The New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (NYSTPBA) is reminding motorists about a sweeping new license point system that took effect on February 16.

The most significant change applies to any alcohol- or drug-related conviction or incident and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Both offenses previously carried zero points but will now result in 11. 

Offenses involving the safety of others or infrastructure damage—including passing a stopped school bus, speeding in a construction zone, and incidents involving over-height vehicles or bridge strikes—now carry 8 points. Driving while using a cell phone remains at 5 points. 

The threshold for license suspension or loss is currently accumulating 11 points in 18 months. Under the new rubric, the 11-point threshold remains the same, while the lookback period has been extended to 24 months. 

The NYSTPBA supports maximum penalties for reckless, impaired or criminally negligent drivers. But it also reminds drivers that while its members are tasked with upholding the law, they do not write it. 

“Historically, state troopers bear the brunt of drivers’ frustration at traffic stops,” said NYSTPBA President Charles W. Murphy. “When an irate driver realizes at the side of the road that a single citation can result in sufficient points to lose their license and drive up their insurance coverage costs, it is our members who may well face that anger. This is why it’s imperative that New Yorkers understand the changes that are about to occur.”

The NYSTPBA is 100 percent in support of holding accountable those who endanger fellow motorists by driving impaired or at 30-plus miles per hour over the speed limit. But it is incumbent on the state to ensure that all drivers are aware of any impending points changes to ensure the safety of the men and women who protect the public and put themselves at risk every time they pull a car over to the side of the road. 

New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association
Albany, NY