DMV uses a point system to determine whether or not to suspend a motorist's driving privileges. If you reach or exceed 11 DMV points within an 18 month period of time, your driving privileges may be suspended.
Accumulating too many points is not the only reason for suspension. There are also
mandatory suspensions and revocations for 3 speeding convictions, 2 speed in work zone convictions, driving without insurance, driving while impaired or intoxicated and others.
This table lists the number of points given for specific traffic violations:
| VIOLATION |
POINTS |
| Speeding (unreasonable and imprudent) |
3 |
Speeding (MPH over speed limit):
- 1-10 MPH
- 11-20 MPH
- 21-30 MPH
- 31-40 MPH
- More than 40 MPH
|
3
4
6
8
11 |
| 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 |
| Reckless driving |
5 |
| Left the scene of an accident that includes property damage or the injury of a domestic animal |
3 |
| Failed to stop for a school bus |
5 |
| Other moving violations |
2 |
| Inadequate brakes |
4 |
| Inadequate brakes (vehicle of an employer) |
2 |
How the DMV Calculates Your Point Total
If you plead guilty or are found guilty after trial, the conviction is reported to the DMV. The DMV records the violation and any points on your driving record. DMV's computer automatically calculates your point total for periods of 18 months from the date the ticket was issued, not the date of conviction. While DMV only calculates points for 18 month periods, the conviction will remain on your record for four years following the conviction date. Click here to learn more about
convictions and your driver record.
If you receive 11 points or more in 18 months, the DMV may suspends your driving privileges. 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.