If you are stopped by the police for driving faster than the posted speed limit, careless driving or another traffic violation, points will be assessed against your driver’s license. If you accumulate 11 or more points, you will not only face a suspended driver’s license, but also fines, increased insurance premiums and other serious penalties.
Traffic violations defense attorney Thomas W. Ryan handles a wide range of traffic tickets that can put your driving privileges at risk. With more than 40 years of criminal defense experience, he is fully prepared to use his knowledge of the law and the local court system to help clients with clean licenses or prior violations avoid points against their licenses.
New York Driver Violation Point System
The New York point system helps the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) identify drivers who commit multiple traffic violations within an 18 month period. When you are charged with a traffic offense the DMV adds up the points for each violation.
Up to 11 points for speeding – depends on how much over the posted limit:
3 points for 1-10 MPH or when no speed is posted
4 points for 11-20 MPH
6 points for 21-30 MPH
8 points for 31-40 MPH
11 points for speeds over 40 MPH
5 Points – reckless driving or failing to stop for a school bus
4 Points – tailgating or following too closely, inadequate brakes
3 Points – improper passing or lane changing, failing to obey yield/stop signs or lights, railroad crossing violations, child safety restraint violations, driving the wrong direction, or a hit and run involving damage or injury to a domestic animal
2 Points – other moving violations, inadequate brakes while driving an employer’s vehicle
Accumulate 11 points for any of these violations and the DMV will suspend your license. Furthermore, regardless of how many points have been accumulated, New York’s DMV will revoke your license if you are convicted of three speeding violations within an 18-month period.
New York’s Driver Responsibility Assessment
Multiple traffic offenses within an 18 month period can result in license suspension, fines for each offense and license reinstatement fees. However, New York also levies what’s called a driver responsibility assessment of at least $100 a year for three years. Even drivers with no prior violations, are subject to this special assessment if they accumulate six points within 18-months. Offenses involving DWI/DUI or drugs raise the amount to $250 per year.
Please note, Attorney Ryan also provides comprehensive representation to clients in all drunk driving (DWI / DUI) matters