The Driver Improvement Unit handles traffic violations, point suspensions, and license revocation cases

The New York DMV's Driver Improvement Unit (DIU) is the division that manages the consequences of traffic violations on your driving record. If you receive a ticket, accumulate too many points, or face a license suspension or revocation, the DIU is the office that processes your case, notifies you of penalties, and handles appeals or requests to reduce points.

The DIU does not issue tickets — local police and traffic enforcement do that. Instead, the DIU tracks violations once they are reported to the DMV, calculates points on your record, and enforces the rules that lead to suspension or revocation. Understanding what the DIU does and how to contact them can save you time if you need to dispute a violation, request a hearing, or find out why your license was suspended.

Key Takeaways

  • The Driver Improvement Unit tracks traffic violations reported to your DMV record and assigns points based on the type of violation.
  • Your license is suspended automatically when you accumulate 11 or more points within 18 months, and the DIU sends you written notice by mail.
  • You can request a hearing to challenge a suspension or ask the DIU to reduce points if you complete an approved defensive driving course.
  • The DIU's mailing address is 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228, and you can also reach them by phone at 518-402-7665.
  • If you receive a ticket, you have the right to contest it in traffic court before the DIU takes any action on your record.

How points are added to your New York driving record

Every traffic violation in New York carries a point value. When you are convicted of a violation — either by pleading guilty, being found guilty in court, or paying a fine — the court reports that conviction to the DMV, and the DIU adds the corresponding points to your record. The points remain on your record for 18 months from the date of the violation.

Common violations and their point values include speeding (3 to 11 points depending on how far over the limit), failure to yield (3 points), following too closely (4 points), and reckless driving (5 points). More serious violations like driving while intoxicated (DWI) carry 10 points and trigger additional penalties beyond suspension. The DIU does not decide the point value — that is set by state law — but the DIU is responsible for tracking and explore those points to your record.

You can check your current point total by visiting the DMV website, calling the DMV at 518-402-7665, or visiting a DMV office in person. Knowing your point total is important because once you reach 11 points within 18 months, your license is automatically suspended.

License suspension and how the DIU notifies you

When your point total reaches 11 or more within 18 months, the DIU automatically suspends your license. You will receive a written notice in the mail at the address on file with the DMV. This notice will tell you the suspension start date, the reason for the suspension, and your rights to request a hearing.

The suspension notice is your official notification — the DIU does not call or email. If you do not receive a notice, check that your address is current with the DMV. If you have moved, update your address when ready through the DMV website or by mail. A suspension can happen without your knowledge if mail goes to an old address, and driving on a suspended license carries serious penalties including fines, vehicle impoundment, and criminal charges.

The length of a suspension depends on your driving history. A first suspension is typically 3 months. If you have been suspended before, the suspension may be longer. The DIU will specify the exact dates in your notice.

Requesting a hearing to challenge a suspension

You have the right to request a hearing before the DIU if you believe your suspension is improper. Common reasons to request a hearing include a conviction you believe was entered in error, points that were added to the wrong person's record, or a violation that should not have been reported to the DMV. You must request the hearing in writing within 30 days of receiving the suspension notice.

Send your hearing request to the Driver Improvement Unit, 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228. Include your name, license number, date of birth, and a clear explanation of why you believe the suspension is wrong. Do not straightforward say you disagree with the suspension — explain the specific error. For example, if you believe the violation was not yours, explain how the mistake occurred. If you believe you were not convicted, explain what happened in court.

The DIU will schedule a hearing and notify you by mail of the date and time. Hearings are conducted by mail or phone unless you request an in-person hearing. At the hearing, you will have the chance to present your side of the case. The DIU hearing officer will review the court records and your statement, then issue a decision. If the hearing officer finds in your favor, the suspension is lifted. If not, your suspension remains in effect.

Point reduction through defensive driving courses

New York allows you to reduce points on your record by completing an approved defensive driving course, also called a point-and-insurance reduction course. The course removes up to 4 points from your record. You can take the course once every 18 months, and you can take it only if you have not taken one in the past 18 months.

The course must be approved by the DMV. Many driving schools and online providers offer these courses. The cost varies but typically ranges from $20 to $50 for an online course. Once you complete the course, the provider sends your completion certificate to the DMV, and the DIU processes the point reduction. The reduction usually appears on your record within 4 to 6 weeks.

Taking a defensive driving course does not erase points — it only reduces them. If you have 11 points and take the course, you will have 7 points remaining. The course also does not affect a suspension that has already been imposed, but it can help prevent a future suspension if you accumulate more points.

Contacting the Driver Improvement Unit

The Driver Improvement Unit can be reached by mail at 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228, or by phone at 518-402-7665. Phone lines are typically open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the day or mid-week may be faster.

When you call, have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The DIU staff can tell you your current point total, the status of a suspension, or whether a violation has been reported to your record. If you need to send documents, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the DIU received your letter.

Do not contact the DIU to dispute a ticket itself — that is handled in traffic court. Contact the DIU only about points on your record, suspensions, or requests for hearings.

Scams and safety alerts related to license suspension

Scammers sometimes call or email claiming to be from the DMV and threatening when ready license suspension unless you pay a fine or provide personal information. The real DIU does not call or email — they communicate only by mail. If someone calls claiming to be from the DMV demanding payment, hang up. Do not give them your license number, Social Security number, or payment information.

Similarly, be cautious of websites claiming to help you "remove points" or "erase violations" from your record. No private company can do this. Only the DMV can reduce points, and only through an approved defensive driving course or a successful hearing. If a website promises to erase your record or guarantees a specific outcome, it is a scam.

If you receive a suspension notice you believe is fraudulent, contact the DIU directly using the phone number or address above. Do not respond to any email or text claiming to be from the DIU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while waiting for a hearing on my suspension?

No. Your license is suspended as of the date stated in the suspension notice, even if you have requested a hearing. Driving during a suspension is a separate criminal offense. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may request a conditional license from the DIU, though these are rarely granted. Contact the DIU when ready if you have an urgent need to drive.

What happens if I get a ticket while my license is suspended?

Driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor in New York. You face fines up to $500, possible jail time, and your vehicle may be impounded. Your license suspension will also be extended. If you are stopped, be honest with the officer and provide your identification.

Do points from out-of-state tickets count toward my New York suspension?

Yes. New York has an agreement with other states to share traffic violation information. If you receive a ticket in another state and are convicted, those points are added to your New York record and count toward the 11-point suspension threshold.

How long do points stay on my record?

Points remain on your record for 18 months from the date of the violation. After 18 months, the points are removed automatically. However, the violation itself stays on your record longer and may still affect your insurance rates.

Can I get my license back early if I complete a defensive driving course?

No. A defensive driving course reduces points but does not lift a suspension that is already in effect. You must wait out the full suspension period. However, completing the course before your suspension ends can help prevent a new suspension if you receive additional violations after your license is restored.