New and increased point values for serious driving infractions will take effect in New York beginning Monday, February 16, under changes announced by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Many serious violations will carry a higher number of points, and some infractions that previously had no points assigned will now receive significant point totals. In addition, the length of time points remain on a driver’s record will be extended, increasing the likelihood that drivers who accumulate multiple serious violations could face suspension or, in some cases, permanent revocation of their license.

“Unfortunately, AAA research shows that risky driving behaviors like distraction, speeding, and driving while impaired contribute to tens of thousands of traffic deaths each year,” said Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “We are hopeful the new points values for serious violations will send a strong message to bad drivers that they should change their behavior thereby saving lives.”

Impaired Driving: The maximum point value for a single violation will be 11 points. Any alcohol- or drug-related conviction or incident — including refusal to submit to a roadside chemical test — will now carry the full 11 points. Previously, these violations did not carry any points. Additionally, accumulating four alcohol- or drug-related convictions or incidents will lead to the permanent revocation of a driver’s license.

According to the New York State DMV, as published in the State Register, the need for this measure is underscored by the fact that one in five convicted impaired drivers in New York is a repeat offender, and 44 percent of fatal crashes statewide involve alcohol or drugs.

Unlicensed Operation and Speeding: Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, meaning a person drove while their license was suspended or revoked, will result in 11 points. Previously, there were no points assigned to such a violation. Also, a conviction of speeding more than 40 miles per hour over the speed limit will result in 11 points, but this was the case prior to the new point values.

School Buses: Emphasizing the need to protect the most vulnerable road users, children, the State Register notes that the points for passing or overtaking a stopped school bus will increase from five (5) to eight (8). This applies only to school bus tickets issued by law enforcement (not bus cameras). From 2020 through 2024, more than 9,000 school bus tickets were issued in New York State.

Bridge Strikes: An over-height vehicle violation or bridge hit previously resulted in no points; under the new regulations, eight (8) points will be assigned. In 2024, there were 350 bridge-hits statewide, primarily downstate.

Additional Changes: Leaving the scene of a personal injury crash will increase from three (3) to five (5) points. Facilitating the aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, meaning someone loaned their vehicle to a person with a suspended or revoked license, will jump from no point to five (5). And engaging in a speed contest or race will also increase from no points to five (5).

Driving Records: Also, under the new regulations, points will remain on a driver’s record for 24 months, up from 18. Currently, a person who accumulates 11 or more points within an 18-month period is deemed a persistent violator and is subject to a license suspension or revocation. The State Register says increasing the time frame from 18 months to 24 months allows the DMV to review a longer period of operation for when administrative action can be taken for a persistent violator and will result in an increase of 40 percent of drivers being classified as a persistent violator.

Taking a DMV-approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) course, such as an AAA Defensive Driving course, can help reduce points and insurance costs.