ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Changes are coming to the DMV’s driver point system that could affect drivers across the state.
Right now, accumulating 11 points within 18 months can lead to a license suspension. Under the new rules which become enforceable on February 16th, the threshold for suspension drops to 10 points and the points will be considered for 24 months.
“Every single conviction will stay in your life longer now and that’s going to have an impact in a variety of ways,” explains Aaron Pam, a senior associate at Tully Rinckey.
The point values of a number of violations are also going up.
Many existing point assignments will remain the same. For example:
Speeding:
1-10mph: 3 points
10-20mph: 4 points
20-30mph: 6 points
30-40mph: 8 points
Over 40mph: 11 points
Reckless Driving: 5 points
Cell Phone Use: 5 points
Following too Closely: 4 points
Improper Passing: 3 points
Equipment Violations: 0 points
“Construction zones are a particular new focus under the new law, even speeding one or two miles an hour over the limit in a construction zone, is an increased amount of points now,” Pam explains.
Higher points can lead to increased car insurance premiums and reaching 7 points might require drivers to attend a “driver improvement clinic.”
In a statement, the Commissioner of DMV tells News10NBC, “These updated regulations will have no impact on drivers who follow the rules of the road, but they will have a big impact on dangerous drivers and repeat offenders whose poor choices always put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk.”
Local drivers shared their thoughts on the changes. Warren Meeks Jr. saying, “If you have a problem with this, then you probably need to change the way you drive because at the end of the day, they’re looking at safety.” Willie Robinson adds, “I don’t personally have a problem with that because I’m a pretty decent driver, I just think it would be challenging for some folks but we just have to be mindful to make laws fair and consistent.”
