In New York state, driver fines and penalties are about to sharply increase. Here’s everything you need to know before you drive in the Empire State.
The start of a new year usually ushers in not only our own personal resolutions but also a litany of new laws adopted by a given state in previous years (like New York’s All-Electric Building Act). So, if you’re a driver in the state of New York, buckle up, because you’re about to find yourself staring at what amounts to a fundamental rewrite of the points-against-your-license system.
The changes came about through Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposals outlined during her 2023 State of the State speech (aka « Achieving the New York Dream »). It took some time to get the law through the state legislature because, at its core, it includes 147 initiatives that she hopes will « create a more affordable, more livable and safer New York. » In February 2026, significant modifications to New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles driver point system will target high-risk drivers by changing how points are assessed, what penalties are associated with certain violations, and the rules governing license suspensions and restoration.
