During the probationary period, you must be careful about moving violations. If you are convicted of any of the following offenses while on probation, your license will be suspended for 60 days. Texting and cell phone tickets have even more severe penalties (see below).
• Speeding (any speed)
• Reckless driving
• Tailgating (or following too closely)
• Participating in a speed contest; or
• Two other moving violations
When the revocation or suspension period is completed, you will be on probation for another six months. If you are found guilty of committing one of the above violations, or two other moving violations during a second probation period, your license will be revoked for at least six months. When the revocation or suspension ends, you will be on probation for another six months.
Your driver’s license will be suspended for ninety days if you are convicted of driving while ability impaired (DWAI) by alcohol or drugs during probation, or revoked for at least six months for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Even if you complete an approved Drinking Driver Program in fewer days, your license suspension or revocation will continue until the end of the scheduled period of suspension or revocation.
For a texting/cell phone violation during the probation period, the penalty is 2x severe. Specifically, your license will be suspended for 120 days (not 60).
14 Comments. Leave new
I got my driver’s license from NY in May this year. Then I moved to Texas. I still have not changed my NY license. I got a citation in Texas for speeding. Will my driver’s license be suspended? Since I’m on probationary period? Or because it happened out of the jurisdiction of NY, will it not affect the status?
Paul,
Hmmm … tough question. I’d say that most likely a Texas conviction will not result in suspension of your NY license (despite being on NY probation).
You should check with NY DMV before deciding how to handle your Texas ticket.
GL
Matthew Weiss
I got a speeding ticket during my probation period in September 2016. Since then I’ve moved to DC and surrendered my NYS license and got a DC license instead. I am back in NY for a couple of months and I have received a notice of suspension because of getting a ticket during probation. Will my DC license get suspended? Will I still be able to drive in NYS?
Sap,
If you are suspended in NY, then you cannot drive in NY until the suspension is lifted. Further DC will honor a NY suspension (although there may be a lag until it can honor it). Further, DC will honor it as long as it remains in place in NY.
Matthew Weiss
What if you did not get convicted until after your probationary period ended will license still be suspended?
Eric,
Even if you are convicted after your probationary period expires, you should still be suspended if you are convicted. Sometimes, however, motorists in this situation get lucky and “fall through the cracks”.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
I am 18 got my license 3 months ago. Currently on 6 months probation period. Drove very carefully. I crossed a signal at yellow light and the red light camera flashed at me. Will my license be suspended or my insurance will go up?
Sid,
Your license will not be suspended for a red light camera ticket. It is not a moving violation.
Matthew Weiss
Hello sir… I have a ques… I am 18+ and got license 8 months ago (I was 18+ when I got my license as well) 2 months i got into an accident gettin careless driving ticket. I’m curious how would that affect my probation and for how long… Thank you…!
Alex,
Surprisingly, if you are convicted, you likely will not lose your license (as long as you have no other convictions).
Matthew Weiss
Will it make my parents insurance go up if I got a ticket?
Dominic,
A ticket can only raise your parent’s insurance rates if you are listed on their policy as a driver and the ticket is serious. A wrote a blog post entitled “How Traffic Tickets Affect Auto Insurance Rates” which explains how traffic tickets can affect insurance rates. I suggest you read it for a fuller answer to your question.
Matthew Weiss
Hello,
For a new driver who gets a speeding ticket, is there anyway to avoid having your license suspended? Will obtaining a lawyer help?
Tim,
Given your situation, you should consult with (if not hire) an experienced NY traffic lawyer.
Matthew Weiss