Got a New York traffic ticket?
Check how many DMV points it may carry. Our free calculator takes only a few seconds.
A traffic ticket may look like a small problem. But it can add points to your license. It may also raise your insurance cost.
Some tickets can even put your driver’s license at risk. Knowing the possible points is a good first step.
What Are New York DMV Points?
The New York DMV gives points for many traffic violations. More serious violations carry more points.
You do not get points just because a police officer gave you a ticket. Points are added after you plead guilty or are found guilty.
The DMV counts points from the date the violation happened. It does not use the date of your conviction.
How Many Points Is a Speeding Ticket in New York?
Speeding points depend on how fast you were driving over the speed limit.
- Speed not listed on the ticket: 3 points
- 1 to 10 mph over the limit: 3 points
- 11 to 20 mph over the limit: 4 points
- 21 to 30 mph over the limit: 6 points
- 31 to 40 mph over the limit: 8 points
- More than 40 mph over the limit: 11 points
- Speeding in a work zone: 8 points
A single speeding ticket may put your license at risk. For example, driving more than 40 mph over the limit may carry 11 points.
Learn more about your options from a New York speeding ticket lawyer.
Points for Other New York Traffic Tickets
- Cell phone use while driving: 5 points
- Texting while driving: 5 points
- Reckless driving: 5 points
- Passing a stopped school bus: 8 points
- Following too closely: 4 points
- Running a red light or stop sign: 3 points
- Failing to yield: 3 points
- Unsafe lane change or improper passing: 3 points
- Leaving the scene of a crash with property damage: 3 points
You can review the current values on the New York State DMV point-system page.
See How Your Tickets Add Up
Add more than one ticket and see your possible point total.
The result is an estimate. The exact charge on your ticket matters.
How Fast Can Points Add Up?
One ticket may not seem serious. But two or three tickets can add up fast.
- Cell phone ticket: 5 points
- Speeding 11 to 20 mph over the limit: 4 points
- Unsafe lane change: 3 points
Possible total: 12 points. That total may place your license at risk.
When Can the DMV Suspend Your License?
The New York DMV may suspend your driver’s license if you receive 11 points within 24 months.
Points are not the only reason the DMV may suspend or revoke a license. Some serious violations can cause a suspension even if your total is lower than 11 points.
New drivers, junior drivers, and CDL drivers may also face special rules. Learn more about help with New York DMV hearings.
What Happens at Six Points?
If you receive 6 or more points within 18 months, you may have to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment.
This is a separate DMV fee. You may have to pay it each year for three years. It is added to the normal fines and court costs from your ticket.
Reckless Driving Is More Serious
Reckless driving carries 5 DMV points.
⚠ Reckless driving is also a misdemeanor offense. Attorney review is strongly recommended.
A reckless-driving charge is more serious than a normal traffic ticket. A conviction may lead to a criminal record, fines, possible jail time, and other penalties.
New York’s reckless-driving law is found in Vehicle and Traffic Law §1212.
Can a Defensive Driving Course Remove My Points?
A DMV-approved defensive driving course may reduce the points used to decide whether your license should be suspended.
The course may also lower the base cost of your car insurance by 10% for three years. But it does not erase a ticket or conviction from your record.
Will a Traffic Ticket Raise My Insurance?
It may. Insurance companies use their own systems to review driving records.
The cost may depend on the type of violation, your driving history, your insurance company, and whether there was a crash.
Should I Plead Guilty to My Ticket?
Do not make a quick choice without knowing the possible results.
A guilty plea may lead to points, fines, DMV fees, higher insurance costs, or a license suspension.
A traffic lawyer can review the ticket, the evidence, and your driving record. The lawyer can explain your choices before you enter a plea. Learn more about help with New York traffic tickets.
Special Risks for CDL Drivers
Traffic tickets can cause added problems for commercial drivers.
A conviction may affect your CDL, your job, and your ability to earn money. If you drive for work, learn more about New York CDL violations before you plead guilty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points can suspend my license in New York?
The DMV may suspend your license if you receive 11 points within 24 months. Some serious violations may also cause a suspension on their own.
How many points is a cell phone ticket?
A conviction for using a cell phone or portable device while driving carries 5 points. Read more about New York cell phone tickets.
How many points is reckless driving?
Reckless driving carries 5 points. It is also a misdemeanor offense in New York. Attorney review is strongly recommended.
Do points start on the court date?
No. The DMV uses the date when the violation happened.
Can several tickets from one stop add together?
Yes. If you are convicted of more than one violation, the points may be added together.
Does the calculator give an exact legal result?
No. It gives an estimate based on the violations you select. Your real result depends on the exact charges and what happens in your case.
Check Your Points Before You Plead Guilty
Use our free calculator. Then speak with the Law Office of Gina M. Wicik about your options.
Free confidential consultation. Available 24/7.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Calculator results are estimates. Using the calculator or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Featured photo by Brendan Church on Unsplash.
