Card image

Complimentary Traffic Ticket Case Evaluations. Call Now. (315) 396-8006

Traffic Ticket Articles

How long do points stay on a NY driving record? Can I remove them earlier?

by Seth Azria on 9/03/2019

How long do points Last on a NY Driving record?

There are 2 relevant time periods involved: 1) the eighteen month window and 2) three years after a traffic conviction.

The 18-Month Window

First, the DMV uses an 18-month window to calculate suspensions and driver responsibility assessment penalties. That means that DMV will add up all points and convictions within the last 18 months and then act accordingly.

For example, here are two of the most common scenarios:

  1. If a driver had a total of 11 points or more from convictions in the last 18 months, the DMV will suspend a driver license.
  2. If a driver has a total of 6 points from convictions in the last 18 months,  the New York DMV will impose a $300 Driver Responsibility. Each additional point over 6 incurs an additional $75.

The 3-year Period

After 3 years have passed after a traffic conviction or accident, the New York DMV will remove the conviction from the driver’s record in the beginning of the 4th calendar year. During this time, the conviction will be available to insurance company review. For DWI convictions, the NY DMV will record convictions for 10 years.   

The Effect of a Defensive Driving Course & Coram Nobis Motions

Contrary to popular belief, a defensive driving course does not remove points from a driving record. Completion of a course will cause the DMV to ignore 4 points for suspension purposes and gives the driver a 10% discount on their insurance for 3 years.

Unfortunately, the course does not lower the point total for driver responsibility assessments that begin at 6 points in 18 months.

The only way to actually remove points is to eliminate a conviction. This may be accomplished with a motion to the court to reopen the case coupled with a negotiated reduction from the prosecutor. These motions, called coram nobis motions, once complete, have the newly negotiated reduction replace the previous conviction.  

Not all convictions may be reopened this way, but if you have a conviction that you wish you did not have, please feel free to call us to discuss if this option might be available for you.

Need help with your ticket?

One speeding conviction may cause premiums to increase over $2,000 in three years. The Zebra. 

Don't plead guilty. .

Our experienced traffic defense lawyer is available to talk to you about your case.

Accepting Cases in Onondaga County Only.

Free Consultations. Call Now.
(315) 364-1155




 

Can't talk now?

Schedule a time for a lawyer to call you when it's convenient.

 Schedule a Call for Later

Azria & Bruffett PLLC BBB Business Review

Top Rated Award Winning Law Firm in Syracuse


Top Rated Award Winning Law Firm in Syracuse


Top Rated Law Firm, Syracuse NY

 
Hire your traffic lawyer online. Start Now
Google Review

Seth Azria immediately started work on my case. Made it easy for me to provide documents and info. Resolved my case with no points and a small fine. I am Extremely Grateful.

Google Review

Mr. Azria is one of the most professional and kindest lawyers I ever know. He cares his clients and will always do his best to help you. Thanks to him, I avoided 4 points on my license. Highly recommended.

Google+ Review

I was issued a speeding ticket in an area that I was unfamiliar with. We researched the law firms to help with reducing the charge of my ticket, since I had never received a speeding ticket before. The professionals at Azria and Bruffett were efficient, organized, and provided me with a comprehensive plan as to how they would handle my case. I was thrilled with the outcome - they were able to plea my case to a much more reasonable fine.

I can't thank them enough!

Made the whole process easy

Seth was great. I had various infractions that required appearance. Payment and process were clearly spelled out and required little attention on my part. He was quick with correspondence and got me the best deals with lowest fines. Will absolutely use him again if ever in need of an attorney.

Ashley posted to Avvo