New York “Vision Zero” Plan Putting Drivers at Risk for More License Points

According to a recent report, New York traffic fatalities have dropped significantly in the past few years. For the first time in decades, New York traffic fatalities dropped below 200 last year. This dip in vehicle deaths are attributed to NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio’s “Vision Zero” plan to make traffic deaths a thing of the past, and make the streets safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

“Vision Zero is working,” Mayor de Blasio explained. “The lower speed limit, increased enforcement and safer street designs are all building on each other to keep New Yorkers safe. Now we must deepen this work. Not even a single tragedy on our streets is acceptable, and we’ll keep fighting every day to protect our people.”

A pretty tall order for sure. Despite the decrease in car accidents and fatalities, there are still issues for pedestrians and cyclists. But these numbers are expected to drop this year. What does this mean for the average driver in NYC? More stringent enforcement of driving infractions.

This has the potential to increase your risk for a ticket, more points added to your license, and heavier fines and restrictions if you drive a cab or other passenger driving workers, like limousines, private cars, and rideshare drivers.

It is definitely important to know the rules of the road and the points that can be added to your license if you break those rules. The following is a quick rundown of infractions, points, and the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission’s (TLC) Critical Drivers Program.

New York Traffic Infraction Fines

No one wants to budget in a traffic infraction, but it might be needed under the stronger enforcement set about by the implementation of the Vision Zero plan. For example, a speeding ticket can cost you anywhere between $150 and $500 or more.

If you’re busted for speeding 11 mph to 30 mph over the speed limit, you can expect a ticket and fine in excess of $300. Getting a ticket for excessive speed is likelier in New York City now too, since most streets are 25 mph. Money is only one part of your problem. Points can be added to your license, which if you get too many, your license can be suspended or more monetary fines can be given.

New York Driver License Points

The Vision Zero plan means more enforcement of traffic infractions for New York drivers. This can add up both in money paid to the city in fines, and points on your driver’s license. Either way you slice it, it is not good. Knowing more about the points system in NYC can steer you away from partaking in bad driving habits that will get you in trouble.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common traffic infractions and the driver license points that could be the result.

• Going through a red light or failure to stop at stop sign - 3 points
• Speeding (11-20 mph over limit) - 4 points
• Reckless driving - 5 points
• Not stopping for school bus - 5 points
• Texting and driving - 5 points
• Improper cell phone use - 5 points
• Speeding (21-30 mph over limit) - 6 points
• Speeding (31-40 mph over limit) - 8 points

This may seem not so important. However, it should be on your mind when getting behind the wheel. That is because if you get enough points, more money, and driving courses will be needed. For example, if you rack up 6 points in an 18 month period, you may need to pay a $300 Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee. If you accumulate 11 points, you can have your driver’s license suspended.

Taxi and Limousine Commission’s (TLC) Critical Drivers Program

There are a lot of cab, private car, and rideshare drivers in New York. They are more at risk now as well, since they are on the road more than the average commuter. This threatens the very livelihood of these drivers. For instance, if a cab driver racks up 10 or more points, he or she can have their TLC license revoked. That means the very way they provide for their family is revoked as well.

“The Critical Driver’s Program is a TLC program that charges additional penalties to a Driver who accumulates a certain number of Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) points on his or her state driver’s license within a certain amount of time due to traffic violations,” according to New York traffic ticket attorney Michael Block.

In Conclusion . . .

Drive safe! This is a bit of a joke for New Yorkers, since driving the streets of NYC almost make drivers commit at least one traffic infraction per time behind the wheel. Otherwise you just may not get where you need to go. Not only by driving a bit more carefully can save you a lot of money, it also makes the streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. When in doubt after a traffic violation, find an attorney.