The point system
New York State works on a traffic violation point system. Each traffic violation (traffic ticket) carries points. It is the New York State DMV who assesses points to a violation and the point system is referred to as the NY Driver Violation Point System. It allows the NYS DMV to identify and punish high-risk drivers.
How points work
In order for points to be added to a driving history, a driver must first be convicted of the traffic ticket violation. Only then will points will accumulate to a driving record. The points will be added to a driving record as of the day the ticket was written, not the date of entering a guilty plea or the conviction date.
How long do points stay on a driving record?
A common belief is that after a certain amount of time points come off, or fall off a driving abstract. Wrong! The truth is that points stay on a driving history FOREVER. Yep, once accrued, those bad boys are there to stay as a big fat ugly smudge on a pristine driving abstract.
Although it may be upsetting to know that points never fall off a driver’s abstract, take comfort in knowing that after a certain amount of time the points no longer count against a driver. This “certain amount of time” (also known as a look-back period), depends who is reviewing a driving record and for what purpose. For example, for purposes of license suspension, the DMV look-back period is 18 months; auto insurance increases by insurance companies, is a three year the look-back period; and for alcohol related offenses, the look-back period may be a lifetime.
Consequences of points
The consequences vary, but include a higher insurance rates, a New York State DMV assessment and drivers license suspension.
How to fight points
One way to fight points is to take a DMV approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP). Otherwise known as a “safe driving course.” This course credit 4 points to a driving history and save a driver money on his or her car insurance premium.
A second way to fight points is to not get them in the first place. Call us now at 917-300-3334 for a free traffic consultation or contact us online at www.lawredress.com before you make a costly mistake. Contacting the best Westchester County traffic ticket firm will save you time and money. Call The Claro Law Firm today to let your traffic attorney, Elisa Claro, Esq., do the heavy lifting for you. Our experienced and professional traffic lawyers will hand your case from start to finish. Hurry, call the best Westchester County traffic ticket firm today: 917-300-3334. The Claro Law Firm services New York State, including Westchester County- Pound Ridge, Lewisboro, Mount Vernon, Port Chester, Yonkers, and Rye.