On November 6, 2024, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) introduced major updates to its Driver Violation Point System. With these changes, the DMV aims to improve road safety, crack down on hazardous driving behaviors, and make it easier to suspend the licenses of repeat offenders. As a result, drivers across the state will face stricter enforcement—but Long Island drivers, in particular, should pay close attention. If you live or drive in Nassau or Suffolk County, it’s more important than ever to understand how these changes could affect your driving record and license status. If you’ve received recent tickets or violations, consider speaking with a Long Island traffic lawyer who can help you protect your driving privileges under the new rules.

Key Changes to the DMV’s Point System for Long Island Drivers

Here’s a breakdown of the most important updates and how they might affect drivers in Nassau and Suffolk counties:

1. Extended Look-Back Period for Point Accumulation.

One of the biggest changes is that the DMV now extends the look-back period for accumulating points on your driving record. Previously, drivers who racked up 11 or more points within 18 months risked license suspension. Starting in November 2024, the DMV will look back 24 months instead.

This change means traffic violations from the past two years will now count toward your point total. If you’ve gotten tickets recently, you’re more likely to hit the 11-point limit and face suspension. For example, speeding or cell phone violations in Nassau or Suffolk can now affect your driving privileges much longer than before.

2. Increased Points for Certain Violations.

Several traffic violations now carry more points than before, raising the stakes for certain offenses. Notable changes include:

  • DWI, DWAI, Aggravated DWI, and DWAI-Drugs: These offenses now carry 11 points, up from no points previously.
  • Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO): Driving with a suspended or revoked license now results in 11 points—up from 0 points.
  • Speeding in Work Zones: Speeding in construction zones now incurs 8 points (up from 3-11 depending on speed).
  • Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident: Fleeing the scene after causing injury now brings 5 points (up from 3).
  • Failure to Use Due Care: Violations like running red lights or failing to yield now result in 5 points (up from 2).
  • Facilitating Aggravated Unlicensed Operation: Aiding someone in driving with a suspended license now results in 5 points (up from 0 points)
  • Speed Contests or Races: Participating in illegal speed contests or races is now penalized with 5 points (up from 0 points)
  • Failure to Use Due Care statute under VTL § 1146 (an offense issued for failing to avoid colliding with any bicyclist, pedestrian, or domestic animal) has been raised from 2 points to 5 points.

These changes mean that drivers on Long Island should be extra cautious, especially in areas where traffic enforcement may be more frequent.

3. Increased Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) Fees.

Along with the changes to the point system, the DRA fees have been adjusted. Drivers who accumulate 11 points within 24 months or 4 points in one year will face increased DRA fees, further elevating the financial burden for repeat offenders. For example:

  • Alcohol or Drug-Related Offenses: $250 annually for three years (totaling $750).
  • Accumulating 6 or More Points: $100 per year for three years (totaling $300).
  • Additional Points: Each point above the initial 6 costs $25 per year.

These additional costs can add up quickly, making it even more important to stay aware of your driving record and avoid serious violations.

4. New Hearing Requirements for Habitual Offenders.

Under the new system, drivers who accumulate multiple violations in a short period may be required to attend a hearing. The thresholds for triggering a hearing include:

  • 11 or more points within 24 months (excluding first-offense DWI, DWAI, or AUO convictions).
  • 9 or more points from speeding violations within 24 months.
  • 4 or more additional points within 12 months after a prior hearing.

Failure to attend these hearings can lead to a suspension of your license.

5. Stricter Rules for Restoration of Driving Privileges.

For drivers with multiple alcohol- or drug-related convictions, the rules for license restoration are becoming stricter. Those with four or more such convictions will face permanent revocation, down from five under previous rules. Additionally, the speed at which you accumulate points could delay your ability to restore your driving privileges after a suspension.

6. Changes to License Suspension Rules in 2024 for Long Island Drivers.

Starting November 1, 2024, the law will make it easier for drivers to face severe penalties for repeated license suspensions. Previously, drivers needed to have ten prior suspensions to qualify for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO) in the first degree. Now, that threshold will be lowered to five prior suspensions. This change will increase the likelihood of facing charges for habitual offenders who repeatedly have their licenses suspended.

7. Stricter Rules for Permanent License Revocation.

The threshold for permanent license revocation has been lowered. Now, drivers with four or more alcohol or drug-related driving convictions will face permanent license denial. Additionally, accumulating three such convictions, along with one or more serious driving offenses, can also lead to permanent revocation.

8. Required Driver Improvement Clinic.

Drivers who accumulate between 7 and 10 points within 24 months must now attend a Driver Improvement Clinic. If a driver reaches 11 or more points in the same period, a formal hearing may be scheduled to determine whether their license should be suspended.

What Do the DMV’s Point System Changes Mean for Long Island Drivers?

These changes are a wake-up call for Long Island drivers. With tougher penalties and an extended look-back period, it’s crucial to avoid accumulating points that could jeopardize your driving privileges. Here are a few tips to stay safe on the road:

  • Be Mindful of Traffic Violations: Even minor violations can add up, especially with the extended look-back period. Always keep track of your driving record.
  • Consider Defensive Driving: If you’ve accumulated points, a defensive driving course may help remove some points and prevent future suspensions.
  • Know Your Rights: If you face traffic violations or potential suspensions, consult with a skilled Long Island traffic attorney. A lawyer can help you navigate the new rules and potentially reduce penalties.

Protect Your Driving Privileges with a Long Island Traffic Attorney.

If you’re facing consequences under New York’s new DMV point system, speak with a skilled traffic attorney right away. These changes bring harsher penalties and increase the risk of suspension for Long Island drivers. As a former traffic court prosecutor, I know how to fight for your license and protect your driving record.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—early action gives you more control and more options. Together, we can push back against point-based penalties and help you stay on the road.

Contact The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC today at (516) 765-5566 for a free consultation.