At least two states, New York and Texas, have come up with a novel new way to prevent drivers who have accumulated too many points on their record from accumulating any more. Both states have enacted Driver Responsibility Assessment laws that are very similar in nature. In the hope of curbing aggressive driving behavior before it becomes necessary to suspend a license, these laws put a price on aggressive driving and other offenses that could become quite a financial burden on some drivers.

In both New York and Texas, the Driver Responsibility Assessment Law places a financial penalty on drivers who have accumulated too many points over and above the cost of the ticket. Depending on the offense, a driver may have to pay a minimum of $100 per year in order to maintain their driving privileges. For example, A New York driver who accumulates 6 points within an 18 month period will have to pay an annual "Driver Responsibility Assessment" of $100 per year for a three year period. Each additional point on the driving record after the initial assessment will result in an additional $25 per point. Failure to pay the annual assessments will result in suspension of driving privileges.

Below is a breakdown of New York state's assessment/surcharge offenses and costs:

New York's Driver Responsibility Law applies to anyone, whether licensed in New York or not, who commits any of the following offenses while driving in New York State.

Conviction of an alcohol-related traffic violation and the violation occurred in NYS on or after November 18, 2004 (includes boats and snowmobiles); or

Conviction of a drug-related traffic violation and the violation occurred in NYS on or after November 18, 2004 (includes boats and snowmobiles); or

DMV hearing determines that you refused a chemical test and the refusal occurred in NYS on or after November 18, 2004 (includes boats and snowmobiles); or

Receiving six or more points on your NYS driver record during a period of 18 months and the violations occurred in NYS, Quebec or Ontario on or after November 18, 2004.

If you are convicted of a traffic violation that is alcohol-related or drug-related, or if you refuse 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 six points on your driving record within eighteen months, your assessment will be $100 per year for a three year period or a total of $300. $25 is assessed for each additional point over and above the original six points.
For example: A driver convicted of driving more than 21 mph over the speed limit will receive six points and will be assessed $100 per year. If that driver is convicted of another violation and receives two additional points, the assessment will be $150 per year or a total of $450.

With a New York defensive driving course can provide up to a four-point reduction in the total number of active points on your driving record, depending on when the points were assessed. Learn more about the eligibiltiy requirements and benefits of a defensive driving course to protect your NY driving record.

For more information on the New York Driver Responsibility Law, visit: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/DRP.HTM

Labels: aggressive driving, defensive driving course, driver responsibility laws, new york defensive driving, new york driving laws

All New York drivers are eligible to take a defensive driving course that allows them to reduce the number of points on their drivers’ licenses and receive a discount on their auto insurance premiums. The cost of the course is quickly recouped by the savings on the driver's insurance policy. This course can be taken online or in a classroom. Taking the defensive driving class online allows drivers to complete the course at their own pace, in the comfort and privacy of their homes. It's easy even for drivers who have limited experience on the internet because the New York defensive driving course is designed to be simple for everyone, even those who are new to the internet. Here's how to complete the course online, remove points from your New York driving record, and save money on your auto insurance.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles requires that the defensive driving course be six hours long, so the length of the course will be the same no matter which provider you choose. The benefits of the course are also the same no matter which provider you choose: Up to a four-point reduction in the total number of active points on your driving record, depending on when the points were assessed, and a 10% reduction from the base rate of your current liability, no-fault and collision premiums for three years. Each person with a New York driver’s license listed as a principal operator on the family's auto insurance policy must register for and complete the defensive driving course to be eligible for the insurance discount. For example, if a husband and wife have two passenger vehicles, both must take the course to receive a discount on each policy.

When you register for the course, you'll provide personal information to verify your identity and participation, such as the Client ID number from your NYS driver's license and your date of birth. Identity and participation information can also include biometric data like keystrokes, facial recognition or voice recognition. The six-hour time requirement for the NY defensive driving course begins after you complete registration. You may complete the course in one sitting or log in and out as many times as you like. Your place in the course is automatically saved as you progress through it. You must complete the course within 30 days of registration.

You are not required to pass a test to receive your certificate for completing the course. You will receive a certificate for passing based on the delivery option you select. To get your auto insurance reduction, present your certificate of completion to your insurance agent within 90 days (after 90 days, you may still receive a discount, but your insurance agent may issue the discount effective from the date you submitted the certificate).

You may see the New York defensive driving course referred to as "PIRP" or "I-PIRP." This is the course you need for removal of points from your driving record and an auto insurance discount. PIRP stands for Point and Insurance Reduction Program. I-PIRP stands for Internet Point and Insurance Reduction Program - the same course delivered via the internet.

Labels: auto insurance reduction, defensive driving course, new york defensive driving, point reduction