BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns has issued a warning to motorists that major changes are coming to the New York State DMV driver point system in February 2026.
According to Kearns, the reforms were adopted in 2024 and are designed to more quickly identify high-risk motorists and improve traffic safety across the state.
Below is the updated point system:
- Speeding 1–10 mph over limit: increasing from 3 to 4 points
- Using a cell phone while driving: increasing from 5 to 6 points
- Failure to yield to a pedestrian: increasing from 3 to 5 points
- Reckless driving or passing a stopped school bus: increasing from 5 to 8 points
- Speeding in construction zones: 8 points regardless of speed
Drivers will also see points added for violations 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
As of now, drivers face a possible suspension if they accumulate 11 points within 18 months. Under the new rules, drivers can face suspension with 10 points within 24 months.
In addition, the number of impaired driving convictions that result in a lifetime license revocation has been reduced from five DUI convictions to four.
“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. 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.”
