Source: NYS DMV WEBSITE

Understanding the Driver Responsibility Assessment

If you receive 6 or more points on your New York State driving record in 18 months, you must pay a driver responsibility assessment which is a fee you must pay to DMV over a three year period if you are convicted of certain traffic offenses in New York State or accumulate 6 or more points on your driving record within 18 months.  This fee is in addition to any fines, penalties or surcharges that you must pay for a traffic conviction.  The purpose of the assessment is to prevent the repeated behavior of problem drivers and to improve traffic safety.  

Who must pay?

Effective November 18, 2004, you must pay a driver responsibility assessment if:

• You were convicted of an alcohol or drugged driving-related traffic offense while driving a motor vehicle, boat, or snowmobile in New York State
   
• You were found to have refused to take a chemical test for blood alcohol content in New York State
   
• You received 6 or more points on your NYS driver record within an 18 month period for convictions of traffic offenses committed in New York, Quebec or Ontario

You must pay the driver responsibility assessment whether you have a driver license issued by New York State, another jurisdiction or if you do not have a driver license.

How much do I have to pay?

The amount depends on the type of violation or the total number of points on your driving record.

·If you are convicted of an alcohol or drugged driving-related offense or if you refuse to take a chemical test, the annual assessment is $250. The minimum amount that you must pay each year is the annual assessment. The total assessment for the three years is $750.

·If you receive 6 points on your driver record for violations committed during a period of 18 months, the annual assessment is $100. The minimum amount that you must pay each year is the annual assessment. The total assessment for the three years is $300. If you receive more than 6 points on your driver record during a period of 18 months, the annual assessment is $25 for each point in addition to the original six points. The minimum amount that you must pay each year is the annual assessment. The total assessment for the three years is $75 for each point in addition to the original 6 points.

If you must pay a driver responsibility assessment, DMV will send you a statement with the amount you owe.  You must pay at least the minimum amount by the payment date or your driver license will be suspended. You can also pay the full assessment.  1

The amount you owe may increase if you are convicted of additional offenses after your statement is issued.  2

Out-of-state convictions

If you are convicted of a traffic violation in another state or country, points are not added to your New York State driving record, unless the violation occurred in Ontario or Quebec.

New York State has a reciprocal agreement with Quebec and Ontario. Traffic violation convictions that occur in these provinces are recorded on your New York State driver record, and the convictions have the same effect and carry the same points as convictions that occur in New York State. This can affect your driver violation point total and Driver Responsibility Assessment.

Questions?

Call
212-269-3988 

or