The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has created a new point system. Starting November 6, 2024, there will be increased points for certain moving violations and tighter penalties for drivers with points. The DMV has stated that the changes enhance the ability to remove drivers engaging in risky behavior from New York roadways and make it more difficult for persistent violators to regain their driving privileges.
The most substantial change is the operation of DMV’s stricter point system. Previously, points on one’s license were counted only for 18 months from the date of offense (regardless of the conviction date). Now, for accumulation purposes, points will remain valid for 24 months from the date of offense.
Despite the extra six months, motorists can still accumulate only 10 points before a possible suspension in most cases. The expanded look-back period will result in many more suspensions, and the higher points will lead to increased Driver Responsibility Assessment Fees (DRAF).
The DRAF is imposed on motorists who accumulate six or more points in New York State. The fee is in addition to any fines, surcharges, suspensions, or other penalties imposed by the court and is billed separately by the DMV roughly 30 days later.
With longer points counting against them, the chance of aggregation with other tickets increases. Note that the Driver Safety Class, which deducts up to four points from the total, continues to deduct points only for violations that occurred within 18 months of the class (not 24 months). DRAF assessments are still calculated only for 18 months from the date of offense. Another significant change is that certain violations that previously carried no points will now incur them.
New York drivers will face additional burdens from these new rules. If a driver accumulates 4 to 6 points within a 24-month period, they will receive a warning letter from the DMV. Accumulating 7 to 10 points in that same period will necessitate mandatory attendance at a Driver Improvement Clinic. Drivers must attend a formal hearing to determine whether they are habitual or persistent violators and, if so, whether their license or privilege to drive should be suspended upon reaching the specified thresholds. Failure to attend may result in a license suspension.
These changes signify that the DMV is becoming stricter regarding dangerous driving, leading motorists to write larger checks to the DMV. Keep in mind that the new rules only apply to tickets issued on or after November 6, 2024. For older traffic tickets, the previous rules still apply.
While the increased fines will certainly add more funds to the government’s coffers, it is appropriate for the state to employ all available measures to curb driver distraction and other dangerous driving behaviors. It is imperative for the state to acknowledge, identify, and address high-risk drivers.
The bottom line is that you must obey the rules of the road and abide by the laws of the state of New York. Failure to do so can lead to drastic consequences. High-risk drivers BEWARE.
