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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.

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I was coming back home (Canada) when I got pulled over for doing 81 in 65 zone. I had no clue as in what to do. If I would've just simply paid the fine I would've lost 3 points in Canada on my license. So I googled lawyer and Seth's name came up. Contacted him and he advised me how he will pursue this ticket and what would be the likely outcome of it. What he said come out to be exactly that. VERY HAPPY WITH THE RESULT. I WILL RECOMMEND HIM.

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