Major Changes to New York’s DMV Point System in 2025

As of 2025, New York has implemented major updates to its DMV point system. With a longer point “look-back” period and increased penalties for specific violations, drivers are now more likely to face license suspension, higher insurance premiums, and costly state fees.

Key DMV Changes in 2025

Extended Look-Back Period

Points from moving violations now remain on your driving record for 24 months, up from the previous 18-month window. This change increases the chance of accumulating enough points to trigger a suspension or the Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee (DRAF).

Increased Points for Specific Violations

Several violations now carry more points than in previous years:

1) Driving Without a License

Before: 0 points

Now: 11 points

2) Striking an Overpass

Before: 0 points

Now: 8 points

3) Speeding in a Work Zone

Before: 3–6 points, depending on speed

Now: 8 points, regardless of speed over the limit

4) Passing a Stopped School Bus

Before: 5 points

Now: 8 points

5) Illegal Speed Races (Street Racing)

Before: 3 points

Now: 5 points

6) Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injuries

Before: 3 points

Now: 5 points

Driver Improvement Clinic

Drivers who accumulate 7 to 10 points within a 24-month period may be required to attend a mandatory driver improvement clinic, focused on reducing future violations.

Stricter Penalties for Repeat Offenders

Repeat offenders—especially those with multiple serious violations like driving while suspended or impaired—face harsher penalties, including quicker suspensions and higher fines. These changes support the state’s push for stronger traffic law enforcement.

Financial & Insurance Impacts

• Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee (DRAF):
  Still triggered by 6 or more points within 18 months, this fee can cost drivers hundreds of dollars over a three-year period.
• Insurance Rate Increases:
  With points staying on your record longer and more violations carrying higher values, insurance providers are more likely to raise your premiums for longer periods.

What You Can Do

• Fight Every Ticket:
  Every point counts. Successfully challenging a violation can prevent long-term consequences for your license and insurance.
• Take a Defensive Driving Course:
  This course can reduce up to 4 points, but only applies to violations received within the last 18 months—not the full 24-month window.
• Understand Suspension Thresholds:
  Accumulating 11 points or more within 18 months typically results in suspension. However, certain serious offenses—like DUI or driving with a suspended license—can lead to suspension even with fewer points.

Need Legal Help?

If you’ve received a traffic ticket or are facing possible license suspension, don’t wait. The New York DMV point system in 2025 brings stricter penalties that can seriously impact your driving record and finances. A traffic attorney can help you fight the charges and protect your license.

Contact us today.