New York has a point system applied to convictions for traffic violations. A chart setting forth those points is below. It is important for a person with some points on their record to try to avoid further points when charged with a new traffic violation, or if the pending charge is for a charge with a high point total. Otherwise, your driving privileges may be suspended. Hiring a lawyer is the best way to try to minimize additional points on your driving record. If you get 11 or more points in an 18 month period, your license may be suspended. Points are not assessed for bicycle violations, pedestrian violations, parking violations, violations related to unregistered, unlicensed or uninsured operation of a motor vehicle, or for other violations not resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle.
I can help you to minimize or avoid additional points added to your driving record, and avoid the potentially severe consequences of a conviction for traffic offenses.
If you are charged with an alcohol or drug related offense under the Vehicle and Traffic Laws, it is even more important that you retain an attorney to represent you. There may be flaws in the basis for the police officer’s stop of your motor vehicle, the testing device used by the officer may not have been properly calibrated, or the amount of time between the stop and the testing may be too long to make the test reliable.
I have successfully defended clients against charges for Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While Impaired, and strongly encourage you to retain me to defend against such charges.
New York State driving violations and associated points
Violation | Points |
| Speeding – MPH over speed limit not indicated | 3 |
| Speeding 1 – 10 MPH over speed limit | 3 |
| Speeding 11 – 20 MPH over speed limit | 4 |
| Speeding 21 – 30 MPH over speed limit | 6 |
| Speeding 31 – 40 MPH over speed limit | 8 |
| Speeding more than 40 MPH over speed limit | 11 |
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Failed to stop for a school bus | 5 |
| Inadequate brakes | 4 |
| Improper cell phone use | 5 |
| Following too closely (Tailgating) | 4 |
| Passing improperly, changing lanes unsafely, driving to the left of center, driving in the wrong direction | 3 |
| Failed to obey a traffic signal, a stop sign, or a yield sign | 3 |
| Railroad crossing violation | 5 |
| Failed to yield the right-of-way | 3 |
| Passenger safety violation, including seat belt and child safety seat violations for passengers under the age of 16 | 3 |
| Left the scene of an accident that includes property damage or the injury of a domestic animal | 3 |
| Other moving violations | 2 |
| Inadequate brakes (vehicle of an employer) | 2 |
| Use of portable electronic device (“texting”) | 5 |
