February 16, 2026 brought sweeping changes to New York’s traffic points system that will increase the risk of getting tickets. Points will also stay on driving records longer, which means every ticket could have longer-lasting legal penalties.

Every driver needs to know about these changes. In the event you receive a ticket, it is all the more important that you retain a knowledgeable law firm to defend you. Count on The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers to go to work for you.

Higher Points

Many of the changes affect the number of points that various traffic offenses can add to your record. Too many points can lead to license suspension and other problems (see below). Here are some of the main changes:

Passing a stopped school bus: 8 points, up from 5.
Reckless driving: 8 points, up from 5.
Speeding up to 10 mph over the limit: 4 points, up from 3.
Speeding in a construction zone: 8 points; varied under the old system.
Speed contests and races: 5 points, up from 0.
Using a cell phone while driving: 6 points, up from 5.
DWI, DWAI, DWAI-Drugs: 8-11 points, up from 0.
Failure to yield to pedestrians: 5 points, up from 3.
Following too closely: 5 points, up from 4.
Equipment violations (e.g. broken taillight): 1 point, up from 0.

Longer Lookback Period

The lookback period refers to how far back in time the New York DMV will look when deciding that a driver has accumulated sufficient points to suspend their license or impose other penalties. Before February 16, 2026, the lookback period was 18 months. It is now 24 months.

This means if you add 10 points to your record within a 24-month period, the DMV may suspend your driver’s license or take other action. Drivers also face a harsher administrative process, even with fewer than 10 points on their record. It now includes these steps:

Early warning letters: A driver who racks up 4 to 6 points in a 24-month period will receive a formal warning letter from the DMV.
Mandatory driver improvement clinic: If you accumulate 7 to 10 points in 24 months, the DMV may require you to take a safe driving class.
Formal hearing: If you either acquire 11 points in a 24-month period or meet other thresholds, the DMV will order you to a hearing to decide whether to suspend or revoke your license.

What This Means for New York Drivers

Ultimately, it is now easier to accumulate more points, over a longer period of time, which could lead to serious financial and legal problems. Even one drug- or alcohol-related driving conviction, for instance, can trigger the DMV to suspend your driver’s license.

You can also expect higher insurance premiums. Some of the above offenses carry higher points, which translate to higher jumps in your insurance rates. But even convictions for more minor offenses can bump up your premiums and leave them high for a long time.

However, these and other penalties only apply if you are actually convicted of the charges against you. Receiving a ticket does not automatically mean you are guilty, even with the updates to the points system. You still and always will have the right to defend yourself.

That’s where it pays to retain an experienced New York traffic ticket attorney. You may be able to contest the charges against you and avoid some of the most serious consequences. If you’re ready to get to work resolving your ticket, reach out to The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers now.