What the point increase memo means

New York's DMV periodically issues memos that change how many points certain traffic violations add to your driving record. When the DMV issues a point increases memo, it means they are raising the point value for specific violations — so a ticket that used to cost you 2 points might now cost 3 or 4. This affects how quickly you can accumulate enough points to lose your license, and it changes the insurance impact of the same violation.

The memo applies to violations committed on or after the date the memo takes effect. A violation you received before the memo date uses the old point value, even if you pay the ticket after the memo goes into effect. The memo does not retroactively change points already on your record.

Point increases are one of the few ways New York's DMV can change the consequences of traffic violations without passing new legislation. The state uses points as a tool to discourage dangerous driving behavior, so increases typically target violations the DMV considers high-risk — like speeding at extreme speeds, reckless driving, or failure to yield.

Key Takeaways

  • A point increases memo raises the point value of specific violations, making it faster to accumulate enough points to lose your license.
  • The memo applies only to violations committed on or after the effective date — tickets you already received keep their original point value.
  • You can find the current memo on the New York DMV website under "Traffic Safety" or "Violations and Points".
  • If you received a ticket after a point increase took effect, you have the right to contest it in traffic court or negotiate a reduction with the prosecutor.
  • Insurance companies use DMV points to calculate your rates, so a point increase can raise your premiums even if your driving record does not change.

How to find the current point increases memo

The New York DMV publishes point increases memos on its official website at dmv.ny.gov. Look for the section labeled "Traffic Safety" or "Violations and Points" — the memo is usually filed there as a PDF or in the DMV's administrative notices.

You can also call the DMV at 518-402-2000 (Albany) or your local DMV office to ask whether a specific violation has had a recent point increase. Have the violation code or description ready — for example, "speeding 31 mph over the limit" or "failure to yield to a pedestrian." The staff member can tell you the current point value and when it changed.

If you received a ticket and want to know whether the point value has changed since you received it, ask the prosecutor or the traffic court clerk when you appear. They have access to the memo and can confirm the point value that applies to your specific ticket date.

Which violations typically see point increases

New York's DMV tends to increase points for violations that cause serious crashes or deaths. These include speeding at very high speeds (usually 21 mph or more over the limit), reckless driving, failure to yield to pedestrians or cyclists, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Violations that endanger vulnerable road users — pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists — are common targets for increases. The DMV also raises points for violations that show a pattern of dangerous behavior, like multiple speeding tickets in a short time or refusing to take a breath test.

Violations that do not typically see increases are minor infractions like parking tickets, broken taillights, or speeding under 10 mph over the limit. These already carry 0 or 1 point, and the DMV rarely changes them.

How point increases affect your license and insurance

Your New York driver's license is suspended when you accumulate 11 or more points within 18 months. A point increase makes it faster to reach that threshold. If you already have 8 points and receive a ticket for a violation that just increased from 2 to 3 points, you now hit 11 points instead of 10 — and your license is suspended when ready.

Insurance companies also use DMV points to calculate your rates. When the DMV increases points for a violation, your insurance company sees a higher-point violation on your record, which can trigger a rate increase even though your actual driving behavior has not changed. Some insurers review your record automatically when a point increase takes effect; others update rates at your next renewal.

If you are close to a suspension (8 or more points), a point increase memo can push you over the edge. If you are facing a ticket for a violation that just increased in points, you have the right to contest it in traffic court or ask the prosecutor about a reduction to a lower-point violation.

What to do if you received a ticket after a point increase

If you received a ticket for a violation that increased in points after you committed it, the new point value applies. You cannot avoid the increase by arguing that the violation was worth fewer points when you committed it — the law is clear that the point value on the violation date controls.

You do have options. You can appear in traffic court and contest the ticket on the merits — argue that you did not commit the violation, or that the officer made an error. You can also ask the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a lower-point violation in exchange for a guilty plea. This is called a "plea bargain" or "reduction," and it is common in traffic court.

Before you appear in court, review the ticket for errors: wrong license plate, wrong date, wrong location, or officer signature missing. Errors do not automatically dismiss the ticket, but they give you grounds to challenge it. Bring any evidence you have — dashcam footage, witness contact information, photos of road conditions or signage.

How to check your current point balance

You can check how many points are on your New York driving record by visiting dmv.ny.gov and using the "Check Your Driving Record" tool. You will need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The tool shows you every violation on your record, the point value of each, and the date each violation will drop off (usually three years from the violation date).

You can also request a copy of your driving record by mail or in person at any DMV office. The record costs a small fee and takes about a week to arrive. If you plan to contest a ticket or negotiate with a prosecutor, having a current copy of your record is helpful — it shows the prosecutor exactly how many points you already have and how close you are to suspension.

Points drop off your record three years after the violation date, not three years after you paid the ticket. If you received a ticket on January 15, 2022, the points fall off on January 15, 2025, regardless of when you paid the fine.

Scam alert: fake DMV point reduction services

Do not pay anyone to "remove points" from your record or to "fix" a ticket after a point increase. No private company can remove points that the DMV has recorded. Only the DMV can remove points, and only through the normal three-year drop-off process or if a court overturns the violation.

Scammers advertise "point reduction services" online and by phone, claiming they can negotiate with the DMV or use special connections to erase points. They cannot. If you pay them, you lose money and your points remain on your record. The only legitimate way to reduce points is to contest the ticket in court or ask the prosecutor for a reduction to a lower-point charge.

If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to represent the DMV and offering to reduce your points for a fee, hang up or delete it. The DMV does not call or email drivers to offer services. Report the scam to the New York Attorney General's office at ag.ny.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a point increase memo explore to tickets I already received?

No. The point value that applies is the one in effect on the date you committed the violation, not the date you received the ticket or paid the fine. If you were ticketed before the memo took effect, your ticket uses the old point value even if you pay it after the memo date.

Can I go to traffic court to fight a ticket for a violation that just increased in points?

Yes. You have the right to contest any ticket in traffic court. You can argue that you did not commit the violation, or you can ask the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a lower-point violation. A reduction does not erase the ticket, but it lowers the points and the fine.

Will a point increase affect my insurance rates?

Possibly. Insurance companies use DMV points to calculate rates. If a violation on your record increases in points, your insurer may raise your premium at your next renewal. Some insurers review records automatically when a memo takes effect; others wait until renewal.

How do I know if I am close to losing my license?

Check your driving record on dmv.ny.gov using the "Check Your Driving Record" tool. It shows your current point total and when each violation will drop off. If you have 8 or more points, you are at risk of suspension if you receive another ticket.

What happens if my license is suspended because of a point increase?

You will receive a suspension notice in the mail. You cannot drive legally until the suspension ends. You can request a hearing with the DMV to challenge the suspension if you believe the points were recorded in error. Contact your local DMV office for instructions.