Significant Changes to the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law

New York State has recently enacted legislation increasing the penalties for violations of the vehicle and traffic law.

New York DWI convictions will now include 11 points on a motorist’s license. While a conviction for DWI had serious consequences to a motorist’s license, it will now also include 11 points on the license. Previously there were no points associated with a DWI conviction.

Convictions for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree in violation of NYS VTL 511.1a will now place 11 points on a motorist’s license. Previously they carried no points. NYS VTL 511.1a is the most frequently issued ticket for driving with a suspended license.

Convictions for facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in violation of NYS VTL 511.a now carry 5 points. Previously they carried no points. This is significant, because when a court agrees to reduce a suspended license ticket, this is often what they will reduce it to.

With these changes now in effect, it becomes important for attorneys to try to avoid convictions under these sections of law when possible.

The DMV has increased the lookback period from 18 months to 24 months. This means that DMV will consider previous traffic convictions for an additional 6 months.