DMV Proposes New Regulations Targeting Dangerous Drivers
Dangerous drivers are on the roads every day. Whether it be drug- or alcohol-related, excessive speed, or carelessness, these drivers make the roads less safe for everyone. Additionally, it puts not just drivers at risk but also bicyclists and pedestrians. As such, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has proposed strengthening its regulations to keep such drivers off the road.
Dangerous Drivers Will Receive More Points
For most drivers, the biggest proposed change will be to the driver violation point system. The points imposed on certain convictions – whether for crimes or traffic tickets – will be increased.
The new regulations propose 14 points for any alcohol- or drug-related driving conviction. Additionally, they propose 11 points for any conviction under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 511 (Aggravated Unlicensed Operation). Previously, neither of these convictions resulted in any points.
If the regulations are enacted, 8 points will also be issued for:
- Overtaking or passing a stopped school bus
- Operating or driving a vehicle exceeding height or weight limitations, including striking a bridge
- Speeding in a work zone
The new regulations also propose adding 3 points for any charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury. Finally, the DMV is proposing that the look-back period for calculating points be increased to 24 months, rather than the current 18 months.
Disqualification and Re-Licensing of Dangerous Drivers
We have previously written about the regulations relating to the licensing of those with multiple DWI/DWAI convictions. However, the new regulations propose making this even more stringent.
Currently, if a person has five or more alcohol- or drug-related driving convictions, they face a lifetime re-licensing restriction. Under the proposed changes, the DMV seeks to reduce that to four such convictions. They have also proposed making it a lifetime re-licensing restriction for anyone with three or more such convictions plus one or more serious driving offenses.
Comments on New Regulations
If you wish to read the full text of the proposed regulations, visit DMV’s website at https://dmv.ny.gov/about-dmv/proposed-dmv-regulation-changes-comment.
Do you support or not support the proposed regulations on dangerous drivers in New York? You can submit a comment on the proposed regulations directly to the DMV. Specifically, address your comment to:
John J. Kenefick
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 522A
Albany, New York 12228
Tel: (518) 474-0871
Email: dmv.sm.legal@dmv.ny.gov
Additionally, reference “Point System and Licensing or Relicensing After Revocation Action, I.D. No. MTV-36-23-00031-P.”
References:
- Press Release, NYS DMV Proposes Strengthening State Regulations to Get Dangerous Drivers Off the Road (Sept. 6, 2023), NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. Available at: https://dmv.ny.gov/press-release/press-release-09-06-2023-1 (last accessed Sept. 11, 2023).
- “NYS DMV Targets Dangerous Drivers with New Proposed Regulations,” Yonkers Times (Sept. 9, 2023). Available at: https://yonkerstimes.com/nys-dmv-targets-dangerous-drivers-with-new-proposed-regulations/ (last accessed Sept. 11, 2023).
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