Effective February 16, 2026, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) implemented a major overhaul of its driver point system, significantly increasing the penalties motorists face for traffic violations. Under the updated regulations, several serious offenses that previously carried low or no points now result in much higher point assignments — with alcohol- or drug-related convictions and aggravated unlicensed operation now adding 11 points to a driving record, and common violations such as speeding in work zones or passing a stopped school bus now carrying 8 points. The new rules also extend the period in which the DMV can count points from 18 months to 24 months, meaning infractions will influence a driver’s record for a longer time and make it easier to reach thresholds that trigger administrative action.
New York DMV Point System Changes
Effective February 16, 2026
| Violation | Points Before 2/16/2026 | Points Beginning 2/16/2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol- or Drug-Related Conviction/Incident | 0 | 11 |
| Aggravated Unlicensed Operation | 0 | 11 |
| Speeding in a Construction Zone | Varied by Speed | 8 (Flat) |
| Passing a Stopped School Bus | 5 | 8 |
| Over-Height Vehicle / Bridge Strike | 0 | 8 |
| Leaving Scene of Personal Injury Crash | 3 | 5 |
| Failure to Exercise Due Care | 2 | 5 |
| Facilitating Aggravated Unlicensed Operation | 0 | 5 |
| Speed Contests / Races | 0 | 5 |
Important: The DMV now reviews violations over a 24-month period instead of 18 months. A license suspension may occur at 10 points within 24 months.
The following is a list of common tickets that have remained unchanged:
1110A Failure to obey traffic control device - 2 points
1120A Failed to keep right - 3 points
1144A - Failure to Move Over for emergency vehicle - 2 points
1180B and 1180D - Speeding
11-20 MPH over the speed limit - 4 points
21-30 MPH over the speed limit - 6 points
31-40 MPH over the speed limit - 8 points
41+ MPH over the speed limit - 11 points and automatic NY license suspension
1212 Reckless Driving - 5 points and unclassified misdemeanor
1225C and 1225D - Use of cell phone/electronic device - 5 points
It is important to avoid accumulating points on your NY drivers license. If you accumulate 6 or more points in an 24 month period you will be subject to drivers assessment fee. This fee is $300 for 6 points and an additional $75 for each point over 6.