Traffic Point System Attorney on Long Island

Managing Driver Violation Points in All of the Towns and Villages Within Suffolk and Nassau Counties

The New York State driver violation point system is designed to identify and penalize persistent traffic offenders, but for many drivers, it's a source of confusion and stress. Point accumulation happens faster than most drivers realize, and the financial consequences extend far beyond court fines. Understanding how this system works and how to manage driving records effectively can mean the difference between keeping your license and facing suspension.

At All County Traffic Defense Group, we focus on educating clients about these mechanisms and helping them make informed decisions. Led by Zan Sheikh, our firm provides straightforward legal counsel to help you avoid accumulating points that can lead to surcharges and suspensions. 

When you need help from a point system attorney in New York City, Long Island, Rockland County, or Westchester County, call All County Traffic Defense Group at (516) 440-2348 or contact us online.

How the New York DMV Point System Works

Points are assessed based on the date of the violation, not the conviction date. This distinction matters because the DMV calculates point totals using an 18-month “look-back” period. If a driver accumulates 11 or more points from violations within any 18-month window, their license becomes subject to suspension.

Different violations carry different point values. For example, speeding can range from 3 to 11 points depending on how far over the limit the driver was. Cell phone use and texting are 5-point violations. Failing to stop for a school bus also carries 5 points, while improper passing or failing to yield typically results in 3 points.

Points do not immediately disappear from the physical record after 18 months; however, they cease to count toward the suspension threshold. That said, it is worth noting that insurance companies often review a longer timeframe when determining premium rates.

Speeding Point Tiers on Long Island

New York State utilizes a "tiered" system for speeding violations, meaning the penalty severity escalates rapidly based on how fast you were driving above the posted limit. While your ticket may be returnable to the Nassau County TPVA, the Suffolk County TPVA, or a local Village Court, the points are assessed uniformly by the DMV according to these tiers.

It is critical to know precisely which tier your ticket falls into, as a difference of just one mile per hour can double the points or trigger additional assessment fees.

The system breaks down like this: 

• 1 to 10 mph over the limit: 3 Points
• 11 to 20 mph over the limit: 4 Points
• 21 to 30 mph over the limit: 6 Points
• 31 to 40 mph over the limit: 8 Points
• More than 40 mph over the limit: 11 Points (automatic suspension)

The "Danger Zone" Tiers 

We often warn clients about the jump that occurs at 21 mph over the limit. Reaching this tier (6 points) not only increases your insurance risk but also automatically triggers the Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) fee, which costs a minimum of $300 payable to the DMV. 

Furthermore, a conviction for 11 points results in an immediate suspension of your driving privileges. Our goal in the Long Island courts is to challenge the speed measurement method, whether radar, laser, or pacing, to negotiate these charges down to a lower tier or a non-moving violation.