DMVZoneBlogSix points in 18 months, a DWI or a refused breath test brings a New York Driver Responsibility Assessment. See the amounts, how to pay, and why a course will not stop it.
The Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) is a New York DMV fee charged over three years when you collect 6 or more points in 18 months, are convicted of an alcohol- or drug-related driving offense, or refuse a chemical test. It starts at $300, and a missed payment suspends your license.
Most drivers have never heard of the DRA until a statement arrives from the DMV. It is separate from the court fine and the state surcharge, and it applies even if you do not hold a New York license.
| Reason | Each year | Three-year total |
|---|---|---|
| 6 points in 18 months | $100 | $300 |
| 7 points | $125 | $375 |
| 8 points | $150 | $450 |
| 10 points | $200 | $600 |
| Alcohol- or drug-related conviction | $250 | $750 |
| Refusing a chemical test | $250 | $750 |
Points from Quebec and Ontario count toward the 6, the same as New York tickets. Tickets from other U.S. states do not.
You can pay the whole amount at once or pay at least the yearly amount on your statement by its due date. Paying less than the minimum, or paying late, leads to a suspension of your license or permit.
How many points within 18 months trigger the New York DRA?
Answer: B. Six or more points in 18 months triggers the assessment.
What is the three-year DRA total for a first DWI conviction?
Answer: C. Alcohol- and drug-related convictions carry $250 a year for three years.
Does finishing a PIRP course reduce the DRA?
Answer: C. The DMV says PIRP does not reduce points used for the DRA or cancel the fee.
No. The surcharge is added by the court to each ticket. The DRA is a separate DMV bill based on your total points or certain offenses.
Your New York license, permit or driving privilege is suspended until you pay.
Yes. It applies whether you have a New York license, an out-of-state license or none.
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official New York DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
The full New York point schedule after the February 2026 update, the 24-month suspension window, and why out-of-state tickets mostly do not add NY points.
New York speeding fines by mph, the state surcharge added to every ticket, the points, and what changes on a second or third ticket inside 18 months.
A New York PIRP course subtracts 4 points from a suspension count and cuts insurance 10% for three years. Here is when it helps, when it does not, and how long it takes.