Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) has serious consequences that extend past the court case. Most notably, a DUI triggers points added to your New York State driver’s license under the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) system.
Understanding how license points work, how long they stay on your record, and how they increase insurance rates is critical to knowing the full impact of a DUI charge.
New York’s License Point System
New York’s license point system assigns points for various traffic violations to identify and discipline high-risk drivers. Here’s how it works:
- The DMV keeps a record of all points on your license.
- Points remain on your record for 18 months from the violation date.
- Accumulating 11 or more points in an 18-month span triggers a license suspension.
How Many Points for DUI in New York
The number of points assessed depends on the specific DUI charge:
- Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) – 5 points
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – 11 points
- Aggravated DWI – 11 points
Key Fact: A first-time DWI/Aggravated DWI conviction results in an automatic 6-month license revocation, plus 11 points when the license is restored.
Additional Penalties with a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction in Brooklyn leads to more than just license points:
- Fines and surcharges of $500-$1000+
- Possible jail sentence
- Mandated Drunk Driving Program
- Interlock ignition device required
- Higher insurance rates
However, points remain on your license long after paying fines and completing programs. They haunt your driving record for years.
How Long Do DUI Points Stay on Your Record?
DUI-related points fall off your license on a rolling basis as they reach 18 months from the violation date:
- DWAI (5 points) expires after 18 months
- DWI/Aggravated DWI (11 points) expires after 18 months
Example: If convicted of DWI on January 1, 2023, the 11 points would expire on July 1, 2024.
Impact of DUI Points on Your Insurance
Points cause insurance rates to skyrocket, especially for high-risk convictions like DUI. With 11 points, a DWI can increase your premium by:
- 100% for 1 year – average across New York
- 175% for 3 years in Brooklyn specifically
This amounts to thousands in extra insurance costs alone. DWAI points also bump rates but generally to a lesser degree than DWI points.
How to Fight a DUI Charge to Avoid Points
The best way to avoid license points is to fight the DUI charge itself. An experienced DUI defense attorney can help by:
- Identifying illegal stops/searches to get evidence tossed
- Suppressing faulty breathalyzer or blood test results
- Negotiating plea deals to non-moving violations
- Winning an acquittal at trial
Having an attorney provides the strongest chance to avoid conviction and prevent license points altogether.
Don’t Let Points Derail Your Future
A DUI charge in Brooklyn threatens your freedom, finances, and mobility. But experienced counsel understands how to defend your rights in court and at the DMV.
Act quickly to protect your license and your livelihood. Don’t let points haunt you – fight back.
FAQs
- How many points does a DWI conviction add to your license in New York?
A first-time DWI or Aggravated DWI conviction results in an automatic 6-month license revocation plus 11 points added when your license is restored.
- How long do DUI-related license points stay on your record in New York?
DUI points expire and are removed from your license on a rolling basis 18 months from the violation date. For example, a DWI (11 points) would expire and be removed from your license 18 months after the conviction date.
- Does a DWAI add points to your New York license?
Yes, a DWAI conviction adds 5 points to your license that expire and are removed after 18 months from the violation date. While less than a DWI, a DWAI still results in points that impact your driving record.
Call The Top-DUI Attorney in Brooklyn, Mark Cossuto
If you or someone you care about faces grave criminal charges in Brooklyn, it is absolutely vital that you retain a dedicated criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The prosecutor builds their case early, so you need experienced counsel advising you from day one. Do not say anything to authorities without your attorney present. Brooklyn criminal lawyers know how to stand up for your rights.
Contact a top Brooklyn criminal attorney today for a free initial consultation by calling (718) 852-8047 or filling out the contact form on our website. It is completely confidential. Share the full details of your situation so they can discuss your options and legal strategy. With an attorney aggressively defending you, what seems like a hopeless case can be resolved favorably many times. Don’t go through this fight alone. Schedule your free consultation now.
