As this semester’s Drivers Education program is in full swing at Hampton Bays High School, new drivers should be a aware changes to New York’s Driver Violation Point System.
The Driver Violation Point System is a way for the New York State DMV to identify and take action against high-risk drivers. Starting in February new changes were be implemented to the point system, changing the way one may consider driving.
Before the changes, a drivers license was suspended if 11 points were accrued over an 18 month period. Under this revised system, revoking a license now only takea 10 points over the span of two years.
Furthermore, specific violations that would not have given you points before now do. For instance, taking an illegal U-turn will now cost you two points while on the lesser side, driving with broken taillights or bad headlights will now get you one point each.
Penalties for specific traffic violations have gone up as well. For example, previously speeding up to 10 mph over the limit would get you three points on your license. With the changes that have been implemented this year, that same thing will now earn you four points.
Under the new system, many things are now being treated as a larger offense. For example, reckless driving as well as passing a stopped school bus were five points, but have been increased to eight points—putting you two points away from losing your license.
Before these changes, a drivers license could be permanently denied after five alcohol and or drug related incidents. Under these new rules, the number has been changed to four. The DMV would then be required to deny any future license application after four drug related incidents. Drug and alcohol related crimes are being treated as one of the most serious crimes when it comes to points. Any form of DWI and drug related driving sentence now counts as 11 points. This means that now it would only take one offense to have your license suspended.
As teen drivers hit the road it is important that they drive safely and remain aware of the consequences of violating the rules of the road.
