New York Drivers Face Stricter License Penalties

Alcohol and drug violations now carry points, increasing risk of suspension

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Starting February 16, new regulations from the New York DMV will make it easier to suspend drivers' licenses due to alcohol- and drug-related convictions. These violations will now carry points on a driver's record, and the review window for repeat offenses has been extended from 18 to 24 months.

Why it matters

The changes aim to improve road safety by cracking down on impaired and reckless driving, but the police union warns that lack of public awareness could lead to tense traffic stops as drivers are surprised to learn a single citation could cost them their license.

The details

Under the new rules, any alcohol- or drug-related driving conviction or incident, as well as aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, will be worth 11 points on a driver's license. Previously, these violations carried no points. The DMV has also extended the review window for determining repeat offenders from 18 to 24 months. Additionally, 'failure to exercise due care' around pedestrians, cyclists, and animals is now a citable offense.

  • The new regulations take effect on February 16, 2026.

The players

New York Department of Motor Vehicles

The state agency responsible for vehicle registration, driver's licenses, and traffic law enforcement.

New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association

The union representing New York state troopers, who have expressed concerns about potential public backlash from the new regulations.

Mark Schroeder

Commissioner of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, who stated the goal is to make roads safer by cracking down on reckless driving.

Charles Murphy

President of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, who warned the state has not done enough to educate the public about the changes.

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What they’re saying

“When an irate driver realizes at the side of the road that a single citation can result in sufficient points to lose their license and drive up their insurance coverage costs, it is our members who may well face that anger.”

— Charles Murphy, President, New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association

“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.”

— Mark Schroeder, Commissioner, New York Department of Motor Vehicles

What’s next

The new regulations take effect on February 16, 2026, and the DMV has indicated it will be closely monitoring the impact on driver behavior and road safety.

The takeaway

These stricter license penalty rules reflect a statewide effort to improve traffic safety by cracking down on impaired and reckless driving, though the lack of public awareness could lead to confrontations between drivers and police during the initial rollout period.