New York State DMV New Point System: Previous Rules vs. New Updated February 16th 2026 Changes
- Law Offices of Mark E. Alter
- Feb 16
- 5 min read
UPDATE (Official DMV Guidance – February 16th, 2026): New York State DMV has now officially confirmed updated point values for several serious driving violations. The new point values became enforceable on February 16, 2026, including new points for alcohol- and drug-related convictions/incidents, higher points for aggravated unlicensed operation, and increases tied to passing stopped school buses, construction-zone speeding, bridge strikes, and more.
DMV also expanded the “persistent violator” review window from 18 months to 24 months, meaning points can be counted over a longer time period when DMV considers administrative action.
In this article we share examples of the previous NYS point system compared to the new updated changes from the New York DMV.
New York’s new DMV point system can affect your license, insurance, and job. Below we explain what applies today and summarize reported changes for February 2026 so drivers know what to expect. If you’re facing a ticket or possible suspension, speak with a traffic lawyer Long Island before you plead.
Previous NY DMV Point System (Before February 2026)
Previous NYS suspension review threshold: 11 points within 18 months (measured from the violation dates, not conviction dates). If you accumulate 11 points in that window, the DMV may take action on your driving privileges.
Common violations & point values
Speeding 1–10 mph over: 3 points
Speeding 11–20 mph over: 4 points
Speeding 21–30 mph over: 6 points
Speeding 31–40 mph over: 8 points
Speeding more than 40 mph over: 11 points
Reckless driving: 5 points
Handheld / cell phone / texting (portable electronic device): 5 points
Following too closely (tailgating): 4 points
Passing a stopped school bus: 8 points
Important: Points are assigned as of the violation date. Insurance companies use their own underwriting criteria, but convictions and point totals can influence premiums.
How points were counted
18-month look-back (current): DMV counts all points from qualifying violations within the last 18 months.
Out-of-state tickets: Some may transfer; ask a speeding ticket lawyer Long Island how your specific record may be treated.
Commercial drivers: CDL consequences can be more severe depending on the violation and where it occurred.
NYS DMV Updated New Point System Changes As Of Today
Updated (Official NYS DMV Guidance): The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has now published official guidance confirming that beginning February 16, 2026, point values will increase for certain serious driving violations—and several violations that previously carried zero points will be assigned points. These updates include new points for alcohol- and drug-related convictions or incidents, higher points for aggravated unlicensed operation, and increases tied to passing a stopped school bus, construction-zone speeding, bridge strikes, and other high-risk conduct.
DMV also confirmed the “persistent violator” administrative-action window is expanding from an 18-month look-back to a 24-month look-back. Until February 16, 2026, the current point system remains in effect.
Compliance note: You can review the same information from this article in NYS DMV's official website here
Updated changes by violation to NYS DMV new point system as of February 16th, 2026:
Offense | Points Before 2/16/2026 | Points Beginning 2/16/2026 |
Any Alcohol- or Drug-Related Conviction or Incident | 0 | 11 |
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation | 0 | 11 |
Overtaking/Passing Stopped School Bus | 5 | 8 |
Speeding in Construction Zone | Based on speed | 8 |
Over-height Vehicle/Bridge Strike | 0 | 8 |
Leaving Scene of a Personal Injury Crash | 3 | 5 |
Failure to Exercise Due Care | 2 | 5 |
Facilitating Aggravated Unlicensed Operation | 0 | 5 |
Speed Contests and Races | 0 | 5 |
Also confirmed: DMV’s administrative action look-back for persistent violators expands from 18 months to 24 months starting with this update. Many existing point assignments remain unchanged.
What to Do If You Received a Ticket in New York (Long Island & NYC Area)
1) Don’t plead guilty before you understand your risk
Even a small speed can move you closer to the 11-point threshold under today’s rules. If the reported 2026 framework goes live, the longer window and lower cap will make risk accumulation faster. A traffic lawyer in Long Island can evaluate defenses, court options, and plea alternatives.
2) Consider the Point & Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP)
A DMV-approved defensive driving course can reduce up to 4 points used for suspension calculations (it does not erase convictions). It may also help with insurance reductions, depending on your carrier.
3) Use strategy if you drive for work
Commercial drivers, rideshare drivers, and delivery professionals should call a speeding ticket lawyer Long Island to tailor a plan that protects both license and employment.
4) Prepare for New York traffic court
Town, village, and city courts have different calendars, policies, and local practices. An experienced Long Island attorney with New York traffic court in Nassau and Suffolk will know what documentation, calibration proof, and officer availability matter for your case.
New 2026 NYS DMV Point System FAQ's
When do the new NY DMV point values become enforceable?
The updated point values become enforceable February 16, 2026. Until that date, the current point schedule remains in effect.
What are the biggest changes in the new point system?
The DMV update confirms:
New points are assigned for alcohol- and drug-related convictions/incidents (previously 0).
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation now carries points (previously 0).
Higher points for certain serious violations like passing a stopped school bus, over-height/bridge strikes, and construction-zone speeding.
The DMV can take administrative action using a longer look-back window, increasing from 18 months to 24 months.
Are speeding points in NY changing across the board?
Not across the board. The DMV update specifically assigns 8 points to speeding in a construction zone starting February 16, 2026. Other speeding point values remain subject to the existing schedule unless DMV publishes additional changes.
How long do points “stay” in my driving record in New York?
For DMV suspension/revocation review purposes, points are counted based on the violation date within the applicable look-back window: 18 months under the previous system, and 24 months under the new updated NYS point system.
(Insurance companies may use different timeframes when setting premiums.)
When do I face a license suspension review in New York State?
DMV can require a formal hearing and may take suspension or revocation action when a driver previously accumulated 11 or more points within 18 months (previous rule). DMV has confirmed this administrative-action look-back window is changing to 24 months with the updated regulations, meaning points can be counted over a longer period.
Are NYS phone/texting points changing?
The DMV stated that many existing point assignments remain unchanged—including 5 points for violations involving use of a mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving.
Will a defensive driving course in New York or Long island erase my driving points?
No. In Long Island, NYC or New York State, it can reduce up to 4 points used in suspension calculations and may provide an insurance discount depending on your carrier), but the underlying ticket/conviction generally remains on your record.
Worried about points or an upcoming court date? The Law Offices of Mark E. Alter defends drivers in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx and nearby courts. Whether it’s speeding tickets, cell phone, reckless, or DUI DWI matters, a targeted plan can protect your license and livelihood.
Free case review with a traffic lawyer Long Island
Help with New York traffic court procedures
Strategy for speeding ticket lawyer Long Island cases (all speeds)
Guidance for DUI DWI lawyer Long Island issues that overlap with traffic cases
Editor’s Note on Accuracy
This page distinguishes between previous law (applied previously to February 16th 2026) and updated February 2026 changes (now reflected on the NY DMV’s website). We continuously monitor State publications and will update the article upon any further official release.
Refer to the New York State Driver Point System on the official NY DMV website here for official updates.