Although penalties for driving violations have remained relatively consistent for many years, there is still significant room for improvement. As of January 2025, New York legislators have taken action by implementing new reforms aimed at promoting safer driving. Unfortunately, these also come with harsher consequences. For drivers on Long Island, traffic density increases the risk of violations. As a driver, you need to know how these penalties can impact your life, and why the role of a Long Island car accident lawyer is more important than ever before.
Stricter DWI Penalties and License Denials
One of the most significant reforms targets intoxicated driving. Lawmakers have made it clear: repeat drunk or drugged driving is no longer tolerated. The new “Forfeit After Four” rule permanently denies a license to anyone with four lifetime DWIs or test refusals.
In addition, drivers with three convictions in 25 years, combined with a serious offense, such as causing a fatal crash or committing a felony while driving, face permanent license denial. Even without a serious offense, three DWIs trigger at least a two-year revocation. This is then followed by restricted re-licensing with an ignition lock requirement for another two years. For those who have already lost their license due to a DWI, the standard is more severe. Three offenses within a 25-year period require a five-year wait before applying for reinstatement. Once this period ends, a full restoration is unlikely without lasting restrictions.
For many, a conviction no longer means temporary hardship. It means the possibility of never being able to legally drive again. To understand the far-reaching impact of the reforms, it is helpful to look at how these penalties work in conjunction with the updated DMV point system.
DMV Point System Overhaul: 2025–2026
The points system is simple: the more points on your license, the more severe the penalty. New penalties don’t only apply to impaired drivers. The reformed points system also applies to other violations, including speeding and reckless driving. These changes are part of an ongoing effort to promote safer driving, which will continue to develop going forward.
2025 Updates
In 2025, the state extended its “look-back” period from 18 months to 24 months. That means violations stay on your record longer, giving both the DMV and insurance companies more time to act against you.
The point values themselves also increased. Driving more than 40 mph over the limit, driving without a license, or committing a DWI offense now results in 11 points. This means an automatic license suspension. Reckless driving, cell phone use, or leaving the scene of an accident adds an additional 5 points. Even moderate violations, such as tailgating and making unsafe lane changes, now carry more significant penalties as well.
2026 on the Horizon
Driver penalty reforms will continue into 2026, reducing the suspension threshold from 11 points in 18 months to 10 points in 24 months. Lesser violations will now carry more weight. Equipment issues add 1 point, illegal U-turns add 2 points, and failing to yield to emergency vehicles add 3 points. Penalties for major offenses are also increasing, with reckless driving rising from 5 to 8 points and cell phone use up from 5 to 6.
Together, these changes create an environment where even small mistakes accumulate quickly. For example, a driver who speeds, makes an illegal U-turn, and uses a cell phone while driving may face suspension. These consequences particularly affect drivers on Long Island, where heavy traffic increases the risk of repeated violations.
Why You Need a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer
The combination of stricter DWI penalties and a tougher point system is intended to deter unsafe driving. However, it also exposes ordinary drivers to a greater risk of license suspension, costly fines, and higher insurance rates, turning what once seemed like a temporary setback into lasting consequences. For those facing a violation tied to a crash, these stakes are even higher, making rebuilding your life far more difficult. In such cases, a Long Island car accident lawyer is vital in handling insurance disputes, establishing liability, and protecting your ability to keep driving.
Matera & Manley, LLP: Your Dedicated Long Island Car Accident Lawyers
When the law becomes stricter, the role of your attorney becomes more critical. Matera & Manley, LLP, provide that edge. For car accident victims, that means protecting your rights, securing maximum compensation, and ensuring that the new reforms don’t derail your future. If you need a Long Island car accident lawyer, our team is ready to help.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, don’t wait. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward protecting your future.
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