New York State Traffic Violation Point System

This table lists the number of points given for specific traffic violations:

Violation [Points]
Speeding (MPH over speed limit not indicated) [3]
Speeding (MPH over speed limit):
1 - 10 MPH [3]
11 - 20 MPH [4]
21 - 30 MPH [6]
31 - 40 MPH [8]
More than 40 MPH [11]
Reckless driving [5]
Failed to stop for a school bus [5]
Inadequate brakes [4]
Following too closely [4]
Passing improperly, changing lanes unsafely, driving to the left of center, driving in the wrong direction [3]
Failed to obey a traffic signal, a Stop sign, or a Yield sign [3]
Railroad crossing violation [3]
Failed to yield the right-of-way [3]
Passenger safety violation, including seat belts, child safety seats, or passengers under the age of 16 [3]
Left the scene of an accident that includes property damage or the injury of a domestic animal [3]
Other moving violations [2]
Inadequate brakes (vehicle of an employer) [2]

How the DMV Calculates Your Point Total
The DMV computer system automatically calculates your point total. Your point total is the total number of driver violation points that you received during the 18 previous months. The points are counted from the dates of your traffic violations, not from the dates of your traffic convictions. A traffic conviction is required for the points to appear on your driver record. 18 months after the date of the violation, the points for that violation are removed from your point total. The convictions remain on your record.

If you receive 11 points or more in 18 months, the DMV suspends your driver license. You can request a DMV hearing only to show that a different person committed the violations. You cannot request a DMV hearing to prove that you were not guilty of the violations. You cannot request a DMV hearing to request a waiver of the suspension.

Note: Insurance companies have point systems different from the DMV driver violation point system. The two point systems have no connection. Contact your insurance company about their point system.

Out-of-state traffic violations: Except for Ontario and Quebec, points are not added to your NYS driver record if you commit an out-of-state traffic violation. Points can appear on your NYS driver record if you commit a traffic violation in Ontario or Quebec.

Paul W. Bleakley serves the real estate, estate planning, family law, and criminal needs for Geneva, NY and surrounding areas including Ontario County, Yates County, Seneca County, Canandaigua, Penn Yan, Waterloo, Seneca Falls, Village of Victor.

Information obtained from this site is not intended for legal advice. You should always consult with an attorney regarding your legal issues.