Changes to DMV Point System Scheduled to go Into Effect on February 16, 2026.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has overhauled its existing point system. All the changes increase the punishments for motorists with traffic tickets. The changes will result in motorists paying more and higher driver responsibility assessment fees. It will also result in more motorists getting their licenses suspended and revoked.

While some violations carry the same penalties, other violations saw their points increase. Other violations that previously carried no points now carry a significant amount of points.

Below is a breakdown for the changes. According to a Public Notice dated January 14, 2026, the DMV has confirmed that its systems are prepared to implement the new point system. These changes are scheduled to go into effect on February 16, 2026.

Below is a breakdown for the changes. According to a Public Notice dated January 14, 2026, the DMV has confirmed that its systems are prepared to implement the new point system. These changes are scheduled to go into effect on February 16, 2026.

Look Back Period

The “look back period” is the time frame the DMV will evaluate when adding up points on a license. Previously, this look-back period was 18 months from the date of the violation. It has now increased to 24 months from the date of the violation.

The new look back period also impact the Driver Responsiblty Assessment Fee. This is a separate fee imposed on motorist that accumulated six points. Until February 16, it was six points in 18 months and now it is six points in 24 months. An increased look back period also heightens the chances of penalties imposed.

The revisions to the systems have both increased points for existing violations and added points to violations. The following is a breakdown of both scenarios.

Increases in Points

VTL §600- Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident without reporting now carries five points. Leaving the scene of a property damage incident or injury to an animal without reporting carries three points.

VTL §1180(f)- Speeding in a Work Zone

Now eight points, regardless of the speed and regardless of the speed limit. Automatic Driver’s Responsibility Assessment Fee.

VTL §1146 - Failure to Use Due Care: This violation is now five points.

VTL §1174 - Overtaking or Passing a School Bus

Previously five points, this violation now carries eight points. A conviction of this violation alone will push a driver dangerously close to suspension, as well as trigger the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee payable to the DMV.

VTL §385 - Overheight Vehicle Violations

In the interest of protecting bridges, the DMV has now attached eight points to this offense. A truck that strikes a bridge due to its height will result in the driver incurring steep points, as well as a Driver’s Responsibility Assessment Fee.

VTL §511 - Aggravated Unlicensed Operation

VTL 511 is a misdemeanor. It carries an authorized sentence of imprisonment and many hundreds of dollars in fine, as well as a criminal record. However, it previously carried 0 points. If a person was convicted of VTL §511 prior to the enacted changes, they would still have no points on their license.

The November 6 passage did away with this. Conviction of VTL §511 will result in 11 points on a driver’s license, which will trigger a subsequent suspension. It will also result in a Driver’s Responsibility Assessment Fee.

VTL §511(a)(1)- Facilitating Aggravated Use of Unlicensed Operation

Facilitating an AUO previously carried 0 points though it appeared on your driving abstract. Now it will carry five points.

VTL §1182 - Speed Contests/Racing

VTL §1182 similarly is a misdemeanor offense. Under the new rules, it will now carry five points.

VTL §1192.1-§1192.4 - DUI/ DWAI

Similar to driving with a suspended license, driving under the influence is a misdemeanor. While it carried criminal and collateral consequences, it did not impose any points on a person’s license. A person convicted of a DUI would have no points on their license

DWI’s will now carry 11 points. This will result in suspension with the DMV, separate from any suspensions that can be issued by the Court.

A person with five or more drug or alcohol convictions on their record was subject to a lifetime re-licensing restriction. The number of these convictions has since decreased to four.

Habitual and Persistent Offender hearings

In addition, the DMV now has the discretion to call a driver in for a formal Habitual and Persistent Offender Hearing. If the following situations apply, you could be called in and face suspension or revocation:

1. The accumulation of nine points from speeding related violations.
2. If a driver attended a Habitual or Persistent Offender Hearing, and then received four more points in the subsequent year.
3. Three or more violations in an unusually short amount of time

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York State traffic ticket defense firm. We help clients in all parts of New York State and handle all types of traffic related charges. Our firm provides all motorists with free consultation. Contact us at your convenience via phone call, text message, email, or website submission. We look forward to helping.

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