On February 16, 2026, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles implemented a new point system, which will result in steeper penalties for traffic violations.
The DMV’s new point system:
- increases the number of points assessed to a driver’s license for various traffic violations;
- introduces points as a penalty for traffic violations that previous carried none;
- lowers the total number of accumulated points that will lead to a license suspension hearing; and
- extends the period of time that points can be accumulated, leading to the suspension of a driver’s license.
Attorney Barry Covert recently spoke with WGRF-FM 97 Rock’s morning show hosts, Shredd and Ragan, to discuss details on the New York State DMV’s new penalties for driving offenses.
Barry Covert, along with hosts Shredd and Ragan, discussed several aspects of the New York State DMV’s new regulations, including:
- the severity of the new points assigned for various traffic violations;
- the potential for a significant increase in suspended licenses in New York State; and
- why now, more than ever, it is important to consult an attorney regarding how to enter a plea if you receive a ticket for a driving offense in New York State.
The following are answers to frequently asked questions that drivers are posing about the New York State DMV’s new point system. In addition, audio of Barry Covert’s full on-air conversation with Shredd and Ragan can be found below.
Under the DMV’s new rules, how many points will result in a license suspension hearing in New York State?
Before February 16, 2026, a driver had to accumulate a total of 11 points on their license, within an 18-month period, to be subject to a license suspension hearing. Under the new point system, if a driver accumulates 10 points over a 24-month period of time, they will be subject to a license suspension hearing.
What is a “look back period” and how has it changed under the New York State DMV’s new regulations?
The look back period is the duration of time that the DMV examines the cumulative number of points a driver has accumulated on their license, to determine if they are subject to a license suspension hearing. Previously, the look back period was 18 months. Under the DMV’s new points system, the look back period has been extended to 24 months.
Will the new DMV point system have any affect on a driver’s insurance premiums?
Yes, there often is a direct correlation between the number of points a driver has on their license and the amount they have to pay in premiums for auto insurance. As it becomes easier to accumulate points, drivers face an increased risk of having their insurance premiums can go up.
Under the DMV’s new rules, will my driver’s license be suspended for just one alcohol or drug related traffic offense in New York State?
Under the new point system, if a driver pleads guilty or is convicted of just one alcohol or drug related driving offense, it can result in the suspension of their New York State license. Drug and alcohol related driving offenses now have a penalty of 11 points on a license. Under the DMV’s new regulations, once a driver has accumulated 10 points or more, they will face a hearing to determine if their driver’s license will be suspended.
Have the DMV’s new rules changed how many DWI offenses will lead to a driver’s licensing being permanently revoked?
Prior to February 16, 2026, if a driver accumulated 5 DWI offenses over the course of their lifetime, New York State would permanently revoke their license. Under the DMV’s new point system, the license of any driver with 4 DWI offense will be subject to permanent revocation. In addition, under the DMV’s new regulations, any past DWI charges that were categorized as a “youthful offender disposition” will now count towards a driver’s lifetime total of DWI charges.
Is there a summary of the DMV’s new point system that has gone into effect in New York State?
| Offense | Points for Violation Before 2/16/2026 | Points for Violation Beginning 2/16/2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Any Alcohol- or Drug-Related Conviction or Incident | 0 | 11 |
| Aggravated Unlicensed Operation | 0 | 11 |
| Overtaking/Passing Stopped School Bus | 5 | 8 |
| Speeding in Construction Zone | Based on speed | 8 |
| Over-height Vehicle/Bridge Strike | 0 | 8 |
| Leaving Scene of a Personal Injury Crash | 3 | 5 |
| Failure to Exercise Due Care | 2 | 5 |
| Facilitating Aggravated Unlicensed Operation | 0 | 5 |
| Speed Contests and Races | 0 | 5 |
