DMV increases point values for serious driving violations
The new DMV points system goes into effect on Monday.
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The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is increasing point values for several serious driving violations.
Many violations that previously carried zero points will now carry up to 11 points.
“When drivers realize that it could be just one incident that leads to their losing their license, there will be a drastic change made, and this will have to be a change that’s made overnight,” said Robert Sinclair, senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast. “They’re getting very, very serious about these violations. And it makes sense given the rise in fatal crashes that we’ve seen.”
Many drivers are questioning whether the changes will affect insurance rates, but Jesse Michaels of The Michaels Group says insurance and DMV points are not correlated. He says car insurance companies use their own internal points systems. DMV points will not affect insurance rates, but a reckless driving record still can.
“If there’s less dangerous drivers on the road, or if they’re more incentivized to drive safely, then the rates will go down overall,” Michaels said.
Michaels recommends regularly checking license status through a MyDMV account, updating one’s address with the DMV within 30 days of moving to ensure important updates are received and installing dash cameras for additional protection.
From the DMV:
Offence | Points for Violations Before 2/16/2026 | Points for Violations Beginning 2/16/2026 |
Any Alcohol- or Drug-Related Conviction or Incident | 0 | 11 |
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation | 0 | 11 |
Overtaking/Passing Stopped School Bus | 5 | 8 |
Speeding in Construction Zone | Based on speed | 8 |
Over-height Vehicle/Bridge Strike | 0 | 8 |
Leaving Scene of a Personal Injury Crash | 3 | 5 |
Failure to Exercise Due Care | 2 | 5 |
Facilitating Aggravated Unlicensed Operation | 0 | 5 |
Speed Contests and Races | 0 | 5 |
