AAA hopes stronger penalties will improve road safety
New and increased point values for serious driving infractions took effect in New York on Monday, February 16, under changes announced by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Many serious violations now carry a higher number of points, and some infractions that previously had no points assigned now receive significant point totals. In addition, the length of time points remain on a driver’s record has been extended, increasing the likelihood that drivers who accumulate multiple serious violations could face suspension or, in some cases, permanent revocation of their license.
“Unfortunately, AAA research shows that risky driving behaviors like distraction, speeding, and driving while impaired contribute to tens of thousands of traffic deaths each year,” said Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “We are hopeful the new point values for serious violations will send a strong message to bad drivers that they should change their behavior, thereby saving lives.”
Impaired Driving: The maximum point value for a single violation is now 11 points. Any alcohol- or drug-related conviction or incident — including refusal to submit to a roadside chemical test — now carries the full 11 points. Previously, these violations did not carry any points. Additionally, accumulating four alcohol- or drug-related convictions or incidents will lead to the permanent revocation of a driver’s license.
According to the New York State DMV, as published in the State Register, the need for this measure is underscored by the fact that one in five convicted impaired drivers in New York is a repeat offender, and 44 percent of fatal crashes statewide involve alcohol or drugs.
Unlicensed Operation and Speeding: Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, meaning a person drove while their license was suspended or revoked, will now result in 11 points. Previously, there were no points assigned to such a violation. Also, a conviction of speeding more than 40 miles per hour over the speed limit will result in 11 points, but this was the case prior to the new point values.
School Buses: Emphasizing the need to protect the most vulnerable road users, children, the State Register notes that the points for passing or overtaking a stopped school bus have increased from five to eight. This applies only to school bus tickets issued by law enforcement (not bus cameras). From 2020 through 2024, more than 9,000 school bus tickets were issued in New York State.
Bridge Strikes: An over-height vehicle violation or bridge hit previously resulted in no points; under the new regulations, eight (8) points will be assigned. In 2024, there were 350 bridge-hits statewide, primarily downstate.
Additional Changes: Leaving the scene of a personal injury crash now carries a penalty of five points, up from the previous three. Facilitating the aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, meaning someone loaned their vehicle to a person with a suspended or revoked license, has jumped from no points to five. Engaging in a speed contest or race has also increased from no points to five.
Driving Records: Under the new regulations, points will remain on a driver’s record for 24 months, up from 18. Previously, a person who accumulated 11 or more points within an 18-month period was deemed a persistent violator and was subject to a license suspension or revocation. The State Register says increasing the timeframe from 18 to 24 months allows the DMV to review a longer period of operation, during which administrative action can be taken against a persistent violator, and will result in a 40 percent increase in drivers classified as persistent violators.
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