing, the hearing officer will review the driver's record and can order the driver's license be revoked or suspended.

Points Can Lead to Assessment Fees in New York

A driver with at least six points in 18 months will be assessed a driver responsibility assessment fee. The fee is $100 per year for three years, with an additional $25 per year for each point above six.

Avoiding Point Suspensions in New York

Before reaching 11 points, a driver can take a motor vehicle accident prevention course to remove up to four demerit points. This option is available only once every 18 months and does not affect the driver responsibility assessment fee.

Getting a Restricted License After a New York Point Suspension

A suspended driver can apply for a restricted-use license. The license authorizes limited operation to and from work or school but only during certain hours and along certain routes.

Points Values for Specific Violations in New York

New York assigns the following point values to moving violations. Most out-of-state convictions do not result in points.

Violation	Points Assessed
Unlisted violation	2
Speeding 40 or more miles per hour over the limit	11
Speeding 30 to 40 miles per hour over the limit	8
Speeding 20 to 30 miles per hour over the limit	6
Reckless driving	5
Passing stopped school bus	5
Cellphone violation	5
Railroad crossing violation	5
Speeding 10 to 20 miles per hour over the limit	4
Tailgating	4
Inadequate brakes	4
Excessive speed for conditions	3
Speeding less than 10 miles per hour over limit	3
Traffic control sign violation	3
Improper passing	3
Improper lane	3
Leaving scene of animal injury accident	3
Child under 16 years old seat belt violation	3
Insurance or registration violation	2
Vehicle inspection violation	2
Parking violations	2
Failure to yield to pedestrian or bicyclist	2
High-occupancy lane violation	2