In New York, accumulating 11 points on your driving record within an 18-month period can lead to a suspension of your driver's license. Points are added for various traffic violations such as speeding, reckless driving, and improper use of a cellphone while driving. For example, speeding 1-10 mph over the limit adds 3 points, while speeding over 40 mph adds 11 points, which results in an automatic suspension risk. Additionally, receiving three speeding tickets in 18 months can also lead to suspension regardless of points. Junior drivers have stricter rules, where even one serious or two lesser violations can trigger suspension. Defensive driving courses may reduce points but do not remove them from the record.
Key Points About License Suspension in NY
- 11 or more points in 18 months = license suspension.
- Points are assigned based on the violation date.
- Common violations and points:
- Speeding 1-10 mph over: 3 points
- Speeding 11-20 mph over: 4 points
- Speeding 21-30 mph over: 6 points
- Speeding 31-40 mph over: 8 points
- Speeding over 40 mph: 11 points (automatic suspension)
- Reckless driving: 5 points
- Using a cellphone/texting while driving: 5 points
- Failure to stop for school bus: 5 points
- Following too closely: 4 points
- Three speeding tickets in 18 months can also suspend your license.
- Junior drivers face stricter suspension rules.
These rules are designed to encourage safe driving and penalize repeat offenders. Fines and increased insurance premiums often accompany point accumulation.
