Drivers Will Face Harsher Penalties For Breaking These Traffic Laws In 2026: See List

NEW YORK CITY — Beginning next year, New York drivers will face tougher penalties for breaking certain traffic laws.

In addition to the penalties, New York is lowering the amount of points it takes to suspend a driver's license. The new rules will go into effect in February 2026/

Under current rules, drivers will have their license suspended if they receive 11 points over an 18-month period — next year it will take 10 points over a two-year period.

Penalties for a number of traffic violations will go up, including:

Speeding up to 10 mph over limit:

• will go from 3 points to 4 points

Cellphone use behind the wheel:

• Increase from 5 to 6 points

Reckless driving:

• Currently, 5 points will increase to 8 points.

Also, certain traffic violations will receive points beginning next year. Driving with broken taillights or blown headlights will get drivers one point each, and taking an illegal U-turn will be a two point violation.