Hi there, friends. As we approach the end of 2025, we’re looking ahead to what the New Year might bring to New York. And in terms of traffic and driving laws, there are a few changes due to take effect in 2026. For some, these new regulations have been called some of the strictest the state has seen to date. So in order to get familiar with what the NY DMV has coming your way, here are the key points of what’s happening for New York drivers effective as of this coming February.
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The first thing to note here is that the overall environment is cracking down. Drivers will now face license suspension for the accumulation of ten (10) points worth of violations. Where suspension used to come after eleven points, this points to a more stringent penalty system.
1. Penalties for traffic violations in general will increase. For example, driving over10 mph beyond the posted speed limit will now incur four-point against your license where it is now only three.
2. Using a cell phone while driving (in case folks still didn’t know that hands-free was a must) will cost you six points from what used to be 5.
3. Reckless driving will see a massive jump: violations catapulting from 5 points on your license to a whopping eight!
4. If you decide not to yield to a pedestrian or an emergency vehicle, this could see you getting anywhere from 3 to 5 points on your license.
In addition to the increase in points for general violations, NY is also starting to issue points for transgressions that did not used to incur points. These include:
1. Driving with a broken headlight or taillight will cost vehicle owners 1 point.
2. Making illegal U-turns will see drivers getting a 2-point penalty.
Of course DWI penalties are undergoing a similar move towards stricter penalties. Soon, a first offense DWI conviction can result in driver’s license suspension, while offenses involving repeated use of drugs and/or alcohol can land you with a lifetime ban.
In a nutshell, the state of New York means business when it comes to traffic, driving, and vehicle safety. In increasing the point penalties and lowering the threshold for suspension, it is the aim of the DMV to make roads safer, less risky, and raise the bar on overall driver and pedestrian wellbeing.
As New York State is generally known as one of the safest in terms of road safety, it seems that the officials are striving to rise straight to the top of the safe list. By making drivers more accountable, by making the risk of having a license suspended, it is the hope that folks become even more aware and more careful of their actions and behavior when it comes to driving responsibility.
So, now you know what’s in store for drivers for the Empire State in 2026. And while you’re staying safe and aware on those roads, remember that for all your title and tag needs, you’ve come to the right place. Head on over to eTags.com and let us assist you with transfers, renewals, replacements, and more. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
2 comments
Well myself, and I’m sure all other good and safe drivers appreciate the strict guidelines – – my concern comes with new drivers, and how they’re obtaining their licenses. With so many horrible unqualified drivers on the road these days – – logically I’d have to assume that we need better instructors. It’s only logical to state that if we had better driving instructors, people would come out of the schools with better skills and we’d have less infractions and accidents.
Driving is a dance and unless you’re always aware of your partner in front of you and those dancing on either side and behind you – – you’re not a good driver. Driving in the 80s without all the extra car gadgets made people much better drivers – – in my opinion. Also, license and tag bicycle riders as they are just as, or, if not more dangerous than some auto drivers.
You make some good points here, for sure. Awareness and education are key!