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IMPORTANT

REAL ID-compliant identification is now required to fly within the U.S. If you have a passport (or other REAL-compliant document), and are not due to renew your driver license or ID card, you do not need to upgrade right away. 

Alert

There are currently road test cancellations or DMV offices closed for in-person services. See our “CLOSINGS” page for more information.

Driver License Points and Penalties

The Driver Violation Point System gives the DMV a way to identify and take action against high-risk drivers. The DMV assigns points for certain traffic violations. Points may result in fees, increased insurance premiums, and possible license suspension
About Points

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Driver License and Permit
Points

Cell Phone Use and Texting

Cell phone use while driving is not permitted in New York State, except to call 911 or other emergency services. If you use a portable electronic device while you drive, you can receive a traffic ticket and be subject to a fine and a surcharge. Conviction of a cell phone use, portable electronic device use, or a texting violation will also result in 5 points being added to your DMV driving record.

See More About Cell Phone Use and Texting

Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP)

PIRP is also known as the Defensive Driving Course or Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Course. It provides knowledge and techniques for safe and lawful driving, reduces the number of points on your driving record, and reduces your insurance premium by 10%.

Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP)

Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA)

You must pay a DRA over a three-year period if you are convicted of certain traffic offenses in New York State or accumulate 6 or more points on your driving record within 18 months. The purpose of the DRA is to prevent the repeated behavior of problem drivers and to improve traffic safety.

Pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment

Driver License
Suspensions and Revocations

Conviction of a serious traffic violation or multiple traffic violations can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver license or privilege to drive in New York State. Learn about how to restore your driving privilege and pay associated fees and fines. 

  • Suspensions and Revocations
  • Pay a Driver Civil Penalty
  • Pay a Suspension Termination Fee
  • Request Restoration After a Driver License Revocation

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Get your ticketing questions answered by a live agent!

Alcohol and Drug-Related Violations
Penalties and Restrictions

Penalties for Alcohol or Drug-Related Violations

Penalties for alcohol- and drug-related violations depend on your BAC, the number of violations committed, and the circumstances of the violation.

  • About
  • Types of Alcohol and Drug-Related Violations in New York State
  • Penalties

Leandra's Law & Ignition Interlock Devices

Leandra's Law strengthened penalties against motorists who drink and drive. Anyone sentenced for DWI must have an ignition interlock device on their vehicle.

  • About
  • Provisions
  • Ignition Interlock Devices

Problem Driver Restrictions

Problem driver restrictions limit motorist driving to certain activities, including employment, education, and childcare.

  • About
  • Moving Violation Conviction with a Problem Driver Restriction
  • Problem Driver Restriction with an Ignition Interlock Device

Alcohol and Drug-Related Violations
The Impaired Driver Program

Impaired Driver Program (IDP)

The Impaired Driver Program (IDP) is a series of courses and discussions designed to educate people convicted of...

Impaired Driver Programs (IDP) by County

Find a New York State-approved Impaired Driver Program by county.

 
Conditional and Restricted Use Licenses

If you if you sign up for IDP and qualify for a conditional license you will be allowed...

Relicensing After the IDP

Find out how to reapply for full driving privileges after completing the Impaired Driver Program and paying all...

 
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