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The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding drivers that tougher penalties are now in effect for some of the state’s most serious traffic violations.
As of Monday, Feb. 16, updated point values apply to a range of offenses, including alcohol- and drug-related incidents, excessive speeding and passing stopped school buses.
The changes are intended to help keep repeat and high-risk drivers off the road, according to an announcement.
Among the most significant updates: any alcohol- or drug-related conviction or incident now carries 11 points, up from zero. Aggravated unlicensed operation also carries 11 points, also up from zero. Passing a stopped school bus increases from five to eight points, while speeding in a construction zone now results in eight points (the point allotment previously depended on speed).
The chart
In addition, DMV has extended its “look-back” period for persistent violators from 18 months to 24 months when determining administrative action, according to the DMV.
Many existing point assignments remain unchanged, including five points for using a mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving, and zero points for equipment violations.
“These updated regulations will have no impact on drivers who follow the rules of the road, but they will have a big impact on dangerous drivers and repeat offenders whose poor choices always put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk,” said Mark Schroeder, the state DMV commissioner who also serves on the governor’s traffic safety committee.
“Our job is to make sure that New York’s roads are safe for everyone, and if someone chooses to be reckless and unsafe, they do not deserve to be behind the wheel, period,” Schroeder added.
The changes were first proposed in September 2023 following Hochul’s State of the State proposal to crack down on dangerous drivers. They went through the state Administrative Procedure Act process, including public comment periods and postings in the State Register, officials said.
A separate rule allowing for permanent license denial for anyone with four alcohol- or drug-related convictions or incidents took effect in January 2025.
Top: Sunken Meadow State Parkway looking north in the Commack area, Long Island. (Credit: GLI/Michael White, file)
