Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Starting Monday, traffic violations are going to mean more points against your license. The points that can lead to a license suspension stay on even longer as well.
New York State Police Trooper James O'Callaghan says the higher points for certain violations are based on recent trends. "When it comes to drivers on the roadway passing a school bus, that percentage is up, or that ticket being issued is up 25% from 2023 to 2025," says O'Callaghan, who warns the ticket penalty will go up from five to eight points against the license. "I don't think anyone disagrees. Those are your kids. Those are you know, the future of our communities right there, putting, you know, their lives basically at risk when you pass the school bus."
Another point increase is for speeding in a work zone. "It goes up one to a few points depending on the speed that you're doing," explains O'Callaghan. Truckers will see points against their license if they strike a bridge for the first time, an eight point penalty against your license. If you're caught with a DWI, you'll be penalized 11 points, which immediately suspends your license.
O'Callaghan warns if you have 11 points in a 24 month period, your license will be suspended. "You could get multiple tickets, or maybe just two or three tickets, but within hat 24 months, which is two years, you would also have your driving license suspended or revoked, depending on how many points or what the ticket would necessarily mean," says O'Callaghan.
Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns says there are ways to restore your driving privilege. "You can get what's called a conditional license in many instances, if there's a hardship you needed to go to and from work," says Kearns. "But of course, that's going to limit your freedom, that's going to limit what you can do."
He warns points on a license are just the beginning. He says the fines, legal cost, and administrative costs also add up.