New York Drivers Face Harsher Penalties for Traffic Violations

Broome County DA warns of increased points and license suspensions for offenses like DWI and speeding

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has significantly increased the number of points associated with certain traffic infractions and vehicle crimes, including DWI, DWAI, aggravated unlicensed operation, passing a stopped school bus, speeding in a construction zone, and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti is warning drivers that these new rules, which went into effect on Monday, could lead to more license suspensions and challenges around hardship and conditional licenses.

Why it matters

The harsher penalties are aimed at improving road safety and deterring dangerous driving behaviors, but they may also lead to more drivers opting for trials rather than plea deals, increasing the workload for district attorney's offices.

The details

Under the new rules, DWI and DWAI (driving while ability impaired) offenses will now incur 11 points on a driver's license, in addition to fines and potential jail time. Points have also increased for other violations like aggravated unlicensed operation, passing a stopped school bus, speeding in a construction zone, and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. The look-back period for accruing points has also been extended from 18 months to two years.

  • The new system went into effect on Monday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Paul Battisti

Broome County District Attorney who is warning motorists about the increased penalties.

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

The agency that has implemented the harsher penalties for traffic violations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Is somebody eligible for a hardship license? Is somebody eligible for a conditional license? If they are eligible for a conditional license under the 1192, is that going to apply to the points system? A lot of these things, I don't think we know yet. It's going to be one of those things where the law's been changed, there's new points, we'll see how the first case is handled and then we'll go from there.”

— Paul Battisti, Broome County District Attorney (binghamtonhomepage.com)

What’s next

Battisti says certain offenses, such as speeding, can still be resolved through the DA's traffic diversion program, but he is concerned the harsher penalties may prompt more drivers facing misdemeanors to opt for a trial rather than a plea, increasing his office's workload.

The takeaway

The increased penalties for traffic violations in New York State aim to improve road safety, but they also raise questions about the impact on driver's license eligibility and the workload for district attorney's offices as more drivers may choose to fight charges in court.