New York Drivers Face Tougher Penalties Under Updated DMV Point System

Serious offenses like DUI and passing stopped school buses will now carry higher point values, leading to more license suspensions and insurance hikes.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is updating its driver's license point system, significantly increasing the penalties for serious traffic violations like drunk driving, passing stopped school buses, and speeding in work zones. Legal experts warn the changes could lead to more drivers contesting tickets in court to avoid the stricter consequences.

Why it matters

The goal of the new point system is to crack down on dangerous driving behaviors that put public safety at risk. However, the tougher penalties may also result in more legal challenges from drivers trying to avoid license suspensions and insurance rate hikes.

The details

Under the updated DMV rules, several major offenses will now carry much higher point values. Alcohol- or drug-related convictions and aggravated unlicensed operation will result in 11 points, up from zero previously. Other dangerous violations like passing a stopped school bus, speeding in a work zone, or striking a low bridge will carry 8 points. Local DWI attorney Jonathan Cohn predicts more drivers will hire lawyers to contest tickets rather than simply paying them, as the higher stakes could lead to more trials and creative plea bargains to avoid license suspensions.

  • The new DMV point system rules will take effect on February 16, 2026.

The players

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

The state agency responsible for driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and traffic law enforcement in New York.

Jonathan Cohn

A local DWI attorney who expects the tougher penalties to change how drivers respond to traffic tickets.

Mark Schroeder

The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, who says the updated regulations are designed to target unsafe motorists, not law-abiding drivers.

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What they’re saying

“I think more people retaining attorneys for traffic offenses given the new point system.”

— Jonathan Cohn, DWI Attorney (WNYT)

“The updated regulations are designed to target unsafe motorists, not law-abiding drivers. The changes will not affect drivers who follow the rules of the road but will have a major impact on dangerous and repeat offenders whose actions put others at risk.”

— Mark Schroeder, DMV Commissioner (WNYT)

What’s next

State officials advise motorists to carefully review the new point values before the updated system takes effect on February 16, 2026.

The takeaway

The stricter DMV point system aims to improve road safety by cracking down on reckless driving, but it may also lead to more legal challenges from drivers trying to avoid the steeper consequences, potentially creating a new set of challenges for the state's court system.