New York DMV: Comprehensive Summary of Point System, Administrative Actions, and Relicensing Rules
(15 NYCRR §§ 131.3, 131.4)

1. Point Values for Traffic Violations (15 NYCRR § 131.3)

New York assigns points to traffic violations to monitor driver behavior and determine when administrative action is needed.

 

A. General Rule

Most violations = 2 points, unless listed as an exception.

 

B. High Point Violations

 

11 Points

• Speeding 40+ mph over limit

• Driving while license is suspended/revoked

• Any alcohol or drug-related driving offense or incident

 

8 Points

• Speeding 31–40 mph over limit

• Passing a stopped school bus

• Over-height vehicle striking or exceeding bridge/structure limits

• Speeding in a work zone

 

6 Points

• Speeding 21–30 mph over limit

 

5 Points

• Reckless driving

• Cell phone/electronic device use

• Railroad crossing violations

• Facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation

• Failure to exercise due care (VTL § 1146)

• Speed contests/racing

• Leaving scene of personal injury accident

 

4 Points

• Speeding 11–20 mph over limit

• Following too closely

• Inadequate brakes (with employment exception)

 

3 Points

• Other speeding violations

• Failure to yield

• Disobeying traffic signals/stop/yield signs

• Improper passing, unsafe lane changes, wrong way driving

• Leaving scene of property damage or animal injury

• Child seatbelt/child restraint violations

 

0 Points

• Registration, insurance, licensing violations

• Inspection, weight, equipment violations (except brakes)

• Parking, pedestrian, bicycle violations

• Non-operation-related violations

• HOV misuse on LIE (Suffolk, exits 49–57)

 

*Point values assessed shall be assessed as of the date of violation*

 

 

 

2. Administrative Actions Based on Points (15 NYCRR § 131.4)

 

A. 4–6 Points (24 months)

• DMV may send a warning letter.

 

B. 7–10 Points (24 months)

• DMV may require a driver improvement clinic.

• Failure to attend may result in suspension.

 

C. Formal Hearing Triggers

A hearing may lead to suspension or revocation.

Triggered when a driver accumulates:

1. 11+ points in 24 months (unless all from one alcohol/drug incident)

2. 9+ speeding points in 24 months

3. 4+ new points within 12 months after a prior formal hearing

 

D. Rapid Violations

• A hearing may be required even without reaching point thresholds if the driver receives 3 or more point bearing violations in an unusually short time.

 

E. Single 11 Point Violation

• Hearing focuses only on that violation, not overall driving habits.