In New York, the DMV computer system calculates your point total for your driver's license. Your point total is based on the number of driver violation points that you have received during the 18 previous months.

The points are counted from the dates of your traffic violations, not the dates of your traffic convictions. After 18 months, from the date of the violation, the points for that traffic offense are removed from your point total; the conviction will remain on your driving record though.

The amount of points it takes to get your driver's privileges suspended is 11 points or more in 18 months. If this occurs, you can request a DMV hearing only to show that a different person committed the violations. You cannot request a hearing to prove that you were not guilty of the violations or to request a waiver of the suspension.

The NYS DMV notes that the point system is not the only reason for a driver license suspension or revocation. There are other ways to a motorist to land a mandatory suspension or revocation. For example, the NYS DMV may revoke your license if you are convicted of 3 speeding violations within an 18 month period and you have fewer than 11 points on your license.

If you are accumulating points on your New York license, also be aware that the if you receive 6 or more points on your driver record within an 18 month period you will receive a driver responsibility assessment. For 6 points the annual assessment is $100.That is the minimum amount you must pay each year for 3 years and a total assessment of $300.

If you receive more than 6 points on your driver record during an 18 month period, the annual assessment is an additional $25 for each point above the original 6 points. It is important not to accumulate points on your NYS driver's license so that your driving privileges and wallet are both kept safe.