New York City License Suspension And Revocation

The most common reasons your license may be suspended or revoked due to motor vehicle violations follow. Remember, your license also will be suspended if you do not answer a ticket or pay a fine. An ALJ has the authority to suspend or revoke your license for violations other than those listed.

Speeding/Misdemeanors — If you commit three speeding and/or misdemeanor traffic violations within 18 months, your license will be revoked for at least six months.

New Driver Probation — You are on license probation for six months after you pass a road test. If you are found guilty of committing any two moving violations during your probation period, your license will be suspended for 60 days. It will also be suspended for 60 days if you are found guilty of committing a single, more serious violation during the probation period, including speeding, tailgating, unauthorized racing, or reckless driving.

Points — Most traffic violations carry violation points. The points will be added to your record using the date the violation occurred, not the date you are found guilty. If your violation points in any 18-month period add up to 11 or more, your license may be revoked or suspended following a hearing.

The ALJ usually holds the point hearing immediately after you are found guilty of a violation that brings your total to 11 or more points in 18 months. On the following panel is a list of common violations and the number of points for each.

Taking a DMV-approved accident prevention course can reduce your point total by up to four points and reduce your auto liability and collision insurance premiums by 10% for three years. Ask for more information at any motor vehicle office.

Violation Points

VIOLATION POINTS
Speeding (MPH over posted limit)
 1 to 10 3
11 to 20 4
21 to 30 6
31 to 40 8
Over 40 11

Reckless driving 5

Failed to stop for school bus 5

Followed too closely (tailgating) 4

Inadequate brakes (private car) 4

Inadequate Brakes (employer's vehicle) 2

Failed to yield right-of-way 3

Disobeying traffic control signal, STOP sign or YIELD sign 3

Railroad crossing violation 3

Improper passing, changing lane unsafely 3

Driving left of center, in wrong direction 3

Leaving scene of property damage incident 3

Child safety restraint violation 3

Any other moving violation 2