Points on Driver's License in New York (2026 Guide)
The Driver Violation Point System is how the New York State DMV tracks high-risk drivers and takes action when necessary. Points are added to your driving record for certain traffic violations. If you accumulate 11 or more points within an 18-month period, your driver's license may be suspended.
Keep in mind: The point system isn't the only way to lose your license-other violations or offenses can also result in suspension.
How to Check Your DMV Points in New York State
The quickest way to check points on your license is to order your driving record abstract directly through the New York State DMV MyDMV portal. It costs $7.00 and allows you to download and print your record immediately.
Below is the full list of methods to check points on your driving record:
- Online: Log in to the MyDMV portal to purchase your Standard, Lifetime, or CDL driving record abstract. The fee is $7.00, and you must have an NY.gov ID. The record is available as a PDF to save or print immediately.
- By Mail: Complete the Request for DMV Records (Form MV-15). Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $10.00 (payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles") to: NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (see exact address on the form).
- In-Person: Visit any DMV office to request a copy of your driving record. You must bring a completed Request for Driving Record Information (Form MV-15C), proof of identity, and the $10.00 fee.
- By Phone: The New York DMV does not provide point totals or driving record abstracts over the phone. You must use one of the methods listed above to view your specific point balance.
How to Reduce Points
Taking a NY DMV-approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (also known as a defensive driving course) can:
- Subtract 4 points from your total (for suspension calculation purposes only).
- Prevent license suspension if you're nearing 11 points.
- Save you 10% on your liability and collision insurance premiums.
Note: Points are not physically removed from your driving record.
The Best Online Defensive Driving Courses 2026
| Provider | Rating | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text Based Course |
4.7
|
Best Overall | See Price |
| Comedy Defensive Driving |
4.5
|
Entertaining Content | See Price |
The Text Based Course is broken down into small pages: 1-2 minute reads. This course has great mobile optimization and only two quizes with 10 questions each. To speed up your course experience, the video upgrade is available and makes a big difference.
Comedy Defensive Driving offers great value for the money: content explained by stand up comedy artists, has many videos, interactive presentations, games, and audio read along feature already included in the price of the course. This course is split into micro learning modules with simple 4 quiz questions after each module which makes learning and answering questions very easy.
The course providers recommended above are DMV approved in NY state and offer:
- Great Mobile Optimization
- Certificate in 30 mins
- Easy & Intuitive Quiz Questions
- No Final Exam
- Easy Identify Verification System
- Responsive Customer Service
How Are Points Calculated in NY State?
- You must be convicted of the traffic violation before points are added to your record.
- Points are calculated based on the date of the violation, not the date of the conviction.
- Only violations that occurred within the past 18 months count toward your point total.
After 18 months the points for that violation no longer count toward your total for DMV suspension purposes. However, they may still appear on your record and could affect your insurance premiums.
Points for Common Violations in New York
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 1 to 10 MPH over | 3 |
| Speeding 11 to 20 MPH over | 4 |
| Speeding 21 to 30 MPH over | 6 |
| Speeding 31 to 40 MPH over | 8 |
| Speeding Over 40 MPH over | 11 |
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Failing to stop for a school bus | 5 |
| Improper cell phone use | 5 |
| Texting while driving (portable device use) | 5 |
| Railroad crossing violation | 5 |
| Failure to yield right-of-way | 3 |
| Running a red light | 3 |
| Disobeying a traffic sign (Stop, Yield, etc.) | 3 |
| Unsafe lane change or improper passing | 3 |
| Driving the wrong way or left of center | 3 |
| Leaving scene of a property damage accident | 3 |
| Child safety restraint violation | 3 |
| Inadequate brakes (employer's vehicle) | 2 |
| Most other moving violations | 2 |
| Failure to signal | 2 |
| Improper turn | 2 |
| Disobeying a traffic control device | 2 |
| Tinted windows | 0 |
| No seatbelt (driver/passenger 16 or older) | 0 |
| Unregistered vehicle | 0 |
| Driving without a license | 0 |
| Uninspected vehicle | 0 |
| Faulty equipment | 0 |
Out-of-State Violations
If you're convicted of a traffic violation outside of New York, points are not added to your NY driving record-except if the violation occurred in Ontario or Quebec.
Insurance and Points
Insurance companies use their own systems to determine rate increases. Your driving record, regardless of driver license points, can impact your premium. Contact your insurance provider for specific details.
About the Author
When he’s not decoding DMV jargon, you’ll usually find him on a tennis court or cycling up a hill he regrets halfway through.
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