Courtesy NYC.Gov
Traffic Violations to Carry More Points in New York
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
New York drivers will face tougher penalties for traffic violations beginning in February 2026, as the state rolls out an updated DMV points system aimed at improving road safety.
Under the new rules, a driver’s license can be suspended after accumulating 10 points within a 24-month period. Currently, drivers face suspension after receiving 11 points over an 18-month span. State officials say the change lowers the threshold for suspension while extending the time window in which points are counted.
Several common traffic violations will also carry higher point penalties. Speeding up to 10 miles per hour over the limit will increase from three points to four. Using a handheld cellphone while driving will rise from five points to six, while reckless driving will jump from five points to eight.
In addition, violations that previously did not add points to a driver’s record will now do so. Driving with broken taillights or malfunctioning headlights will result in one point each, and making an illegal U-turn will add two points.
The state says the updated system is designed to hold drivers accountable for risky behavior and encourage safer driving habits. By increasing point values and expanding the list of violations that carry penalties, officials aim to reduce distracted driving, speeding, and other actions linked to traffic injuries and fatalities.
Transportation safety advocates have long pushed for stricter enforcement tools, arguing that small violations often contribute to more serious crashes when left unaddressed. State officials say the new framework reflects that concern by ensuring repeated or careless behavior is identified earlier.
While the changes do not increase fines directly, accumulating points can lead to higher insurance costs and, ultimately, license suspension. Drivers who reach the new 10-point threshold within two years may lose their driving privileges for a set period.
The updated points system applies statewide and will affect both new and existing drivers once it takes effect in 2026. The DMV is expected to conduct public outreach ahead of the rollout to inform motorists of the changes.
For New York drivers, the message is clear: routine violations may now carry greater consequences, and points can add up faster than before.
