New York Traffic Ticket Points Chart
Updated to reflect the DMV point system changes effective February 16, 2026.
Last reviewed by Attorney Ronald S. Cook — April 2026
Our firm has helped thousands of drivers reduce their points and fines across all 62 New York counties. We go to court for you — no appearance required.
What Changed on February 16, 2026
• The DMV look-back period expanded from 18 months to 24 months — points stay on your record longer.
• Several violations now carry significantly higher point values, including school bus violations (5 → 8), railroad crossings (3 → 5), and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident (3 → 5).
• New 11-point violations: Any DWI, DWAI, drug-related conviction, chemical test refusal, or aggravated unlicensed operation now carries 11 points — enough to trigger suspension on a single conviction.
• New point categories added for speed contests, construction zone speeding, over-height/bridge strike violations, and facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation.
Points Assigned for Traffic Violations
Source: New York State DMV — effective February 16, 2026
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| 11-Point Violations — Any single violation triggers suspension review | |
| Speeding — More than 40 MPH over posted limit | 11 |
| Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree) | 11 |
| DWI / DWAI / Aggravated DWI / DWAI Drugs / Chemical Test Refusal | 11 |
| 8-Point Violations | |
| Speeding — 31 to 40 MPH over posted limit | 8 |
| Speeding in a construction zone (any amount over limit) | 8 |
| Over-height vehicle / bridge strike | 8 |
| Failed to stop for school bus | 8 |
| 6-Point Violations | |
| Speeding — 21 to 30 MPH over posted limit | 6 |
| 5-Point Violations | |
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Speed contests and races | 5 |
| Improper cell phone use | 5 |
| Use of portable electronic device (texting) | 5 |
| Railroad crossing violation | 5 |
| Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident | 5 |
| Failure to exercise due care (VTL 1146) | 5 |
| Facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation | 5 |
| 4-Point Violations | |
| Speeding — 11 to 20 MPH over posted limit | 4 |
| Inadequate brakes (employer’s vehicle) | 4 |
| 3-Point Violations | |
| Speeding — 1 to 10 MPH over posted limit | 3 |
| Red light violation | 3 |
| Disobeying a traffic control device (VTL 1110) | 3 |
| Disobeying traffic control signal, STOP sign, or YIELD sign | 3 |
| Failed to yield the right-of-way | 3 |
| Improper passing or changing lanes unsafely | 3 |
| Driving left of center or in the wrong direction | 3 |
| Leaving the scene of a property damage incident | 3 |
| Child safety restraint violation | 3 |
| No seatbelt — driver or passenger 16 years or older | 3 |
| 2-Point Violations | |
| Most other moving violations | 2 |
| Failure to signal | 2 |
| Improper turn | 2 |
| 0-Point Violations (non-moving / equipment) | |
| Tinted windows | 0 |
| Unlicensed operation (non-aggravated) | 0 |
| Uninspected vehicle | 0 |
| Faulty equipment | 0 |
How the Point System Works
The New York State DMV Driver Violation Point System identifies and takes action against high-risk drivers. Points are assigned for certain traffic violations, and accumulating too many can result in mandatory fees, a suspended license, or worse.
Key thresholds (as of February 16, 2026):
• 6+ points in 18 months — Driver Responsibility Assessment fees apply ($100/year for 3 years, plus $25/year per additional point)
• 4–6 points in 24 months — DMV issues an early warning letter
• 7–10 points in 24 months — mandatory Driver Improvement Clinic
• 11+ points in 24 months — formal suspension hearing
• 3 speeding convictions in 18 months — license may be suspended
• Look-back period is now 24 months (previously 18 months)
How your point total is calculated:
• Points are added only after you are convicted of the violation — not when the ticket is issued.
• Your total is based on the date of the violation, not the date of conviction.
• Points for all violations within the last 24 months are totaled together for administrative action purposes.
Out-of-State Convictions
Traffic convictions in other states generally do not add points to your New York driving record — with one important exception. New York has a reciprocal agreement with Ontario and Quebec. Convictions in those provinces are recorded on your New York record and carry the same points as if the violation occurred here.
Insurance Impact
Insurance companies maintain their own point systems and can increase your premiums based on your driving record — even for violations that carry relatively few DMV points. A single speeding conviction can raise your rates for three to five years.
Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP)
Completing a DMV-approved PIRP course can reduce your point total by up to 4 points and save 10% on your automobile liability and collision insurance premiums. However, the course does not erase the underlying conviction from your record — which is why fighting the ticket in the first place is almost always the better strategy.
Common VTL Codes on New York Traffic Tickets
The code on your ticket tells you exactly which section of the Vehicle and Traffic Law you are charged with violating. Below are the most frequently issued codes.
Speed Restrictions — Article 30
| VTL Code | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1180(a) | Speed not reasonable or prudent | 3–11 |
| 1180(d) | Speeding in excess of posted limits | 3–11 |
| 1180(f) | Speeding in a construction zone | 8 |
| 1181(a) | Impeding traffic — driving too slowly | 2 |
| 1182(1) | Speed contest (drag race) | 5 |
Traffic Control Devices and Signals — Articles 24 & 29
| VTL Code | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1110(a) | Disobeying a traffic control device | 3 |
| 1111 | Red light violation | 3 |
| 1172(a) | Disobeyed stop sign | 3 |
| 1172(b) | Failed to stop for yield sign when required | 3 |
| 1173 | Failed to stop — emerging from alley, driveway, private road, or building | 3 |
| 1174(a) | Passed stopped school bus with lights flashing | 8 |
| 1175 | Entered intersection when room unavailable (gridlock) | 2 |
Turning and Lane Changes — Article 28
| VTL Code | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1160(a) | Improper right turn | 2 |
| 1160(b) | Improper left turn (two-way road) | 2 |
| 1161 | U-turn at grade or curve | 2 |
| 1162 | Moved stopped vehicle unsafely | 2 |
| 1163(a) | Improper or unsafe turn | 2 |
| 1163(b) | Failed to signal for turn | 2 |
Right of Way — Article 26
| VTL Code | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1140(a) | Failed to yield when approaching intersection | 3 |
| 1141 | Failed to yield — left turn | 3 |
| 1142(a) | Failed to stop at stop sign / failed to yield | 3 |
| 1143 | Failed to yield when entering roadway | 3 |
| 1144(a) | Failed to yield to authorized emergency vehicle | 3 |
| 1146 | Failure to exercise due care — bicyclist, pedestrian, or domestic animal | 5 |
| 1151(a) | Failed to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk | 3 |
Potential Penalties for Traffic Violations
Depending on the nature of the violation, penalties can include:
• Fines and surcharges
• Points on your driving record
• Auto insurance rate increases
• Driver Responsibility Assessment fees ($100/year for 3 years at 6+ points, plus $25/year per additional point)
• Mandatory Driver Improvement Clinic at 7–10 points
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation
• Jail time (for certain violations)
When you pay a traffic ticket, you are pleading guilty. A guilty plea results in points, fines, insurance increases, and a permanent conviction on your driving record. Contact an attorney before paying any ticket.
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