Major Changes Coming to New York State DMV Point System in February 2026
New York motorists will soon face stricter penalties for traffic violations as major reforms to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver point system are set to take effect in February 2026. Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns has issued a public warning urging drivers to understand the new rules and how they may impact their licenses and insurance rates.
According to Kearns, the updates were adopted in 2024 with the goal of identifying high-risk drivers more quickly and improving traffic safety across New York State.
Increased Points for Key Violations
- Several common violations will now carry higher point values on a driver’s record:
- Speeding (1–10 mph over limit): 3 → 4 points
- Using a cell phone while driving: 5 → 6 points
- Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 3 → 5 points
- Reckless driving or passing a stopped school bus: 5 → 8 points
- Speeding in construction zones: 8 points regardless of speed
- New Points Added to Previously Non-Point Violations
Drivers will now receive points for infractions that previously carried none
- Equipment violations: 1 point each
- Illegal U-turns: 2 points
- Obstructing traffic: 2 points
- Failure to move over for emergency vehicles: 3 points
Stricter Suspension Threshold
The reforms also change how many points can trigger a driver’s license suspension. Under current rules, drivers can be suspended after 11 points within 18 months. Under the new guidelines, a suspension can occur with 10 points within 24 months.
Harsher Penalties for Impaired Driving
The number of DUI convictions leading to a lifetime license revocation has also been reduced — from five convictions to four.
Official Warning to Motorists
“With these new rules taking effect, it’s important for every New York driver to understand how points work and how they can affect your driving privileges,” Clerk Kearns said. “If you accumulate too many points, it can cause your license to be suspended or revoked. And points on a license can also impact what you pay for insurance.”
The new point system will take effect statewide beginning February 2026.
