BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has issued a reminder to drivers that, as of Monday, February 16, some of the most serious traffic violations have increased point values.
According to Erie County Clerk Michael 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 are some of the key changes to the point system:
| Offence | Points for Violations Before 2/16/2026 | Points for Violations Beginning 2/16/2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Any Alcohol- or Drug-Related Conviction or Incident | 0 | 11 |
| Aggravated Unlicensed Operation | 0 | 11 |
| Overtaking/Passing Stopped School Bus | 5 | 8 |
| Speeding in Construction Zone | Based on speed | 8 |
| Over-height Vehicle/Bridge Strike | 0 | 8 |
| Leaving Scene of a Personal Injury Crash | 3 | 5 |
| Failure to Exercise Due Care | 2 | 5 |
| Facilitating Aggravated Unlicensed Operation | 0 | 5 |
| Speed Contests and Races | 0 | 5 |
In addition, the time frame in which DMV can take administrative action against a persistent violator has gone from an 18-month look back to a 24-month look back.
“These updated regulations will have no impact on drivers who follow the rules of the road, but they will have a big impact on dangerous drivers and repeat offenders whose poor choices always put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk. Our job is to make sure that New York’s roads are safe for everyone, and if someone chooses to be reckless and unsafe, they do not deserve to be behind the wheel, period.”
- NYS DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder
