Starting Feb. 16, new point values for driving violations will be in effect in New York state.

The highest total you can get for a single violation is 11 points. This includes driving with a suspended license or driving 40 miles over the speed limit.

Any incidents relating to alcohol or drugs will also get you 11 points, when before, you wouldn't get any.

Ricardo Cabrera, from Bronx Driving School, says these changes will benefit everyone.

"The new rules are going to be able to make us stay safe in the streets because there are a lot of drivers that are not following the rules and that puts everyone at risk," says Cabrera.

Passing a school bus and an over-height vehicle violation could get you up to eight points and leaving the scene of a crash and car racing will result in up to five points.

Cabrera says there are ways to offset these violations.

"The defensive driving course will help you with four points and it will also give you 10% off on your insurance if you take the course for three years," he says.

These points will now stay on your record for 24 months instead of 18, so racking up multiple violations can result in losing your license.