If a recent speeding ticket or other moving violation in New York has you worried about your driving record, you are likely asking: “Is there a way to reduce these points?” The New York DMV-approved Defensive Driving/Point & Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) is the primary method drivers use to lessen the consequences of traffic tickets. Despite its popularity, the actual effects of this are widely misunderstood. The key questions remain: Can it genuinely eliminate points? Will it cause tickets to vanish? Is it an effective measure against a driver’s license suspension? Please continue reading as we aim to clarify how New York defensive driving courses function, what they can and cannot do for your points, and when it is advisable to consult our Nesconset Traffic Ticket Lawyers instead of relying solely on the course.
How Does the New York Point System Work?
In New York, the majority of moving violations lead to the accumulation of points on one’s driving record, with the most egregious infractions resulting in a greater assignment of points. Examples of points assigned:
- Speeding 11-20 mph over the limit= 4 points
- Speeding 21-30 mph over the limit= 6 points
- Speeding 31 to 40 mph over the limit= 8 points
- Speeding over 40 mph over the limit= 11 points
- Cell Phone use/texting= 5 points
- Following too closely (tailgating)= 4 points
While the points themselves do not carry a direct cost, they trigger significant consequences:
- Accumulating 11 points within 18 months can lead to the loss of your driving privileges (license suspension)
- Multiple tickets often cause car insurance premiums to increase substantially
- Serious violations can result in increased scrutiny from the DMV
For these reasons, many drivers immediately look into defensive driving courses once a new violation appears on their record.
What is a New York Defensive Driving Course?
To reduce points and insurance costs, you may opt for a DMV-approved Defensive Driving/PIRP course. It is a six-hour course available in person or online, covering safe distances, speeding, aggressive/impaired/distracted driving risks, and NY road rules. You must choose a state-approved provider for the benefits.
New York state incentivizes drivers to improve their driving habits rather than simply paying hefty fines and continuing unsafe behavior. The state encourages and rewards motorists who take education seriously by offering significant benefits, including:
- Up to a 4-point reduction is used in calculating potential license suspension
- A 10% reduction in insurance premiums
Does a Defensive Driving Course “Remove” Points?
A New York defensive driving course can be confusing for many drivers. It functions as a safety mechanism, permitting the DMV to deduct a maximum of 4 points when evaluating whether a driver has reached the threshold for license suspension or revocation. It is crucial to note that the course does not serve as a means to expunge the actual violations or points from one’s driving record; the citations and associated points will remain on one’s record.
Although a defensive driving course won’t erase convictions or make your driving history disappear, it can be a significant benefit. If you are dealing with a serious ticket in New York, a possible suspension, or a complex driving record, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney at Castro & Trodden, LLC, to discuss the best course of action.
