New York Driver Point System for Traffic Violations

March 20, 2011

New York Driver Point System for Traffic Violations

Traffic tickets can cost money, cause insurance rates to rise and can be an overall inconvenience for drivers. But having multiple infractions on your record can have even more serious consequences.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV), the driver violation point system is a tool used by the state to identify drivers who commit multiple traffic offenses within a specified time frame. The system works by designating points on a person's driving record, with varying levels of points for certain offenses. For example, the points for New York speeding violations will differ depending on the speed of the offense, ranging from 3 points for a 1 to 10 mph offense, up to 11 points for going 40 mph or more over the posted limit.

Upon conviction of a traffic offense, points are added to the individual's driving record. Points for offenses during any given 18 month period are added together to determine the driver's point total. When a driver reaches 11 points within that time frame, that person's license is suspended.

As the NY DMV notes, there are other reasons for which a driver's license can be suspended or revoked. If a person is convicted of three speeding violations within an 18-month period or two construction zone speeding tickets the person's license will be suspended. DWI (DUI) offenses can also result in a mandatory suspension.

Point and Insurance Reduction Program / New York Driver Safety Course

Even if a driver accumulates points, there will still be options available to have them reduced. The Points & Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) is one way that driver's can lessen the impact that multiple offenses can have on their driving record.

The program, according to the NYS DMV, is designed to help drivers:
-Review safe driving tips and improve knowledge of vehicle and traffic laws
-Reduce as many as four points from their driving record
-Reduce insurance rates by up to 10 percent

Private companies or corporations offering the class, referred to as "sponsoring agencies," must be approved by the NY DMV. Most courses are offered in a classroom setting, but some agencies have also been approved for Internet courses. Once the course is completed, the NY DMV reduces the point total on the driver's record.

Important Note: Many people plead guilty to traffic tickets thinking that they will "just take the driver's safety course and get the points removed." However, contrary to popular belief, "point reduction" does not mean "point removal." While taking the course will give you an additional fourth point allowance before you get suspended, it will not take points off your driving record. Since there is no way to remove points from a New York driving record, it is almost always worth fighting your moving violation.

Here's what the NY DMV websitehas to say:

Completion of a course under the "Point & Insurance Reduction Program" does not remove, delete, subtract, or erase any violation, conviction, or notice of original number of points from your driving record. Even after you complete the course, most violations, conviction and points assessed will continue to show on your driving record for up to four years. Violations and convictions involving drugs or alcohol will remain on your driving record for ten years. "Point reduction" means the DMV will not count up to four points on your driving record toward license revocation or suspension.

Working With an Attorney

For those drivers facing all moving violations and traffic ticket offenses, working with a lawyer is one of the best ways to prevent points from accumulating on your New York State driving record. If you have been cited for speeding, reckless driving or another violation, it is important to contact an experienced traffic defense attorney.

Article provided by The Rosenblum Law Firm PC
Visit us at http://www.ticketdefenselaw.com