PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – New York DMV offices will close Friday for security and system upgrades. It comes as the state implements higher penalties for speeding and other traffic violations.
Clinton County Clerk Brandi Lloyd said the statewide shutdown will last until Tuesday.
“They are going to be uploading more than 30 million documents for more than 30 million licensed drivers across the state, so that’s why the system is down,” Lloyd said.
She encourages people to complete DMV-related tasks before Friday or well after offices reopen. “If you have a drivers license, I would suggest that is going to expire at the end of February, try to come in sometime before the 13th, just so you are not nervous about that or get stuck in a longer line,” Lloyd said.
New points system takes effect Monday
The state is also enforcing a new points system for drivers starting Monday.
Drivers will now get four points on their license for speeding between one and 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. Passing a stopped school bus will result in eight points.
It also takes longer to reset points – 24 months instead of 18.
Clinton County Sheriff Dave Favro approves of the points change after seeing an increase in bus stop violations and people driving under the influence in Clinton County.
“If you are on the Northway, for example, you know the speed limit is 65 miles per hour. If you choose to go faster than that, then you are automatically going to be accepting the consequences of that,” Favro said. “I think it is necessary and needs to be looked at and evaluated regularly, and it is great that they actually did an assessment to look at the real problem areas, and that is where they are starting to address.”
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