Effective today, February 16, 2026, New York has officially implemented a major overhaul of its Driver Violation Point System (DMV), significantly tightening penalties to target “high-risk” driving.
The most critical change is reducing the license suspension threshold to 10 points (down from 11) and expanding the “look-back” period to 24 months (up from 18), meaning violations will now affect your record for much longer.
Several common infractions have also seen point increases:
* Speeding 1–10 mph over the limit now carries 4 points instead of 3
* Passing a stopped school bus has jumped to 8 points
* Speeding in a construction zone now results in a flat 8-point penalty regardless of the speed.
Additionally, offenses that previously carried no points, such as DWI/alcohol-related incidents and driving with a suspended license (AUO), now trigger an immediate 11 points, which can lead to an automatic suspension review.
CBS News New York’s Christina Fan reports
FDNY taking criminal action against drivers parked at hydrants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmaWXNG9x9E
and the people who won’t be affected at all are the maniacs who drive around with fake plates
All by design.
Do you really think the people running the city care about our well-being and safety?
I have a Brooklyn bridge to sell you.