New York Driver Points in 2026: The 24-Month Rule and DRA

New York adds points for certain traffic convictions. Accumulating 11 points in 24 months can lead to license suspension. Serious violations can also trigger separate suspension or revocation rules; staying below 11 is not permission to disregard them.

Which date counts?

Points are added after a conviction, but the calculation uses the violation date, not the conviction date. New point values apply to violations committed on or after February 16, 2026.

After 24 months, a violation’s points stop counting toward this total. That does not erase the conviction from your record or prevent an insurer from considering it.

Selected current point values

Violation	Points
Passing a stopped school bus unlawfully	8
Speeding in a work zone	8
Illegal use of a mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving	5
Following too closely	4
Traffic signal, STOP or YIELD sign violation	3
Failure to yield right-of-way	3

This is a selection, not a complete penalty schedule. For example, alcohol/drug violations and aggravated unlicensed operation can carry 11 points and other consequences. Review the school-bus stopping rule and following-distance guide to connect points with the driving behavior.

DRA uses a separate 18-month window

The Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) is an additional DMV charge, separate from court fines and surcharges. For point-based assessments:

• 6 points in 18 months: $100 per year for three years, totaling $300.
• Each point above six in that period: another $25 per year for three years.

Certain alcohol/drug convictions or chemical-test refusals trigger a separate DRA of $250 per year for three years. Follow the payment date on DMV’s statement; nonpayment can suspend your license, permit or driving privilege.

What does a defensive-driving course change?

A qualifying DMV-approved PIRP course can reduce points used in a suspension calculation by up to four. It does not remove tickets or points from the record and does not reduce a DRA. Follow the program’s eligibility rules; completing a course does not automatically resolve every suspension.

Use the official points page and MyDMV to check your record and status. Keep violation dates, notices and payment deadlines together.

Official sources

Reviewed October 29, 2026. DMV driver point system, DMV’s January 30, 2026 implementation memo, DRA rules and fees and Driver’s Manual Chapter 2.