A 7/6 suspension is a mandatory license suspension triggered by seven points on your driving record within a rolling 12-month period, or six points within a rolling 24-month period

The 7/6 rule is New York State's automatic suspension system. It does not require a hearing, a court order, or a conviction — the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) suspends your license by operation of law the moment you accumulate enough points. The suspension is not negotiable and cannot be waived by a judge or prosecutor. If you reach seven points in any 12-month window, or six points in any 24-month window, your license goes into suspension status when ready.

The suspension lasts a minimum of six months from the date the DMV issues the suspension notice. You cannot drive during this period, even with a restricted license or conditional permit. After the suspension period ends, you must pay a $100 reinstatement fee and pass a written test before the DMV will restore your license. If you accumulate points again after reinstatement, a second suspension follows the same rules — and subsequent suspensions can last longer.

This rule applies to all drivers licensed in New York, regardless of age or driving history. Out-of-state drivers who accumulate points through violations in New York are also subject to the 7/6 suspension if they hold a New York license or if New York reports the violations to their home state.

Key Takeaways

  • Seven points in 12 months or six points in 24 months triggers an automatic suspension with no hearing or appeal before the suspension takes effect.
  • The suspension lasts at least six months, during which you cannot legally drive, and you must pay $100 and pass a written test to restore your license.
  • Points come from traffic violations, accidents you cause, and certain criminal convictions, and they remain on your record for 18 months from the violation date.
  • You will receive a suspension notice in the mail from the DMV, but the suspension is already in effect — you should stop driving when ready upon receiving it.
  • A second or subsequent suspension can last longer than six months and may require an appearance before a DMV hearing officer.

How points accumulate and trigger the 7/6 rule

The DMV assigns points to your driving record based on the violation you receive. A speeding ticket 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit is three points. Speeding 11 to 20 miles per hour over the limit is four points. Reckless driving is five points. Failure to yield, improper turn, or following too closely is three points. At-fault accidents where you caused injury or property damage add three points. Leaving the scene of an accident adds eight points. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) adds eight points.

Points stay on your record for 18 months from the date of the violation, not from the date of conviction. This means a violation from January 2023 drops off your record in July 2024, even if you were not convicted until March 2024. The DMV counts points in two rolling windows: any seven points within a 12-month period, or any six points within a 24-month period. If you have six points and then receive a seventh point within 12 months of the first violation, the suspension triggers when ready. If you have five points and then receive a second violation worth two points, you hit six points in 24 months and the suspension triggers.

The DMV does not send a warning before the suspension takes effect. Once the points are recorded on your license, the suspension is automatic. You will receive a notice in the mail, but by the time you receive it, the suspension is already active on the DMV system. If you are stopped by police during this period, your license will show as suspended.

What happens when you receive a 7/6 suspension notice

The DMV mails a suspension notice to the address on file with your license. The notice states the effective date of the suspension, the reason (7/6 point accumulation), and the earliest date you become may be able to access for reinstatement. Read this notice carefully — it contains the exact date your suspension ends and the steps you must take to restore your license.

Do not drive after you receive this notice. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in New York. A first offense for driving with a suspended license can result in a fine of $200 to $500, up to 15 days in jail, or both. A second offense within 10 years increases the penalty to a fine of $500 to $750 and up to 30 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense can result in a fine of $750 to $1,500 and up to 180 days in jail. These penalties explore even if you were not aware your license was suspended.

If you need to drive during the suspension period for work or medical reasons, you can request a conditional license from the DMV. A conditional license allows you to drive only for specific purposes — typically to and from work, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You must submit a written request to the DMV explaining why you need to drive and provide documentation (such as a letter from your employer or doctor). The DMV will review your request, but approval is not may provide. A conditional license does not shorten the suspension period; it only allows limited driving during the suspension.

Reinstatement requirements after the suspension ends

After the minimum six-month suspension period expires, you cannot straightforward resume driving. You must take two steps: pay the $100 reinstatement fee and pass the written permit test (the same test new drivers take). You cannot use a road test you passed years ago — you must pass the written test again. The test covers New York traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the New York DMV Driver's Manual, available free on the DMV website or at any DMV office.

