How New York tracks points on your license
New York assigns points to your driving record when you get convicted of a traffic violation. The state uses a system called the Driver Violation Point System, and the number of points depends on what you were convicted of — a speeding ticket might be 3 points, while reckless driving could be 5 points or more. These points stay on your record for a set time, usually 18 months from the date of conviction, though some violations stay longer.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tracks your points automatically. You do not have to report violations yourself — the court sends the conviction information to DMV, and the points appear on your record. You can check your current point total by visiting the DMV website, calling 518-486-4444, or visiting a DMV office in person with your driver license.
Points are separate from fines and separate from insurance rates, though all three can result from the same ticket. A conviction goes on your record whether or not you pay the fine, and points accumulate whether or not your insurance company knows about the violation yet.
Key Takeaways
- New York assigns points based on the type of violation you were convicted of, ranging from 2 points for minor infractions to 8 points for serious violations like reckless driving.
- Points remain on your driving record for 18 months from the conviction date for most violations, though some serious violations stay for longer periods.
- Accumulating 11 or more points within 18 months triggers a suspension notice from DMV, which can result in losing your license.
- You can check your point total through the DMV website, by phone, or in person at a DMV office.
- Paying a fine does not remove points, and points do not disappear early even if you drive safely afterward.
What happens when you reach 11 points
If you accumulate 11 or more points within an 18-month period, the DMV will send you a notice that your license is being suspended. This is not a warning — the suspension takes effect, and you cannot legally drive. The suspension lasts until you complete a Driver Responsibility Assessment, which involves paying a fee and sometimes attending a defensive driving course.
The Driver Responsibility Assessment fee is $100 for the first suspension, $250 for a second suspension within five years, and $750 for a third or subsequent suspension within five years. You must pay this fee before your license is reinstated. Some people also choose to take a defensive driving course (sometimes called a point reduction course), which can reduce points from your record — typically 4 points can be removed if you complete an approved course, though you can only do this once every 18 months.
If you receive a suspension notice and believe it is wrong, you have the right to request a hearing with DMV. You must request the hearing within 30 days of receiving the notice. At the hearing, you can present evidence that points were incorrectly assigned or that a conviction should not have been recorded.
Common violations and their point values
New York assigns points based on how serious the violation is. Speeding violations are among the most common: speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit is 3 points, 11 to 20 mph over is 4 points, 21 to 30 mph over is 6 points, and 31 mph or more over the limit is 8 points. Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign is 3 points. Improper passing is 3 points. Tailgating is 4 points.
More serious violations carry higher points. Reckless driving is 5 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points. Leaving the scene of an accident is 5 points. Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) is 6 points. Aggressive honking or flashing lights is 2 points. Failure to yield the right of way is 3 points.
Some violations do not carry points at all — for example, parking tickets and equipment violations like a broken taillight do not add points to your driving record, though you still have to pay the fine. If you are unsure whether a specific violation carries points, you can ask the court when you receive your ticket, or contact your local DMV office.
How long points stay on your record
Most violations stay on your driving record for 18 months from the date you were convicted. This means if you were convicted on January 15, 2024, the points would fall off on July 15, 2025. After 18 months, those points no longer count toward the 11-point suspension threshold, though the conviction itself remains on your record for insurance purposes.
Some violations stay longer. Convictions for driving under the influence, driving while impaired, or refusing a chemical test stay on your record for 10 years. Convictions for leaving the scene of an accident also stay for 10 years. Reckless driving stays for 10 years as well. These longer-lasting violations are treated more seriously because they involve safety or hit-and-run situations.
Points do not disappear early if you drive safely or if you pay your fine. The only ways to remove points before the time period ends are to take a defensive driving course (which removes up to 4 points and can be done once every 18 months) or to have a conviction overturned or reduced through the court system.
Defensive driving courses and point reduction
New York allows you to remove up to 4 points from your record by completing an approved defensive driving course. This is different from a course you might be required to take after a suspension — this is something you can choose to do on your own. The course must be approved by the DMV, and you can find a list of approved providers on the DMV website.
The course is usually offered online or in person, takes 6 to 8 hours to complete, and costs between $20 and $50 depending on the provider. After you complete the course, you receive a certificate that you send to DMV. The points are removed from your record within a few weeks. You can take a defensive driving course only once every 18 months, so if you have 8 points, you could take a course to remove 4, then take another course 18 months later to remove 4 more.
Taking a defensive driving course does not affect your insurance rates directly, but it shows your insurance company that you are taking steps to improve your driving. Some insurance companies offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course, so it is worth asking your agent.
Checking your driving record and disputing points
You can view your own driving record through the DMV website at dmv.ny.gov. You will need your driver license number and date of birth. The record shows all convictions and points currently on your license. You can also request a copy of your record by mail or in person at a DMV office — there is a small fee for a certified copy.
If you see points on your record that you believe are wrong, you have options. If the conviction itself is incorrect — for example, if you were never convicted of that violation — you can request that DMV correct the record. You will need to provide proof, such as a court document showing the conviction was dismissed or reduced. Send this documentation to DMV with a written request for correction.
If you received a suspension notice based on points you believe are incorrect, you can request a hearing within 30 days of receiving the notice. At the hearing, you can present evidence and argue your case. Contact your local DMV office or call 518-486-4444 to request a hearing.
How points affect your insurance and driving privileges
Points on your driving record are reported to your insurance company, and they typically raise your premiums. How much your rates increase depends on your insurance company and the type of violation, but even a single 3-point violation can increase your premium by 10 to 15 percent. Multiple violations or high-point violations can double or triple your rates.
Points do not directly affect your ability to renew your registration or get a new license — you can renew your registration and license even with points on your record. However, if you accumulate 11 or more points within 18 months, your license will be suspended, and you cannot legally drive until you complete the Driver Responsibility Assessment and pay the fee.
If you are a commercial driver (holding a CDL), points affect you more severely. Accumulating 11 or more points within 12 months (not 18 months) triggers a suspension for CDL holders. Additionally, certain violations carry more points for CDL holders, and some violations can result in permanent loss of your CDL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get points removed without taking a defensive driving course?
Points fall off your record automatically after 18 months for most violations, or 10 years for serious violations like DUI or reckless driving. The only way to remove points before the time period ends is to take an approved defensive driving course, which removes up to 4 points. You cannot request early removal any other way.
What if I was convicted but I think the conviction was wrong?
If you believe the conviction itself is incorrect, you can request that DMV correct your record by providing court documents showing the conviction was dismissed or reduced. If you received a suspension notice and want to challenge it, you can request a hearing within 30 days of receiving the notice. Contact DMV at 518-486-4444 to start the process.
Do points from out-of-state violations count toward my New York suspension?
Yes. New York participates in the Driver License Compact, which means convictions from other states are reported to New York and added to your record. Points from out-of-state violations count toward the 11-point suspension threshold just like New York violations do.
Will my points go away if I move out of New York?
Your New York driving record stays with you even if you move. If you get a New York license suspended, you cannot legally drive in New York even if you now live elsewhere. If you move to another state and get a new license there, your New York record remains on file, and some states will see it when you explore for a license in their state.
How long does it take to get my license back after a suspension?
Once you pay the Driver Responsibility Assessment fee and complete any required course, your license is reinstated when ready if you pay in person at a DMV office. If you pay by mail, allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing. You cannot drive legally until your license is reinstated, even if you have paid the fee.