Under New York traffic law, you can receive points on your driving record if you are convicted of traffic violations. The number of points you will receive can vary based upon the type of infraction committed. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, you can have your driver’s license suspended if you amass 11 points within an 18-month time period. Some speeding violations can result in 11 points at one time, making it important for you to know the status of your license and how many points different violations are worth.
Following is an overview of some traffic violations and how many points they can add to your record.
- Five points can be added for texting while driving, not stopping for a school bus, reckless driving or some use of a cell phone.
- Four points can be added if you follow another vehicle too closely or your vehicle’s brakes are not sufficient. If the vehicle is your employer’s, however, you will only receive two points for a brake violation.
- Three points can be added for not following signals or signs, not giving the right of way, fleeing an accident scene that damaged property or animals, driving the wrong way on a street or inappropriately changing lanes or passing another vehicle, improper railroad crossing and having passengers not adequately secured.
Speeding convictions can add anywhere from three to 11 points on a record. You will not receive points if you successfully fight a traffic ticket, only if you are convicted.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information about how many points different traffic violations can result in on a New York driving record.