New York Point System

How Many Points to Suspend License in NY?

The New York DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) has a specific point system in place that is meant to regulate drivers who receive too many traffic violations. While certain traffic offenses may result in an immediate driver’s license suspension, other simple traffic tickets will result in a specific number of points being added to a driver’s record. Accumulate enough points in a specific time period and you may face heavy fines or license suspension.

When you are convicted of a traffic offense, part of the penalty is a certain amount of points being placed on your driver's license. When you build up a certain amount of points, your driver's license could be taken away. Within an 18-month period, if you get a total of 11 points, your license could be suspended for a month. This may not sound like a serious penalty, could it could hinder your ability to take care of your family and get to work.

Following are the number of points which the New York DMV may assess for specific moving violations:

• Speeding (3-11 points)
• Driving Recklessly (5 points)
• Tailgating (4 points)
• Failing to Brake Properly (4 points)
• Using Cell Phone or Electronic Device (5 points)
• Child Without Seatbelt (3 points)
• Failing to Change Lanes or Pass Safely (3 points)
• Violating a Traffic Sign (3 points)
• Hit & Run (3 points)

It is important to know, however, that there are other ways your license could get taken away besides building up 11 points. For example, if you were given three speeding tickets within an 18 month period, your license could be immediately taken away, even if it did not add up to 11 points. Although the record of the citation will remain on your record for up to 3 years, the offense will not count as a point once it has been on your record for 18 months.

Violating traffic laws could result in two main consequences for the accused: monetary fines and driving record points. While receiving points may not seem like a big deal, you could lose your license if you get 11 points on your record. Therefore, every New York Driver should know if it’s possible to remove points from their records.

The Point & Insurance Reduction Program

As stated on New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles website, drivers can reduce their points (and insurance rates) by participating in a Defensive Driving Program (DDP). A DDP is a comprehensive driver safety course that tests the knowledge and techniques of drivers.

If a driver completes an approved DDP course, 4 points are ‘subtracted’ from his or her record when calculating a potential suspension. However, it should be noted that the points do not physically come off of the driver’s record; instead, they do not count towards the person’s point total. Additionally, if you received a mandatory license suspension from something like a DUI then this program will not grant you the return of your license.

A DDP course is the only way to ‘remove’ points from your record, but it’s possible to prevent points from going on your record by fighting traffic tickets in court.

How to Get Points Off Your License in NY?

If you have questions regarding the exact number of points on your license, you can request a copy of your driving record from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. Not only do points put your driving privileges at risk, but your insurance premiums could significantly go up. Understanding the impact that points could have, it makes it clear as to why you need to fight any citation you have been given. Please, do not hesitate to get in touch with our firm to learn how we could help you!

The New York DMV lawyers at Gannes & Musico, LLP are highly experienced in dealing with the New York DMV point system. We understand that these points can have dramatic effects on a person due to increased insurance rates, fines or license suspension. In order to prevent points from accruing on your license, please talk to a member of our team as soon as you receive notice of a traffic violation. With more than 30 years of collective experience and thousands of cases handled, we can capably fight on your behalf.

Need help understanding the New York point system? Contact our New York City traffic point system lawyer today.