In 2026, traffic laws will change in several US states, including New York. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will extend the review period for traffic violations, directly impacting how drivers are identified, penalized, and have their licenses suspended. The new system has already been approved by the state legislature and is expected to take effect in early 2026.
“Each violation will be on their record for longer, and that will have an impact in a variety of ways”
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is revamping its points-based system for penalizing drivers, and the changes could significantly impact drivers on New York City streets. “Each violation will be on their record for longer, and that will have an impact in a variety of ways,” says Aaron Pam, senior associate at Tully Rinckey. Currently, if a person accumulates 11 points in 18 months, they could be suspended. Under the new system, suspension is possible with 10 points in 24 months.
Many infractions are now resulting in more points; furthermore, it will also be easier for drivers to reach the 10-point threshold
According to local media, the modifications were approved and went into effect on November 6, 2024, but have not yet been fully implemented, as the traffic authority’s digital platform is still being updated. The fact is that many infractions are now resulting in more points; furthermore, it will also be easier for drivers to reach the 10-point threshold. “Construction zones are a new focus under the new law; even exceeding the speed limit by one or two miles per hour in a construction zone now carries a higher number of points,” Aaron Pam stated.
With the reform, penalties will be harsher. For example, exceeding the speed limit by up to 16 km/h (10 mph) previously resulted in 3 points, but will now carry 4; using a mobile phone while driving increases from 5 to 6 points. The agency had already anticipated in September 2023 that the new rules would allow it to “strengthen its ability to remove drivers who engage in dangerous behavior.” Other changes include, for example, failing to yield to a pedestrian increases from 3 to 5 points; reckless driving increases from 5 to 8 points.
The new system may also generate new revenue for the state.
Experts point out that the core of the change lies in the extension of the traffic violation review period: from 18 to 24 months. This will allow drivers to accumulate points over a longer period, increasing the likelihood of reaching the levels that result in automatic license suspensions, higher state fees, and higher insurance premiums. Along with these changes, there are also new violations that award points, such as those related to vehicle equipment, which will now carry a 1-point penalty each; unauthorized U-turns will add 2 points; obstructing traffic will also result in a 2-point penalty; and failure to yield to emergency vehicles now carries a 3-point penalty.
The state DMV says the changes focus on safety and align New York’s point system with those of neighboring states. Dave Werner of the Franklin County Traffic Safety Board noted in an article published in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise that it is “clear that New York State is getting serious about drivers who continue to exhibit dangerous habits.” The fact is, the new system may also generate new revenue for the state.
Drivers who break the rules have another option. In addition to harsher penalties, the new package includes administrative measures such as mandatory driver improvement courses for those who accumulate between 7 and 10 points in 24 months, and early warning letters for those who reach between 4 and 6 points. This way, drivers still have the option of paying for a course that could reduce the points on their license by 4, but if they are accumulating fines, this won’t make much of a difference for drivers with a history of violations.