New York State Traffic Offenses,
Points & Fines
In New York, most moving violations add points to your driving record. Understanding the point system — and acting quickly — can mean the difference between keeping and losing your license. This guide covers the official VTL violation list, Driver Responsibility Assessment fees, and when your license is at risk.
How the New York Point System Works
New York State uses a point system to track driving behavior. When you are convicted of a traffic violation — including paying the ticket, which is the same as pleading guilty — the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adds points to your driving record based on the severity of the offense.
Points remain on your driving record for 18 months from the date of the violation (not the conviction date). If you accumulate 11 or more points within any 18-month period, the DMV will suspend your driver's license.
Even below 11 points, there are serious financial consequences through the Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) — an annual surcharge that kicks in at 6 points.
6+ Points
Driver Responsibility Assessment fee begins ($100/year for 3 years)
11+ Points
License suspension — within any 18-month period
Any DWI/DWAI
Mandatory license suspension or revocation (separate from points)
Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) Fee
The DRA is a separate annual surcharge billed directly by the DMV — on top of any court fines, insurance increases, or other penalties. It applies when you accumulate 6 or more points within an 18-month period, or when you receive a DWI/DWAI conviction.
| Trigger | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 6–8 points | $100/year for 3 years |
| Each point above 6 | +$25/year per point |
| All alcohol/drug DWI/DWAI convictions | $250/year for 3 years |
Failure to pay the DRA results in license suspension. DRA fees are paid in addition to all other fines and surcharges.
Common Traffic Violations — Points Table
The following table lists common moving violations under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL), the applicable VTL section, and the number of points assessed upon conviction.
| VTL § | Offense | Points |
|---|---|---|
| § 1180 | Speeding — 1 to 10 mph over limit | 3 |
| § 1180 | Speeding — 11 to 20 mph over limit | 4 |
| § 1180 | Speeding — 21 to 30 mph over limit | 6 |
| § 1180 | Speeding — 31 to 40 mph over limit | 8 |
| § 1180 | Speeding — More than 40 mph over limit | 11 |
| § 1212 | Reckless Driving | 5 |
| § 1129 | Following Too Closely (Tailgating) | 4 |
| § 1225-d | Handheld Cell Phone / Texting While Driving | 5 |
| § 1225-d | Use of Portable Electronic Device | 5 |
| § 1174 | Failure to Stop for a School Bus | 5 |
| § 1111 | Ran a Red Light | 3 |
| § 1172 | Ran a Stop Sign | 3 |
| § 1140 | Failure to Yield Right of Way | 3 |
| § 1151 | Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian | 3 |
| § 1163 | Failure to Signal When Required | 2 |
| § 1128 | Unsafe Lane Change | 3 |
| § 1122 | Improper Passing | 3 |
| § 1120 | Failure to Keep Right | 2 |
| § 1127 | Going Wrong Way on a One-Way Street | 2 |
| § 1170 | Railroad Crossing Violation | 3 |
| § 600(1) | Leaving Scene of an Incident (Property Damage) | 3 |
| § 375(1) | Inadequate Brakes | 4 |
| § 1192(1) | Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI Alcohol) | See DMV |
| § 1192(2) | DWI — BAC .08 or more | See DMV |
| § 1192(3) | DWI — Common Law (Impaired Judgment) | See DMV |
Note: DWI/DWAI convictions do not add points but carry mandatory license suspension or revocation under separate provisions of the VTL. Points listed are assessed upon conviction only — a dismissed or reduced charge will not carry the listed points.
Insurance Rate Impact
Beyond the DMV point system and DRA fees, traffic convictions are reported to your auto insurance carrier. Insurance companies use your driving record to calculate premiums, and even a single violation can result in a significant rate increase at your next renewal — sometimes lasting 3 to 5 years.
A typical speeding conviction (4 points) can increase annual premiums by $500–$1,000 or more. A reckless driving conviction (5 points) or a cell phone violation (5 points) can trigger even steeper increases — and may affect your eligibility for certain insurance products.
Can I Fight a Traffic Ticket in New York?
Yes — and it is almost always worth trying. When you receive a traffic ticket in New York, you have the option to plead not guilty and request a hearing. An experienced traffic ticket attorney can often negotiate reduced charges that carry fewer (or zero) points, or in some cases achieve an outright dismissal.
Important: In many East End courts, you do not even need to appear — your attorney can handle the court appearance on your behalf. This is particularly helpful for out-of-state residents or New York drivers with demanding work schedules.
Need Help With a Traffic Ticket or Court Appearance?
Call Fox Law Firm PLLC today. Dan Fox handles traffic ticket defense throughout the East End and all of Suffolk County — and in many cases, you won't need to appear in court yourself.