The New York State DMV Updates Point System and Increases Penalties for Driving Offenses

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:

  1. increases the number of points assessed to a driver’s license for various traffic violations;
  2. introduces points as a penalty for traffic violations that previous carried none;
  3. lowers the total number of accumulated points that will lead to a license suspension hearing; and
  4. 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.
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