Have you received more than two traffic violations in the last year? If so, you might be a high-risk driver. New York’s Driver Violation Point System allows the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to discover and penalize high-risk drivers with multiple traffic violations.
Certain traffic violations are assigned a number of points—if you are convicted of a violation, the points associated with it are added to your driving record. The most common violations in the Hudson Valley include improper cell phone use or texting while driving, failure to yield to emergency vehicles, and speeding tickets.
Drivers convicted of violations totaling 11 points or more within an 18 month period in face having their license suspended. The points also remain on your record for one to ten years, depending on the type of violation.
Points for traffic violations in New York include:
- Failure to yield right-of-way: 3 points
- Passing a stopped school bus: 5 points
- Improper cell phone use, including texting: 5 points
- Speeding 21 to 30 mph over the posted limit: 6 points
- DWI/DWAI: 6 points
- Speeding 40 mph over the posted limit: 11 points
Traffic violation points increase insurance rates
Points can also affect how much you pay for insurance. However, insurers use their own point system, not the DMV’s records, to assess how much to raise your rate after a traffic violation. If you’re considered a high-risk driver by your insurance company, your rates can increase by 20-50 percent.
Texting-while-driving tickets can lead to higher premiums too, with New York assessing a hefty five points per distracted driving violation.
Do point reduction courses work?
According to the New York DMV, you cannot take a Point and Insurance Reduction (PIRP) course to remove a traffic violation or conviction, nor will completion of a PIRP course remove the total number of points from your driving record.
A PIRP course can reduce the number of points used to calculate the number of total points received within 18 months by 4 points. In some cases, this can help you avoid having your license suspended. It’s important to note that PIRP courses have no effect on points assigned to you by your insurance carrier.
If you’re a safe and attentive driver, you can still receive a ticket for a traffic violation. Have you received a ticket for a violation and want to know more about protecting driving record? Speak with a New York traffic violation lawyer who can help you determine what effect your violation may have on your insurance rates and driving record.
