Like most states, New York makes use of a point-based system that assigns a certain number of points to different traffic violations; repeated infractions can ultimately result in a suspended driver’s license, fines, and possible jail time.
When you earn 11 points during an 18-month period in the state of New York, your license may be suspended; however, you should also be aware that repeatedly being issued points is not the only way a driver can lose their license in the state.
How does New York calculate traffic violation points?
Traffic points are only added to your driving record when you are duly convicted of the violation, which means simply being issued a ticket doesn’t automatically mean you will have points on your record; if you are able to successfully fight the citation in court, you won’t accumulate any points.
A breakdown of the number of points allocated to drivers who break laws in New York is as follows:
- Five for improper cell phone use, reckless driving, railroad crossing violations, texting while driving, or the use of another portable electronic device
- Three for running a red light, failing to yield the right-of-way, and improper passing
- Two for disobeying a traffic control device or failing to signal
While there are more infractions that can be cited under New York law, these situations represent some of the most common.
Keep in mind that some allocations are more dynamic; speeding consequences, for instance, are assigned by how far the driver exceeded the limit. Driving one to ten miles per hour over the limit accumulates three points, but going 40 or more mph over the limit adds 11 points to your record.
How do multiple violations affect a driving record?
As mentioned, accruing 11 points within an 18-month period may result in a suspension of your license, but there are also other consequences you might face; for example, earning just six or more in the same time frame could result in paying a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee.
Receiving a single ticket can seem like a trivial matter, but when a single incident turns into two or three citations within 18 months, you will likely begin to suffer some consequences. Having these infractions on your record can cause the cost of your car insurance premiums to increase substantially, for instance, and in some cases, you may be unable to get car insurance at all. Additionally, if you drive a company car, a poor driving record could result in the loss of your car privileges or even being fired from your job altogether.
In any case, a suspended license is more than a minor inconvenience. The cost of taking car service to and from work every day and dropping the kids off at school quickly adds up. Not being able to drive also impacts your career, your social schedule, your children, and your quality of life overall.
A New York Traffic Court Lawyer Can Help
Thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself when you have multiple violations on your driving record. To start, don’t agree to pay for a “minor” ticket when it was unjustly issued; contesting an unfair ticket may prevent points from being attached to your driving record.
Furthermore, even if you are not facing legal challenges due to a traffic violation, it’s wise to seek legal counsel. A skilled lawyer can inform you of your legal options, including programs that can reduce the impact on your insurance rates.
On that note, if you have been ticketed unfairly or accumulated several violations on your record, call New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers in Central New York to ensure your rights are protected.
