New York State drivers face bigger penalties for traffic violations under updated DMV point system
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Heads up New York drivers: An updated point system for traffic violations takes effect Monday as part of a statewide effort to keep roads safe.
The updated point system including the most serious traffic violations have increased point values, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Many common traffic offenses will carry more points, including speeding and passing a stopped school bus. You'll now get 8 points, which is up from 5.
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For more serious violations, like a DWI or driving without a license, drivers could now face up to 11 points, putting their license at risk of suspension. The DMV is also lowering the limit that you could lose your license, at just 10 points over two years.
Now, points stay on your record for 24 months.
The new points system doesn't tolerate aggressive driving.
Speeding more than 40 miles per hour above the posted limit will result in 11 points.
Speeding in a construction zone will result in 8 points.
Tailgating is also increased to 5 points instead of the previous 4.
"These updated regulations will have no impact on drivers who follow the rules of the road, but they will have a big impact on dangerous drivers and repeat offenders whose poor choices always put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk," said NYS DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder.
"Our job is to make sure that New York's roads are safe for everyone, and if someone chooses to be reckless and unsafe, they do not deserve to be behind the wheel, period."
Many existing point assignments, such as incurring five points for violations involving a mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving, or zero points for equipment violations, will remain as they are with no additional changes.
In addition to the updated points, the DMV will also be able to take administrative action against a persistent violator with an expanded 24-month look back, up from 18 months.
Officials say the goal of the updated point system is to crack down on dangerous driving and get repeat offenders off the roads.
You can read more on the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles website.
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