New York state drivers should be aware that the Department of Motor Vehicles is changing its “point” system and increasing the point values for many traffic infractions. The new rules go into effect February 16, 2026.

New York state utilizes what is called a point system, with infractions equaling a certain amount of points, based on the categorization and severity of the infraction. Currently, drivers in New York face having their license suspended after receiving 11 points in an 18-month period, while the new standard lowers the threshold to 10 points within 24 months, meaning that it now takes fewer points over an expanded time period to reach the threshold of license suspension.

Points Infractions That Are Increasing

• Speeding 1–10 miles per hour over the speed limit: Points increase from 3 to 4.
• Using a cell phone while driving: Points increase from 5 to 6.
• Failure to yield to a pedestrian: Points increase from 3 to 5.
• Reckless driving or passing a stopped school bus: Points increase from 5 to 8.

The new changes also have resulted in fewer 0-point infractions, including

• Obstructing traffic: 2 points.
• Equipment violations: 1 point each.
• Failure to move over for emergency vehicles: 3 points.
• Illegal U-turns: 2 points.

Why Are Driving Points Changing?

The changes follow New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2023 State of the State proposal to take high-risk drivers off the road. In response, the Department of Motor Vehicles proposed changes to DMV regulations with the goal of bolstering the ability to remove drivers who engage in risky behavior from New York roadways and make it more difficult for persistent violators to get back their driving privileges.

These changes, announced as regulatory amendments, represent “a multi-pronged approach to address dangerous driving behavior that puts everyone at risk,” the DMV stated in a November 2023 press release.

According to the DMV, the changes:

• increase the number of points associated with dangerous driving;
• decrease the threshold at which dangerous drivers are disqualified from holding a license; and
• lower the bar for permanent license forfeiture for reckless drivers who continue to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Legal Advice is Key

Under the new regulations, it’s now about 50 percent easier for drivers to lose their license. However, while the new point rules may not change the lives of ordinary drivers who get no tickets or only get an occasional ticket — one per year, for example — the change is generally targeted at repeat offenders. The biggest mistake drivers make, and one that often costs them their license? Not getting legal advice.

Tully Rinckey attorneys understand that issues surrounding driving infractions can be challenging, and they will handle your matter with the attention and tact it deserves. If you have additional questions about your rights as a driver in New York State, our team of attorneys is available to assist you today. Please call 8885294543 to schedule a consultation, or schedule a consultation online.

Aaron Pam, Esq., is a Senior Associate in Tully Rinckey’s White Plains office, who handles civil and criminal litigation matters. He also has extensive experience handling appeals, including civil and criminal appeals, commercial litigation, mediation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, general business matters, white-collar criminal investigation and defense, landlord-tenant disputes and social media-related and cyberlaw matters involving Internet privacy, cyberbullying, cyber-stalking, defamation, revenge porn, and free speech cases.