The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has implemented major changes to the driver’s license penalty system. These changes not only increase fines for various traffic violations but also revise the points system. According to the new rules, some violations can result in fines of up to $450 and up to 8 points added to a driver’s record.
Key Changes to the Driving Points System
The new rules now simplify and expedite the process for driver license suspension or revocation. Previously, a driver could only accumulate 11 points in 18 months. Now, this threshold has been reduced to 10 points, and the period has been extended to 24 months.
Only serious violations result in 11 points being added. These include:
- Alcohol- or drug-related offenses
- Driving without a license
- Serious reckless driving
Drivers involved in these violations face immediate license suspension.
Increased fines for driving violations
Under the new policy, several violations can now be fined up to $450. For example:
- Driving while using a mobile phone or other handheld device
- Overtaking a stopped school bus
- Speeding in a construction zone
Furthermore, if a driver ignores a vehicle height limit warning and collides with structures, both points and fines apply.
Governor Kathy Hochul Unveils Changes
These changes were implemented after a verification and approval process. Governor Kathy Hochul made them public in September 2023. These amendments were part of the “Achieving the New York Dream” agenda.
The amendment process included:
- Publishing the proposal in the State Registry
- Receiving public comments
- All steps were completed under the State Administrative Procedure Act.
Changes to Speed Limits in New York
The new rules also impose stricter penalties for speed limit violations. Now:
- Even speeding by just 1 mph can result in points and a fine.
- Every speed violation, even a minor one, will be recorded.
The tolerance limit prior to this move no longer applies.
New Points Table for Driving Violations
| Violation | Old Points | New Points | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol or drug-related offense | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Leaving the scene after a personal injury crash | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Aggravated unlicensed operation | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| Overtaking/passing a stopped school bus | 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Speeding in a construction zone | Based on speed | 8 | N/A |
| Over-height vehicle / bridge strike | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Failure to exercise due care | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Speed contests and races | 0 | 5 | 5 |
Traffic officers will now enforce these rules uniformly on all roads in the state.
A Warning for All Drivers
These changes apply to all legal drivers, regardless of their driving record. Now everyone must be more vigilant about their license and driving behavior, as the fines and points have increased.
Conclusion:
This new point system and increased penalties by the New York DMV are a major step in prioritizing road safety. Drivers must now strictly follow the rules and should not ignore even minor violations. The aim of this change is to reduce road accidents and ensure compliance with rules.
FAQs
Q. What is the maximum fine under the new DMV point system?
A. Fines can go up to $450 for certain traffic violations.
Q. How many points lead to a license suspension now?
A. Accumulating 10 points within 24 months can result in license suspension.
Q. Do all drivers in New York State follow this new system?
A. Yes, the changes apply to all drivers regardless of license type.
Q. Which violations carry the most points?
A. Aggravated unlicensed operation and alcohol/drug-related offenses carry the highest points.
Q. Has the speeding tolerance changed?
A. Yes, drivers can now receive points and fines for exceeding the speed limit by even 1 mph.
