News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Power & Politics
Rebuilding Brooklyn
Taking Action
79°
Local
Crime
Weather
Power & Politics
Rebuilding Brooklyn
Taking Action

Increased points for driving violations starting in New York

The highest total you can get for a single violation is 11 points. This includes driving with a suspended license or driving 40 miles over the speed limit.

Isabella Giardina

Feb 13, 2026, 5:46 AM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

Starting Feb. 16, new point values for driving violations will be in effect in New York state.

The highest total you can get for a single violation is 11 points. This includes driving with a suspended license or driving 40 miles over the speed limit.

Any incidents relating to alcohol or drugs will also get you 11 points, when before, you wouldn't get any.

Ricardo Cabrera, from Bronx Driving School, says these changes will benefit everyone.

"The new rules are going to be able to make us stay safe in the streets because there are a lot of drivers that are not following the rules and that puts everyone at risk," says Cabrera.

Passing a school bus and an over-height vehicle violation could get you up to eight points and leaving the scene of a crash and car racing will result in up to five points.

Cabrera says there are ways to offset these violations.

"The defensive driving course will help you with four points and it will also give you 10% off on your insurance if you take the course for three years," he says.

These points will now stay on your record for 24 months instead of 18, so racking up multiple violations can result in losing your license.

Top Stories

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices