NY Driver Responsibility Assessment Program

The NY Driver Responsibility Assessment Program is a fee paid over a 3-year period following a conviction of certain traffic offenses in NY, or if you accumulate more than 6 points in an 18-month period. This fee comes in addition to any fines, penalties, or surcharges you must pay for a traffic conviction. It serves as a deterrent to repeated offenses and as a proponent of safer driving in NY.

Criteria for the NY Driver Responsibility Assessment Program

As of Nov 2004, a driver must pay the NY Driver Responsibility Assessment Program if they meet the following criteria:
Conviction of an alcohol or drugged driving-related offense, while driving a car, boat, or snowmobile
Refusal to take a chemical test (breathalyzer) for blood alcohol content
Received 6+ points on your New York state license within an 18-month period for violations occurring in New York State, Quebec, or Ontario
You are required to pay the NY Driver Responsibility Assessment Program if you meet any of these criteria regardless if your license is from the state of NY, any other jurisdiction, or if you do not have a license.

Fines for the NY Driver Responsibility Assessment Program

The amount of fines incurred can fluctuate based on your offense(s) and the number of points accrued.
For alcohol and drug-related offenses and refusal of a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content), the annual assessment is $250. That is the minimum due each year for a 3-year period, totalling $750.
For 6 points received in an 18-month period, the annual assessment is $100 each year for 3 years, for a total of $300. For each additional point received in that 18-month period, the assessment will increase by $25.

You cannot reduce the amount or avoid the NY Driver Responsibility Assessment even if you complete a DMV-approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP).

If you have meet the criteria for the New York Driver Responsibility Assessment Program, or have received a NY traffic violation of any kind, Michael Block can help. Please contact our offices for a free consultation.
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