Number of points assigned for common traffic violations
| VIOLATION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Speeding (MPH over posted limit) | |
| 1 to 10 | 3 |
| 11 to 20 | 4 |
| 21 to 30 | 6 |
| 31 to 40 | 8 |
| Over 40 | 11 |
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Failed to stop for school bus | 5 |
| Followed too closely (tailgating) | 4 |
| Inadequate brakes (private car) | 4 |
| Inadequate Brakes (employer’s vehicle) | 2 |
| Failed to yield right-of-way | 3 |
| Disobeying traffic control signal, STOP sign or YIELD sign | 3 |
| Railroad crossing violation | 5 |
| Improper passing, changing lane unsafely | 3 |
| Driving left of center, in wrong direction | 3 |
| Leaving scene of property damage incident | 3 |
| Child safety restraint violation | 3 |
| Improper cell phone use | 5 |
| Use of portable electronic device (“texting”) | 5 |
| Any other moving violation | 2 |
Points are not assigned for the following violations
- any bicycle violation
- any pedestrian violation
- any parking violation
- any violation related to unregistered, unlicensed or uninsured operation
- any violation related to motor vehicle inspection, vehicle weights or dimensions or vehicle equipment other than inadequate service brakes
- any violation related to a business or the sale of goods established in the Vehicle and Traffic Law or any local law
- a violation related to the improper use of High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes in Suffolk County, between exits 49 and 57 of the Long Island Expressway
- any other violation not resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle
Driver Responsibility Assessment
If you receive 6 or more points on your New York State driving record in 18 months, you must pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee.
Out-of-state convictions
If you are convicted of a traffic violation in another state or country, points are not added to your New York State driving record, unless the violation occurred in Ontario or Quebec.
New York State has a reciprocal agreement with Quebec and Ontario. Traffic violation convictions that occur in these provinces are recorded on your New York State driver record, and the convictions have the same effect and carry the same points as convictions that occur in New York State. This can affect your driver violation point total and Driver Responsibility Assessment.
Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies have their own point systems and can increase your premiums based on your driving record. Contact your insurance company for more information.
Above information from NYS DMV as of May 2024.