You can schedule your written test appointment online through the DMV website or by calling the DMV. Bring your suspension notice, a valid form of ID, and proof of payment of the reinstatement fee. The fee can be paid online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Once you pass the written test, the DMV will restore your license when ready. If you fail the test, you can retake it after a waiting period (typically a few days).

If you do not pay the reinstatement fee or do not pass the written test within a certain timeframe, your suspension remains active. There is no important date to complete reinstatement, but your license stays suspended until you do. Some employers and insurance companies may flag a prolonged suspension as a sign of risk.

How a second or subsequent suspension differs

If you accumulate points again after your license is restored and trigger a second 7/6 suspension, the rules change. A second suspension lasts a minimum of one year (12 months), not six months. A third or subsequent suspension lasts a minimum of one year and six months (18 months). Additionally, after a second suspension, you may be required to appear before a DMV hearing officer before your license can be restored. The hearing officer will review your driving record and may impose additional conditions, such as completion of a defensive driving course or a substance abuse program.

The DMV may also refer you to the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) if you have multiple suspensions or serious violations. The DRP requires you to pay an annual surcharge (in addition to the reinstatement fee) to keep your license active. These surcharges can range from $250 to $750 per year for three years, depending on your violations.

Common violations that lead to 7/6 suspension

Speeding violations are the most common path to a 7/6 suspension because they are frequent and accumulate quickly. A single ticket for speeding 15 miles per hour over the limit is four points. Two such tickets within 12 months is eight points — enough to trigger a suspension. Three speeding tickets within 24 months (even if they are all low-speed violations) can also trigger the rule.

At-fault accidents are another common cause. Each at-fault accident adds three points. If you cause two accidents within 12 months, you have six points. A third accident or a single speeding ticket pushes you to nine points and triggers a suspension. Drivers who cause accidents and receive traffic tickets in the same period often reach the threshold quickly.

Reckless driving convictions (five points each) and DUI/DWI convictions (eight points each) can trigger a suspension with just one or two violations. A single DWI conviction is eight points — one more point from any other violation within 12 months triggers the suspension. A reckless driving conviction plus a speeding ticket equals eight points and triggers the suspension.

How to avoid or reduce the risk of a 7/6 suspension

The most direct way to avoid a 7/6 suspension is to avoid traffic violations. Obey speed limits, do not drive under the influence, and avoid aggressive driving. If you receive a ticket, you have the right to contest it in traffic court. Many tickets can be reduced or dismissed if you have a clean driving record or if the officer does not appear in court. Reducing a ticket to a non-moving violation (such as an equipment violation) removes points from your record.

If you have already accumulated points and are at risk of a suspension, you can take a defensive driving course. Completing an approved defensive driving course removes up to four points from your record, but only once every 18 months. The course costs between $20 and $50 and can be taken online or in person. This strategy works best if you have four or five points and want to avoid reaching seven or six.

If you are close to the threshold and receive a ticket, consider hiring a traffic attorney. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge or move the violation to a different category that carries fewer points. This is not always possible, but it is worth exploring if a suspension would cause serious hardship (such as job loss).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 7/6 suspension dismissed or appealed?

No. The 7/6 suspension is automatic and mandatory under New York law. Once you reach the point threshold, the DMV suspends your license without a hearing or court order. You cannot appeal the suspension itself, but you can challenge the individual violations that led to the points. If a violation is overturned in court, the points are removed and the suspension may be lifted.

Does a 7/6 suspension affect my insurance rates?

Yes. A suspension appears on your driving record and is visible to insurance companies. Your rates will increase significantly, and some insurers may cancel your policy. After your license is restored, the suspension remains on your record for several years and continues to affect your rates.

What if I receive a ticket while my license is suspended?

Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense. You will face additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. The new violation also adds points to your record, which can trigger a longer suspension when your current suspension ends.

How long do points stay on my driving record?

Points remain on your record for 18 months from the date of the violation. After 18 months, the points drop off automatically. However, the violation itself may remain on your record longer for insurance purposes.

Can I get a conditional license to drive during a 7/6 suspension?

You can request a conditional license, but approval is not may provide. The DMV will consider your reason for needing to drive (work, medical, court-ordered program) and may grant limited driving privileges. A conditional license does not shorten the suspension period.