By Kamal Ahmed
New York drivers will face increased penalties for traffic violations as the Department of Motor Vehicle’ (DMV) is going to implement an updated point system, which went into effect today.
The new points system is aimed at keeping the state’s roadways safe, the authorities say.
New York City witnessed 205 traffic deaths in 2025, making it the safest year on record since record-keeping began in 1910. The death toll dropped by 19% compared to the year 2024’s 253 deaths, according to the latest data available.
Still, roughly four New Yorkers lost their lives in traffic crashes every single week.
Under the changes in the new license points system, it will be easier for drivers to reach the threshold for a license suspension. Previously, the highest number of points a driver could receive was six for driving well over the speed limit. Now, two different violations will be worth 11 points, meaning a driver stopped for either one would automatically be over the threshold for license suspension.
The number of points needed to have a license revoked was reduced to 10, previously 11, and the look-back time was reduced to 24 months, previously 18 months.
Charles Murphy, president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, called the changes a crackdown on criminally negligent drivers.
Murphy said the updated point values are intended to address the causes of the most fatal crashes.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is going to lead to accidents, is going to lead to harm to the average person of New York,” he said, adding that the tougher penalties can work as a deterrent if drivers understand the new system.
“Unless we have the education that comes with these point changes, it’s not going to be helpful to the motorists of New York State, and it’s going to be more dangerous for my officers on the side of the road who are going to take longer to try and explain the point systems to the drivers,” he said.
The changes include five new violations:
- Any Alcohol- or Drug-Related Conviction or Incident: 11 points
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation: 11 points
- Over-height Vehicle/Bridge Strike: 8 points
- Facilitating Aggravated Unlicensed Operation: 5 points
- Speed Contests and Races: 5 points
In addition to increases for four pre-existing violations:
- Overtaking/Passing a Stopped School Bus: previously 5, now 8
- Speeding in a Construction Zone: previously based on speed, now 8 regardless of speed
- Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Crash: previously 3, now 5
- Failure to Exercise Due Care: previously 2, now 5