DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Effective Date: November 18, 2004

When you are convicted of a traffic violation you must pay a fine to the court. In addition, your insurance company may increase your premiums. Now, you must be concerned with another monetary penalty due to the New York Driver Assessment Program!

What is the New York Driver Assessment Program?

Under the newly enacted NY Driver Assessment Program, the Driver Responsibility Program Tax is penalty that a motorist must pay the DMV each year for three years if:

You incur six or more points on your driving record for violations occurring on or after November 18, 2004. (See information the DMV point system).
You are convicted of an alcohol- or drug-related traffic infraction and the violation occurred on or after November 18, 2004.
You refused to take a chemical test on or after November 18, 2004.

How will I be notified if I must pay the driver responsibility program tax?

The DMV will send you a statement after the points, conviction or refusal are entered on your driving record.

The DMV will examine your driving record every three months to determine if a new driver responsibility assessment is necessary. If there are no new incidents, DMV will send annual bills.

How much money must I pay under the NY Driver Assessment Program?

For a traffic violation that is alcohol- or drug-related or for refusal to submit to a breath test, you must pay $250 a year for 3 years ($750).

For six or more points within an 18 month period:

$100 a year for 3 years ($300)
$ 25 a year for 3 years for each additional point

For example, you receive the following summonses:
Violation	Points	Violation Date	Conviction Date
1. Speeding 70/50	4	January 1, 2005	March 31, 2005
2. Stop Sign	3	June 1, 2006	August 15, 2006
3. Obstructing Traffic	2	August 1, 2006	August 15, 2006

In calculating the assessment, the violation date (the date the incident occurred) is the controlling date. In the above example, since the first two violations occurred 17 months apart, you would receive a surcharge of $125 a year for three years.

The Obstructing Traffic violation would not cause an additional assessment since you would have only five points on your driving record for the 18 months prior to August 1, 2006.

Can I reduce the amount of the driver responsibility assessment by taking a point reduction class?

No. The point reduction class can take up to four points off of your license. This may benefit you on your insurance premiums and if your license is subject to suspension for too many points.

What will happen if I fail to pay the driver responsibility assessment?

Your driver’s license, permit or privileges will be suspended until it is paid.