Remove Points from a New York DMV Record

Whether you were caught tailgating or texting, you might find yourself in the undesirable position of having points on your driving record. By enrolling in a PIRP class and requesting a hearing for any inaccurate violations, you can reduce the number of active points on your license (remember that the DMV's points and your insurance's point system are completely unrelated). You should also pay a driver’s responsibility assessment, if needed, and keep tabs on your point total to keep your license in good standing.

Steps

Enrolling in a Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP)

1. Register for a PIRP class. Find a PIRP class approved by the New York DMV. These courses are typically at least 6 hours long and are available through private companies that meet specific standards to be approved by the state.
   • These classes can either take place in a regular classroom setting or online. A list of classes can be found at https://dmv.ny.gov/pirp/online.
2. Complete your PIRP class. Attend all sessions of your PIRP class. After each session, you will need to take a quiz to prove you have mastered the information that was taught.
   • You can take each quiz up to 3 times, if needed, in order to pass a lesson. You can also re-enroll in a PIRP class if you do not graduate from the class the first time you take it.
   • No studying is necessary before class starts. Just come to your sessions prepared to learn about defensive driving and following the rules of the road.
3. Wait for your PIRP class to notify the DMV of your course completion. Follow up with your class if the DMV has no record of your completed course within 10 weeks of your last class. A notice will be placed on your driving record at the DMV, making you eligible for up to a 4-point reduction in your active point total.
   • PIRP classes can only be used once in an 18 month period to reduce up to 4 points.
   • This reduction isn’t a removal of points. It simply means that the DMV will not count 4 of your active points in determining if your license should be suspended or revoked.
4. Understand that a PIRP course does not clean your driving record. Note that potential employers may be able to see violations, convictions and points for up to 4 years through a records request. Your points are summed up based on the date of the violation, not the conviction date.
   • Serious violations involving drug- or alcohol-use may be viewable for up to 15 years.
   • There isn’t a way to accrue negative points or “credits” by proactively taking a PRIP course.

Requesting a Hearing for Points that Don’t Belong to You

1. Contact the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) to contest inaccurate points. Call your local TVB office to request a hearing for any violations on your record that were committed by someone else. The TVB will only accept hearings if there has been an administrative mistake that’s erroneously put someone else’s points on your record.
   • The TVB won’t accept hearings reconsidering your guilt on a particular offense.
2. Establish the date of your hearing with the TVB. Schedule your hearing over the phone, online at https://transact2.dmv.ny.gov/pleadnpay/, or in person at your local TVB. How long it takes to hold a hearing depends upon the TVB’s current case schedule, which can vary.
   • Hearings are held at the TVB where the violation was issued. You can find a list of locations here: https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/find-tvb-office-locations. You typically cannot reschedule your hearing for another TVB location.
   • You can only reschedule your hearing once. After that, you lose the right to contest the inaccurate points.
3. Report to your local TVB on your hearing date. Show up to your hearing slightly early in case you have trouble parking or finding the location. The front desk attendant at the Bureau can direct you to the hearing room for your specific case.
4. Bring any corroborating materials to support your case. Supply documents or witnesses to support your claim that someone else committed a violation appearing on your driving record. Evidence of your travel elsewhere, for example, could help prove your innocence.
5. Wait for your verdict. Accept the verdict the judge delivers at your hearing. Even if you feel the wrong decision was reached, there are ways to reduce the impact of active points on your driving status.
   • You cannot appeal the final decision of a hearing.

Paying a Driver’s Responsibility Assessment

1. Determine if you owe a driver’s responsibility assessment. Look over your record for serious violations or an accrual of 6 points or more in an 18-month period. These infractions mean you need to pay a fee to preserve your ability to drive in New York.
   • You need to pay this assessment for conviction of an alcohol- or drug-related offense; refusal of a BAC test; or 6 points or more within an 18-month period.
   • This fee is meant to deter you from committing future offenses. It doesn’t count towards any fines you may be given for your driving.
   • Paying the assessment won’t remove points from your driver’s license, but not paying it may lead to the suspension of your driver’s license.
2. Pay your assessment each year for 3 years. Keep your license in good standing by paying your assessment each year it is active. Typically there is a 3-year period of responsibility.
   • For alcohol- and drug related offenses, including the refusal to take a BAC test, the annual assessment is $250 USD per year for 3 years.
   • The assessment for receiving 6 points on your record in 18 months is $100 USD per year for 3 years. If you receive more than 6 points, pay an additional $25 USD per point per year for the 3-year assessment period.
   • You can pay your assessment online at https://transact2.dmv.ny.gov/DriverRespAssessment/.
3. Wait for the points to age off your record in 18 months. Take no action and in 18 months, the points you’ve been assessed will no longer count towards your active total. While the points technically remain on your record, they won’t add to your total points for suspension purposes.
   • Your license may be suspended if you get 11 points or more in an 18-month period.

Determining How Many Points You Have

1. Request a driving record abstract to see currently assessed points. Ask for this type of record if you want to understand any points affecting your current driving privileges. This will help you understand if a PIRP course or other reduction effort would be useful to you.
2. Request a lifetime driving record to gain information about past points. Understand that a lifetime driving record is useful only if you’re looking to gain information about past points and assessments. You won’t be able to challenge past convictions that earned you points unless there is a clerical mistake.
3. Order your record online through the New York DMV’s MyDMV portal. Create a login for the New York State MyDMV website at https://dmv.ny.gov/mydmv/mydmv. Toggle to the My License, Permit or ID menu. Here, you will need to enter the ID and document number from your most recently issued driver’s license.
   • This engine will pull a report detailing your driving infractions, including any points that have been assessed to you. The cost of this service is $7 USD.
   • If you recently were issued a new driver’s license, you will need to wait for it to arrive in the mail. It’s important to use the most updated ID number given to you for an accurate driving report.
   • If you do not have a current New York State license, permit or non-driver ID you must order by mail.
4. Request your record through your local DMV office in person. Locate the DMV location nearest you at https://dmv.ny.gov/. Call the location before your visit to confirm that they supply driving records, as some locations may not. If possible, make an appointment to avoid having to wait in line.
   • Bring your most recent New York driver’s license, a completed Request for Driving Record Information form (MV-15C), a photo ID, and payment to cover the $10 fee for pulling your record.
   • This service can be paid for via cash, credit card, a personal check, or money order.
   • Note that driving records cannot be ordered over the phone.
5. Place a request by mail. Make a request for a copy of your driving record in writing by completing the Request for Driving Record Information form (MV-15C). Send it, a photocopy of your driver’s license, and a personal check or money order for $10.
   • Make your check payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” to MV15 Processing, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228.
   • If you do not have a current New York State license, permit or non-driver ID you must order by mail.

References

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