New York’s Driving Points System Is Changing — Longer Look-Back, Higher Points, and Tougher Penalties Ahead
By Michael E. Beer, Esq. – NY Traffic & CDL Defense Lawyer
New York State is preparing to roll out one of the most significant traffic-law changes in decades—and it’s going to affect millions of drivers across NYC, Long Island, and Upstate.
The DMV is overhauling the Driver Violation Point System with:
Higher point values for key violations
Harsher penalties for repeat offenders
More mandatory DMV actions
A longer look-back period (24 months instead of 18)
The new rules are expected to take effect mid-February 2026, when the DMV launches its updated technology platform.
If you drive in New York—especially if you drive for work—this update matters.
Why Is NYS Toughening the Point System?
The DMV says the overhaul is designed to:
Identify unsafe drivers earlier
Trigger administrative penalties faster
Remove high-risk offenders from the road
Reduce the number of repeat violations
When the changes were first proposed in 2023, the DMV said the new rules would “bolster the ability to remove drivers who engage in risky behavior.”
In plain English:
Expect less forgiveness, more penalties, and more suspensions.
The Look-Back Period Is Increasing from 18 Months to 24 Months
This is one of the most impactful changes—and one many drivers will not notice until it’s too late.
Current Rule:
DMV counts points for the 18 months following a violation date.
New Rule (Effective 2026):
DMV will count points for 24 months—a full six months longer.
Why This Matters
More drivers will hit suspension-level point totals.
Old tickets will haunt drivers much longer.
Even two “minor” violations can push someone into trouble.
CDL drivers and young drivers will be hit especially hard.
A driver who currently would have “aged out” of a violation may now still have those points active for another half-year—often enough to trigger a DMV assessment, suspension, or insurance spike.
This single change will generate major consequences statewide.
Major Point Increases Under the New System
The new model dramatically increases the point values for several high-risk violations.
1. Drug- or Alcohol-Related Driving Convictions → 11 Points
Every DWI, DWAI, and drug-driving conviction will now add 11 points—the same as excessive speeding 40+ MPH over.
This is in addition to criminal, civil, and insurance penalties.
2. Work Zone Speeding → Automatically 8 Points
All work-zone speeding violations—no matter the speed over the limit—become 8-point violations.
Even 1–2 MPH over triggers the maximum penalty.
3. Passing a Stopped School Bus → Increasing from 5 Points to 8 Points
New York is treating school-bus compliance more seriously than ever.
This jump to 8 points will lead to:
Significant insurance increases
Higher likelihood of suspension
Major consequences for CDL holders
4. Permanent Revocation for Repeat Alcohol/Drug Offenders
Drivers with four or more alcohol- or drug-related driving convictions will face permanent license revocation, with no path to reinstatement.
This will especially impact drivers with older histories or multiple lifetime incidents.
Expanded Administrative Penalties: More Monitoring, Earlier Intervention
Beyond the point increases, the DMV is adding several administrative triggers.
4–6 Points → Early Warning Letter
Drivers will receive an official notice advising them they are approaching a risk threshold.
7–10 Points in 24 Months → Mandatory Driver Improvement Clinic
Drivers will be required to complete a DMV-approved course—an added time and financial cost.
More Frequent Case Reviews
The DMV will be reviewing driver records more aggressively, especially in borderline cases.
These administrative actions will happen before suspensions—but will still carry consequences and red flags for drivers and insurers.
How Police Staffing Shortages Tie Into These Changes
New York is experiencing reduced police staffing in many regions, including NYC and Nassau.
With fewer officers writing summonses, the state is leaning heavily on:
camera enforcement,
DMV data algorithms,
automated penalties,
and strict administrative actions.
Less human judgment means:
fewer breaks at the roadside,
fewer dismissals based on officer discretion,
more consistency—often harsher, and always automatic.
The new point system fits into this broader shift toward automated traffic enforcement.
What These Changes Mean for Everyday Drivers
1. Suspensions Will Become More Common
Longer look-back + higher points = more suspended licenses.
2. Insurance Premiums Will Increase Faster
Insurers will view 8- and 11-point violations as high-risk events.
3. DMV Fees Will Multiply
Expect more:
Driver Responsibility Assessments
Reinstatement fees
Civil penalties
Course fees
4. CDL Drivers Are at Greater Risk
An 8-point work-zone or school-bus violation can end a trucking career.
5. Minor Violations Matter More
Two tickets over two years—once manageable—could now be catastrophic.
What Drivers Should Do Now
Fight every ticket. The new penalties are too high to ignore.
Never plead guilty without legal advice. You might be triggering an 8-point hit.
Clean up your record before 2026. Old violations will remain “live” longer.
CDL drivers: treat every ticket as a crisis. The stakes are enormous.
If you’re near 6 points, call a lawyer immediately. Don’t wait for the warning letter.
Final Thoughts: This Is the Toughest Point System NY Has Ever Had
Between the increased look-back window and the spike in point penalties, New York is telling drivers:
Every violation matters.
Every point will hurt more.
And your driving record is more fragile than ever.
If you’ve received a ticket—or want to know how these new rules might affect you or your business—I’m here to help.
Michael E. Beer, Esq.
New York Traffic & CDL Defense Lawyer
5TownsTraffic.com
