Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) Changes are coming to New York's driver point system next year.
Currently, if you rack up 11 points within 18 months, you face the potential of having your driver’s license suspended. Under the new system, suspension is possible with 10 points in 24 months.
Under the new rules, many violations are increasing in points.
* Using your cell phone while driving, increasing from 5 to 6 points.
* Speeding up to 10 miles over the limit, currently 3 points, is moving to 4
* Reckless driving is going from 5 to 8 points
* Passing a stopped school bus will increase from 5 to 8 points
* For alcohol-related convictions, the first offense will increase from 5 points to 8; the second will increase from 8 to 11; and the third will increase from 11 to 14.
"They've made it easier for the state to suspend your license, and to assess additional fines and surcharges," said DWI and Traffic Attorney Arthur Pressman.
"One of the most important things is that if you're caught speeding through a construction zone, no matter how fast, even one mile and hour over, they're going to assess you at 11 points, which can be an automatic suspension and
will trigger a $300 assessment," said Pressman.
In addition, if someone gets 7 to 10 points cumulative over 24 months, the DMV is going to mandate that you take a driver improvement class, which has a financial cost for the driver.
Pressman said when someone receives a ticket, don't just plead guilty and mail it in.
"It's a big mistake to mail it in when you consider the financial impact and potential loss of the privilege to drive is increasing exponentially."
The changes are likely to be implemented in February, coinciding with the rollout of a new computer system.