Is New York’s Driver Points System Change Is A Money Grab For The State

As we approach the start of the new year, there are all sorts of things that we can look forward to. Not only the beginning of a new year, but also all sorts of new rules, taxes, and fees. That's especially true in the Empire State, which is one of the highest-taxed states in America, with a heavy regulatory burden to go with it.

Over the last few days, people all over New York State have been learning about changes the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has made to the penalties it assesses against drivers who commit certain traffic and equipment violations.

Like in most states, if you get a ticket of some sort, you are hit with penalty points against your driving record. If you get a certain number of points in a certain time period, you can lose your license.

New York takes that a bit further by assessing you additional financial penalties, above the cost of the fine or fee you get from the actual ticket, that you have to pay for three additional years.

KEEP READING: New York DMV Is Changing Driver Points System in 2026

Since 2004, the Empire State has hit drivers who acquire more than 6 points in an 18-month period with a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee, and now that state officials are increasing the amount of points you get and adding more violations to the list of things you can get a point for, it all amounts to one thing.

New York's Driver Responsibility Assessment Is A Money Grab For The State

As it stands today, if you are hit with 6 points on your New York driving record while in New York State, Ontario, and/or Quebec for a year and a half, you will have to pay an additional annual penalty for three more years.

The fees start at $100 per year once you get to 6 points, and increase by $25 per year for each extra point. If you have any alcohol or drug-related driving charges, you have to pay an additional $250 annual fee for three years.

With state officials making more infractions eligible for points, including equipment violations that you used to be able to receive a fix-it ticket for, it seems to only be happening for one reason: to drive more money into the state bank accounts in Albany.

What do you think? Is New York trying to make us safer, or are they digging deeper in our pockets?