New Points System in New York May Mean Higher Auto Insurance Costs

The rules for traffic and vehicle violations in New York State are changing, and some common infractions will become significantly more costly and risky.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Beginning in 2026, drivers in New York could face license suspension after accumulating just 10 points over 24 months, a change from the current 11-point threshold over 18 months.
• Some violations that previously carried few or no license points will now carry points. These include, depending on the violation, offenses such as using a cellphone while driving, failing to yield to emergency vehicles, traffic obstruction, certain equipment violations, passing a stopped school bus, and others.
• Even reduced pleas or lesser charges (for example, under specific Vehicle and Traffic Law provisions) may now result in significant point penalties if there’s an underlying condition, such as an earlier suspension at the time of the offense.

In short, more moving violations will result in more points on your license, and fewer points will now trigger a suspension or other serious consequences.

Why New York is Making the Change and What It Means for Drivers

The state says the changes aim to crack down on repeat offenders and those who are potentially dangerous. By expanding the types of infractions that carry points, the DMV is signaling that even offenses once considered “minor,” such as touching a cell phone or failing to yield, can directly contribute to a suspension threshold.

For everyday drivers, this means a shift in risk. Even if you’ve had a clean record for years, a single lapse (e.g., a distracted-driving citation) could carry long-term consequences beyond just the ticket costs.

Also, because the “look-back” window for counting points is widening, past mistakes will stay more relevant for longer, making it harder to “wait out” a clean period once you’ve accrued points.

How This Could Impact Auto Insurance Rates

Perhaps the most significant practical effect of stricter traffic penalties will show up at renewal time for your auto insurance. Here’s how and why:

• In New York, even a single moving-violation ticket (like a speeding ticket or cellphone-use ticket) can trigger an increase in your insurance premiums.
• On average, a speeding ticket (a common moving violation) can result in a 15–30% increase in premiums.
• For more serious or repeated violations, insurance companies may view drivers as “high-risk,” which could result in even larger rate increases or, in some cases, denial or cancellation of coverage.
• Accumulating multiple points or repeated offenses increases the risk of long-term premium increases.

In other words, the new penalties could drive significant cost increases for many drivers, even those who commit what they consider “small” infractions.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

If you live in New York and drive regularly, these changes make it more important than ever to stay aware and take action:

• Stay informed about what counts now. Some previously “light” infractions may now carry severe point penalties.
• Drive defensively and avoid risky behaviors. Actions such as distracted driving, failure to yield, or other minor violations may have significant long-term consequences.
• Think twice about plea-bargains or “reduced” charges. Under the new rules, even reduced pleas can incur significant point penalties, especially when an underlying condition, such as a prior suspension, is present.
• Consider taking a driver-safety course. Programs like the state’s approved Point & Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) can, for eligible drivers, reduce the number of active points used to trigger a suspension and may offer insurance premium discounts.
• Discuss with your insurance agent. If you receive a ticket or violation, speak with your insurer about how it might affect your rate and whether there are any “entry periods” when they’re forgiving of first-time infractions.

Bottom Line

The new changes to New York’s traffic and vehicle penalties mark a shift in how the state and your insurance company view driving infractions. No longer will only major offenses carry real risk: minor or previously “low-stakes” infractions may now have lasting consequences.

For drivers, that means more caution, more awareness, and potentially higher insurance costs. If you want to avoid unexpected premium increases, treat every traffic stop as potentially significant.

The GTM Insurance Agency can guide you through every coverage line to ensure your auto insurance policy is fully protected where you need it most. Call us today at 518-373-4111 or request a complimentary consultation.