How did the New York Traffic Ticket point system change in 2026?
What is the New York DMV point system?
The point system is how the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles tracks convictions for moving violations. When you are convicted of certain traffic offenses, points are added to your driving record. The DMV uses this system to identify high-risk drivers and determine when to take actions like suspending licenses. George Selby, Esq. has already had many cases subject to the new problems caused by these changes.
What major changes were made to the point system in 2026?
New rules went into effect in February 2026 that make the system stricter in several ways:
The point tracking period was extended from 18 months to 24 months. This means violations count toward your total for a longer time.
The threshold for triggering a possible license suspension was lowered; now accumulating 10 points within 24 months can lead to suspension instead of the prior standard of 11 points in 18 months.
Many violations now carry higher point values, and some offenses that previously had no points now do.
Which violations now carry more points?
Under the updated system:
Speeding in a construction zone carries 8 points regardless of how fast you were going.
Passing a stopped school bus now carries 8 points (up from 5).
Alcohol- or drug-related convictions and aggravated unlicensed operation are now penalized with 11 points.
Other serious offenses like leaving the scene of a personal injury crash or failure to exercise due care also now carry more points.
How many points will I get under the New Laws?
The DMV has provided the following list on their website after the new updates. This list shows the common traffic violations as well as their current point values. Some of these point values have increased, NONE of them have been reduced!
DWI/ DWAI / Aggravated DWI / DWAI Drugs 11 Points
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 1st, 2nd, or 3rd 11 Points
Speed in a Construction Zone 8
Over-Height Vehicles 8
Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident 5
Facilitating Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 5
Speed Contests and Races 5
Speeding - 1 to 10 MPH over posted limit 3
Speeding - 11 to 20 MPH over posted limit 4
Speeding - 21 to 30 MPH over posted limit 6
Speeding - 31 to 40 MPH over posted limit 8
Speeding - Over 40 MPH over posted limit 11
Failed to stop for school bus 8
Reckless driving 5
Improper cell phone use 5
Use of portable electronic device "texting" 5
Railroad crossing violation 5
Inadequate Brakes (employer's vehicle) 4
Failed to yield the right-of-way 3
Red Light 3
Disobeying traffic control signal, STOP sign, or YIELD sign 3
Improper passing, changing lanes unsafely 3
Driving left of center, in the wrong direction 3
Leaving the scene of a property damage incident 3
Child safety restraint violation 3
Disobeying a traffic control device 3
No seatbelt driver/passenger 16 years or older 3
Most other moving violations 2
Failure to signal 2
Improper turn 2
Tinted window 0
Unregistered 0
Uninspected 0
Faulty equipment 0
How long do points stay on your driving record?
Under the new rules, points from violations count toward your total for 24 months from the date of the offense. After that, they no longer count toward suspension calculations, but the violations remain on your driving record and can still influence insurance rates.
What happens if I reach the point threshold?
Accumulating 10 or more points within 24 months can lead to:
License suspension or revocation proceedings
Mandatory DMV hearings
Higher insurance premiums
Drivers may also face Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) fees if they reach certain point levels.
How can drivers reduce points or avoid penalties?
Eligible drivers can take a Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) — a defensive driving course — to reduce their point total for suspension calculations and also save on insurance premiums.
Why do these changes matter?
Overall, the update means:
· Drivers can reach suspension thresholds with fewer violations because the point limit is lower and points stick around longer.
· Even “minor” violations like broken lights or illegal turns can now contribute to a suspension.
· Insurance companies may raise rates based on higher point totals on your record.
If you need help with a traffic ticket in Ulster, Dutchess, Orange County, or anywhere in Upstate New York, contact Selby Legal and benefit from our decade of experience in traffic matters and our top rated service directly from George Selby.