Beginning Feb. 16, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will be increasing the point values of various traffic violations.
The NYS DMV outlined the changes in a Feb. 5 release, stating the updates will “strengthen the state’s ability to keep persistently dangerous drivers off the roads and protect everyone else who drives, rides, walks or bikes in communities across the state.”
“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,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, NYS DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
“Our job is to make sure that New York’s roads are safe for everyone, and if someone chooses to be reckless and unsafe, they do not deserve to be behind the wheel, period.”
Here’s what to know about the updated points system, along with additional changes being made by the NYS DMV in 2026.
What changes are being made by the NYS DMV in 2026?
Here are the updated point values for various traffic violations, beginning Feb. 16.
Along with the updated point values, the changes also pertain to the time frame in which the DMV is able to “take administrative action against a persistent violator.” The time frame will increase from an 18-month look back to a 24-month look back.
While several traffic violation point values are increasing, many are remaining the same, according to the DMV. For example, any violation involving a mobile phone or portable electronic device will remain at five points and equipment violations will remain at zero points.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: NYS DMV changes in effect Feb. 16. What to know about new point values
Reporting by Sunshyne Lynch, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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