DMVZoneBlogOn February 16, 2026 New York raised points for school bus passing, work zone speeding, DWI and more, and stretched the suspension window to 24 months. A clear before-and-after.
For violations on or after February 16, 2026, New York counts points over 24 months instead of 18 for suspensions, and nine violations carry more points than before, including 8 for passing a stopped school bus and 11 for a DWI. Ordinary speeding and phone points did not change.
The DMV said the goal was persistently dangerous drivers and repeat offenders. Early news stories listed several different versions of the change, because some reported the proposal and some reported the final rule. This page uses the point values on the DMV's own point system page.
| Violation | Before | Since Feb. 16, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol- or drug-related driving offense | 0 | 11 |
| Aggravated unlicensed operation | 0 | 11 |
| Passing a stopped school bus | 5 | 8 |
| Speeding in a work zone | Based on speed | 8 |
| Over-height vehicle or bridge strike | 0 | 8 |
| Leaving the scene of an injury crash | 3 | 5 |
| Failure to exercise due care | 2 | 5 |
| Facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation | 0 | 5 |
| Speed contests and races | 0 | 5 |
Points now count toward a suspension for 24 months from the date of the violation. A driver who used to wait out an 18-month-old ticket now carries it six months longer. Two mid-size tickets a year apart can now add up where they used to expire.
Work zone speeding is now 8 points even at 5 mph over. Slow down as soon as you see orange signs, whether or not workers are visible.
Since February 2026, how many points for speeding in a New York work zone?
Answer: D. Work zone speeding is a flat 8 points regardless of how fast you were going.
How long do points now count toward a New York suspension?
Answer: C. The look-back window grew from 18 to 24 months.
Did points for using a phone while driving change in 2026?
Answer: C. Phone use stayed at 5 points.
The new values apply to violations committed on or after February 16, 2026.
Some early stories described the proposed rule. Check the DMV's point system page for the values in force.
No. The Driver Responsibility Assessment still applies at 6 points in 18 months or for alcohol and drug offenses.
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.
Six 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.
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.