New York state is cracking down on bad drivers. It is expanding the license points system to include more violations. The number of points you can rack up before losing your license will drop. And to top everything off, points will stay on your record longer. NY says the stricter system will keep roads safer. Experts point out the state also stands to make a ton of money.

Penalties get harsher across the board

Many violations that once meant a simple ticket now add points. An equipment violation, such as a dead lightbulb, will earn you a point. An illegal U-turn will land you two points. Obstructing traffic will get you two points. Failure to move over for emergency vehicles now carries a three-point penalty.

Existing points violations also carry heavier penalties. Speeding up to 10 miles over the limit was three points; now it’s four. Using a cellphone while driving was five points; now it’s six. Failure to yield to a pedestrian was three points; now it’s six. Reckless driving was five points, but the catch-all charge now lands you eight points. A single conviction for speeding and reckless driving could trigger an immediate suspension.

The big headline: five or more convictions for alcohol- or drug-related offenses now mean a lifetime ban from holding a driver’s license.

New York used to yank your license once you hit 11 points in 18 months. Under the new law, the number drops to 10 points. And points won’t follow you for 18 months anymore. They will linger for 24 months.

The state says these laws will take effect in early 2026. They’ll likely coincide with the DMV’s new computer system, scheduled to go live in mid-February.

“Every single conviction will stay in your life longer”

Aaron Pam, a senior associate at Tully Rinckey, said, “Every single conviction will stay in your life longer now and that’s going to have an impact in a variety of ways.”

One impact: it becomes harder to plead a traffic stop with multiple tickets down to a point-free incident. “Just a ticket alone for a bad tail light comes with points,” Pam explains.

Even if you keep your license, points can cost you. “Your insurance policy can be cancelled, insurance policy and premiums can be increased based on your bad driving record.”

Drivers still have options to reduce points. But they’re expensive. You can pay the state for a driving course and erase up to four points. Some judges may let you trade points for a larger fine.

“A lot more people are willing to pay larger fines in order to find that zero point plea agreement or in order to make a deal to avoid an 8 point conviction because even one 8 point conviction is going to seriously affect your future.”

The New York DMV says, “Proposed amendments will bolster the ability to remove drivers who engage in risky behavior.” That sounds good until you remember that “risky behavior” now includes an equipment violation you may not have even known about.