Beginning Monday, February 16, some of the more serious traffic violations will have increased point values, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

The changes are intended to protect motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians from dangerous drivers.

Key changes include the following:

Previously, alcohol-related offenses and aggravated, unlicensed operation didn’t include point deductions. Now, each will lead to an 11-point violation.

New regulations adjust the time frame in which the DMV can take administrative action against a persistent violator, going from an 18-month look-back to a 24-month look-back period.

Many existing point assignments, such as the five points for any violation involving a mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving, or zero points for equipment violations, will remain the same.

“These updated regulations will have no impact on drivers who follow the rules of the road, but they will have a big impact on dangerous drivers and repeat offenders whose poor choices always put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk,” said NYS DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Our job is to make sure that New York’s roads are safe for everyone, and if someone chooses to be reckless and unsafe, they do not deserve to be behind the wheel, period.”