Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Implemented last month, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has its new point system in place. The DMV says it's aimed at keeping New York roads safer.
The DMV will add point values to violations that currently have none. Violations include alcohol- or drug-related convictions, driving without a license, and any violation involving speeding in a work zone, leaving the scene of a personal injury crash, or striking a bridge. Another proposal from the DMV includes an increase in the point value for certain violations such as passing a stopped school bus.
Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns says most of the changes will take place in 2026, but drivers will now get new points for violations that will be increasing.
"Especially those of repeated impaired drivers, which will change in 2025 so if you have an alcohol or drug driving charge, normally it's five occurrences, and that's in 2025 that's going to be lowered to four," noted Kearns in an interview with WBEN.
Among the new points:
- 11 points for alcohol- and drug-related convictions, and driving without a license;
- 8 points for striking an overpass
- 5 points for illegal speed races
There are also increased points for leaving the scene of a crash with injuries (from 3 to 5 points), speeding in a work zone (from 3-to-11 to 8), and passing a stopped school bus (from 5 to 8).
Niagara County Clerk Joe Jasztremski says the biggest change is how long the points stay on your record.
"As far as a look back on your points, it's now 24 months instead of 18," said Jasztremski in an interview with WBEN.
Jasztremski warns if you pick up too many points, it could be costlier to get your license back.
"If a driver accumulates six points for speeding, they have to pay $100 driver assessment fee each year for three years. So a total of $300 you could either pay that $100 a year on your anniversary date, or you could pay $300 up front and be done with it. Then what happens is each additional point that's accumulated, you add $25 onto that as well," Jasztremski explained.
He adds it would probably increase your insurance premiums because of the points you've accumulated.
Both Jasztremski and Kearns remind drivers that having a driver's license is a privilege, and that can be revoked if you drive recklessly.