The State of New York employs a point system to track unfit and dangerous motorists. Under the point system, the state allocates points to motorists if they commit driving offenses. A motorist’s point total has various different effects, such as determining insurance rates and driving privileges. Recently, the State of New York made massive changes to its Point System. In fact, it is the largest change made to the point system in decades. The changes went into effect on November 6, 2024. In a statement, the NY DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) said the changes would “bolster the ability to remove drivers who engage in risky behavior from New York roadways and make it more difficult for persistent violators to get back their driving privilege.” The changes are numerous.
First, points accumulated from an offense now remain on a motorist’s record for 24 months from the date of the offense. Previously these accumulated points only lasted 18 months. See 15 NYCRR 131.4 (c)(1) for more info.
Second, a number of offenses that did not previously carry any points violations will now carry them. DWIs (Driving while intoxicated) and DWAIs (Driving while ability impaired by alcohol) will carry 11 points. Aggravated unlicensed operation, i.e. driving when a motorist should have known or did in fact know they didn’t have driving privileges, will result in 11 points. Convictions for speed contests or races will now carry 5 points. Speeding through a highway construction or maintenance work area at a speed in excess of the posted work area speed limit will earn 8 points. Leaving the scene of a crash involving personal injury will now carry 5 points. Failure to use due care while driving, such as colliding with bicyclists, pedestrians, or domestic animals, will now carry 5 points. Striking an overpass will now carry 8 points.
Third, if a motorist’s license is revoked for alcohol or drug offenses, it will be more difficult for them to get the license reissued. Previously, a motorist with 5 or more drug or alcohol related offenses could not apply for a license. Now, a motorist with 4 or more drug or alcohol related incidents cannot apply for a license.
Fourth, a motorist that accrues 4-6 points in a 24 month period will receive a warning letter from the DMV. If a motorist accrues 7-10 points in a 24 month period they will have to attend a mandatory driver improvement clinic.
Finally, the DMV has made it easier for them to request an official hearing be issued in regards to a motorist’s driving. If a motorist accrues 3 or more points violations in an “unusually short period of time” they will have to attend such a hearing.
These changes have a large impact on the rules of the road in New York. As such, It is important to always keep abreast of any new developments in New York Motorist laws. If you have been injured as the result of an incident on a roadway caused by another’s negligence, Zalman Schnurman & Miner P.C. can help. Our team has over 30 years of experience representing injured motorists and passengers. For a free consultation, reach out to our firm over email at info@1800lawline.com or over the phone at 212-668-0059.
The State of New York employs a point system to track unfit and dangerous motorists. Under the point system, the state allocates points to motorists if they commit driving offenses. A motorist’s point total has various different effects, such as determining insurance rates and driving privileges. Recently, the State of New York made massive changes to its Point System. In fact, it is the largest change made to the point system in decades.
The changes went into effect on November 6, 2024. In a statement, the NY DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) said the changes would “bolster the ability to remove drivers who engage in risky behavior from New York roadways and make it more difficult for persistent violators to get back their driving privilege.” The changes are numerous.
First, points accumulated from an offense now remain on a motorist’s record for 24 months from the date of the offense. Previously these accumulated points only lasted 18 months. See 15 NYCRR 131.4 (c)(1) for more info.
Second, a number of offenses that did not previously carry any points violations will now carry them. DWIs (Driving while intoxicated) and DWAIs (Driving while ability impaired by alcohol) will carry 11 points. Aggravated unlicensed operation, i.e. driving when a motorist should have known or did in fact know they didn’t have driving privileges, will result in 11 points. Convictions for speed contests or races will now carry 5 points. Speeding through a highway construction or maintenance work area at a speed in excess of the posted work area speed limit will earn 8 points. Leaving the scene of a crash involving personal injury will now carry 5 points. Failure to use due care while driving, such as colliding with bicyclists, pedestrians, or domestic animals, will now carry 5 points. Striking an overpass will now carry 8 points.
Third, if a motorist’s license is revoked for alcohol or drug offenses, it will be more difficult for them to get the license reissued. Previously, a motorist with 5 or more drug or alcohol related offenses could not apply for a license. Now, a motorist with 4 or more drug or alcohol related incidents cannot apply for a license.
Fourth, a motorist that accrues 4-6 points in a 24 month period will receive a warning letter from the DMV. If a motorist accrues 7-10 points in a 24 month period they will have to attend a mandatory driver improvement clinic.
Finally, the DMV has made it easier for them to request an official hearing be issued in regards to a motorist’s driving. If a motorist accrues 3 or more points violations in an “unusually short period of time” they will have to attend such a hearing.
These changes have a large impact on the rules of the road in New York. As such, It is important to always keep abreast of any new developments in New York Motorist laws. If you have been injured as the result of an incident on a roadway caused by another’s negligence, Zalman Schnurman & Miner P.C. can help. Our team has over 30 years of experience representing injured motorists and passengers. For a free consultation, reach out to our firm over email at info@1800lawline.com or over the phone at 212-668-0059.