The New York Department of Motor Vehicles tracks all information associated with residents’ drivers’ licenses. This includes any violations such as speeding tickets, drunk driving convictions or license suspensions. Every type of violation is assigned a certain number of points and drivers who amass multiple points over a certain time period may face specific penalties.
Some important things that drivers should know about the point system include:
- Points are only added for actual convictions.
- All traffic convictions occurring in the state of New York as well as Ontario and Quebec will result in points on a New York driving record.
- Drivers who receive more than five points in an 18-month time span may be forced to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee.
- Drivers who receive more than 10 points in an 18-month time span may have their drivers’ licenses suspended.
- Violation dates, not conviction dates, are used to tally up points over a specific period of time.
The number of points drivers may receive varies based upon the violation. A speeding ticket conviction can result in anywhere from three to 11 points being added to a driving record. This range is due to the rate of speed of the driver relative to the posted speed limit. For example, driving 70 miles per hour in a 60 mile per hour zone will result in fewer points than driving 50 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone will. Texting while driving will add five points to a license.
The driver point system can hurt drivers through increased insurance premiums or even loss of driving privileges. Tracking your driving record can be a good idea and may help to prevent these situations.
This information is general in nature and not intended to provide actual legal advice.