How Does the New York DMV Point System Operate?

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) utilizes a point system to evaluate a driver's license when they are convicted of specific moving violations. The number of points assigned to each violation is determined by the severity of the offense. While many violations carry only two points, others can range from three to five points. For instance, passing a stopped school bus, reckless driving, and cell phone-related violations are considered serious and result in five points. Speeding tickets can range from 3 to 11 points, depending on how much the speed limit is exceeded. Accumulating 11 points within an 18-month period may lead to a suspension of your New York driver's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle. A Driver Responsibility assessment is assessed when you reach 6 points.

What is the New York Driver Responsibility Assessment?

When your license accumulates 6 or more points, the New York DMV imposes a Driver Responsibility Assessment. This assessment involves a $300 fee for the first 6 points and an additional $75 for each point beyond 6. For instance, if you have 9 points, you would be liable for a $525 Driver Responsibility Assessment. The fee can be paid over a three-year period.

How Many Points Are Attributed to a Speeding Ticket in NY?

The number of points for a speeding ticket in New York depends on the degree of the offense. Driving between 1 and 10 miles per hour over the speed limit or being convicted of driving at an unreasonable and imprudent speed results in 3 points. Speeding between 11 and 20 miles per hour over the speed limit incurs 4 points, while 21-30 mph over the limit leads to 6 points. Speeding between 31 and 40 mph over the limit results in 8 points, and exceeding the limit by 41 mph or more leads to 11 points, which may result in a license suspension.

How Can I Reduce the Number of Points on My License?

In New York, you can take an online defensive driving course to reduce up to four points from your driver's license. This course can only be taken once in an eighteen-month period and will not remove future points or bring your point total below zero. Additionally, some legal motions can be made to negotiate for a less severe violation, potentially reducing points. It's essential to note that the point reduction course does not affect points calculated for the Driver Responsibility Assessment.

How Long Do Points Stay on My NY DMV Record?

Points are not added to your license until you are convicted, not when the violation is issued. Depending on the court process, it may take over a year for points to be assessed on your license. However, the calculation of your point total is based on the date of the violation. If you contest the ticket, by the time points are added to your license, they might no longer be considered within the 18-month period.

Are Points from Out-of-State Convictions Added to My New York License?

Generally, points from out-of-state convictions are not added to your New York license. However, there is an exception for violations occurring in Ontario or Quebec, Canada. New York has a reciprocity agreement with these Canadian provinces, allowing points accrued there to be added to your New York license and potentially impact the Driver Responsibility Assessment or lead to suspension.

The following types of violations do not result in the assignment of points:

• Violations related to bicycles

• Violations involving pedestrians

• Parking-related violations

• Violations associated with the operation of an unregistered, unlicensed, or uninsured vehicle

•  Violations pertaining to vehicle inspections, vehicle weights or dimensions, or vehicle equipment, with the exception of insufficient service brakes

•  Violations tied to businesses or the sale of goods as defined by the Vehicle and Traffic Law or any local law

•  Violations concerning the improper use of High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (HOV)  in Suffolk County, specifically between exits 49 and 57 of the Long Island Expressway

• Any other violation unrelated to the operation of a motor vehicle

Check My Points

You use the MyDMV 'My License, Permit or ID' service to check your points.  You will need the ID number and document number from your most recently issued New York State

• driver license,

• learner permit, or

• non-driver ID

If you lost your document, renewed or ordered a new one recently and have not received it in the mail yet, you will need to wait for it to arrive before you can create a MyDMV account.  

Check my points through MyDMV

Below is a list of some of the frequent violations that occur in New York: