REMINDER: Starting February 16, some of the most serious New York traffic violations will start having increased point values against driver’s licenses

ALBANY, NY- Drivers beware… starting Monday, February 16, some of the most serious traffic violations in New York will start carrying much stiffer points against driver’s licenses.

According to the New York DMV, this points system overhaul is designed to strengthen the state’s ability to keep persistently dangerous drivers off the roads and protect everyone else who drives, rides, walks, or bikes in communities across the state.

In addition to the updated points, these regulations adjust the time frame in which DMV can take administrative action against a persistent violator, going from an 18-month look back to a 24-month look back.

“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 DMV Commissioner, Mark Schroeder.

Many existing point assignments, such as the five points for any violation 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.

The changes were first announced as proposed regulatory amendments in September 2023, following Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2023 State of the State proposal to get high-risk and dangerous drivers off New York’s roads.

They went through the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA) process, including multiple postings in the State Register and public comment periods.

A prior regulatory change, which allows for permanent license denial for anyone with four alcohol- or drug-related convictions or incidents became enforceable in January 2025.

NYS DMV images.