Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Updated Point Values for Driving Offenses

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) updated point system for driving offense convictions goes into effect Monday, February 16, 2026.   Some of the most serious traffic offense convictions will carry increased point values compared to the point system prior to February 16, 2026. The most significant increase in point values will be for any alcohol or drug related conviction or incident. Prior to February 16, 2026, if a motorist was convicted for any V.T.L. § 1192 offense, 0 points would be imposed on the license. Granted, the license would be suspended or revoked for a period of time depending on the conviction, but a DWI would previously carry 0 points. A DWI conviction on or after February 16, 2026 will now carry 11 points on a license. The new DMV point system also allows for administrative actions against persistent violators for 10 points in 24 months compared to the prior look back period of 11 points in 18 months. This means that points remain on a motorist’s record longer and accumulates faster.

The new point system has other changes besides those on DWI convictions. A conviction for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in violation of V.T.L. §§  511.1 and 511.2 will also be 11 points when it previously carried 0 points. A conviction for facilitating the unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in violation of V.T.L. § 511.a will go from 0 points to 5 points. Overtaking/passing a stopped school bus will now be 8 points for a conviction as opposed to the previous 5-point penalty. A conviction for speeding in a construction zone will now carry 8 points. Leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury in violation of V.T.L. §  600.2 will now be a 5-point conviction when it was 3 points previously. Another major change is the addition of 5 points if convicted for speed contests and races. Speed contests and races convictions previously carried 0 points.

The existing 5 points for any violation involving a cellphone or portable electronic device while driving will stay the same. Zero points for equipment violations currently in place will also remain the same.