In a significant overhaul of its motor vehicle regulations, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles has announced substantial changes to its point system and driving violation penalties. These amendments reflect an increased focus on public safety and stricter enforcement of serious traffic violations.
How violations add points to New York Driver’s Licenses:
11 Point Violations:
- Any violation involving speeding more than 40 mph over the speed limit
- Any violation involving the operation of a motor vehicle while your license or privilege is suspended or revoked
- Any alcohol or drug-related driving conviction or incident
8 Point Violations:
- Any violation involving speeding more than 30 mph, but no more than 40 mph over the speed limit
- Any violation involving overtaking or passing a stopped school bus
- Any violation involving the operation or movement of a vehicle or a combination of vehicles exceeding height limitations over, under on or through highways, bridges or highway structures or the striking of a bridge or highway structure.
- Any violation involving driving through a highway construction or maintenance work area at a speed in excess of the posted work area speed limit.
6 Point Violations:
- Any violation involving speeding more than 20 but not more than 30 mph over the speed limit.
5 Point Violations:
Reckless driving
- Any violation involving overtaking or passing a stopped school bus;
- Any violation involving the use of a cellphone or portable electronic device
- Any violation involving a railroad crossing
- Any violating involving facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle
- Any violation involving failure to exercise due care
- Any violation involving a speed contest or race
- Any violation involving leaving the scene of a personal injury accident without reporting
4 Point Violations:
- Any violation involving speeding more than 10 but not more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit;
- Following too closely
- Inadequate service breaks, except for such a violation committed by an employed driver during their employment.
3 Point Violations:
- Any violation involving speed except where a different point value has been assigned
- Any violation constituting a failure to yield the right-of-way
- Any violation involving disobeying a traffic control signal or a stop or yield sign
- Any violation involving improper passing, changing lanes unsafely, driving to the left of the center of the roadway, or driving in the wrong direction
- Leaving the scene of property damage incident or injury to an animal without reporting; and
- Any violation involving use of safety belts or seats by a child under the age of 16.
What Actions are taken by the DMV when it comes to the accumulation of points:
If you have accumulated between 4-6 points within 24 months, you may be mailed a letter advising you the status of your driving record and any possible future action if more points are accumulated.
If you have accumulated between 7-10 points within 24 months, you may be required to attend a driver improvement clinic. In addition, If you are required to attend a driver improvement clinic, your license may be suspended if you fail to attend.
You may be required to attend a formal hearing if you have accumulated:
- 11 or more points within a 24 month period
- 9 or more points resulting from speeding violations within a 24 month period
- 4 or more points within a 12 month period after having attended a formal hearing.
What This Means for New York Drivers
These changes represent a significant strengthening of New York’s traffic safety enforcement system. Drivers should be particularly aware of:
1. The higher point values for serious violations
2. The extended monitoring period for accumulating points
3. The stricter stance on repeat DUI offenses
4. Enhanced penalties for work zone and school bus violations
How LoTempio P.C. Law Group Can Help YOU
At LoTempio P.C. Law Group, we understand the stress and financial burden traffic violations can cause. Our experienced attorneys specialize in traffic law and can help you resolve tickets before they lead to severe consequences. Here’s how we can assist:
1. Point Reduction Strategies:
We’ll negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges or points associated with your violation, helping you avoid suspension and costly DRAs.
2. Legal Representation:
Our team will represent you in court to ensure your rights are protected and strive for the best possible outcome.
3. Insurance Mitigation:
By reducing or eliminating points on your record, we can help minimize the impact on your insurance premiums.
4. Payment Plans and Fee Reductions:
We’ll work to secure manageable payment plans for fines and potentially reduce fees associated with your violation.
Act Now to Protect Your Driving Record
Time is critical when dealing with traffic violations. The sooner you act, the better your chances of minimizing the impact. Contact the traffic law attorneys at LoTempio P.C. Law Group today for a consultation.
If you still have questions about your driving situation and NY DMV Rule Changes, call us at 716-855-3761 or visit our traffic law services page for more information.
Don’t let traffic tickets pile up and cost you more money than necessary. Let LoTempio P.C. Law Group in Buffalo, NY, guide you through the legal process and keep your driving record clean. To contact us about NY DMV Rule Changes, you may also fill out our contact form here and we will reach out to you at your convenience. Just let us know the best time and method of contact.
Read a related article from WGRZ-TV in Buffalo by CLICKING HERE.
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