Penalties and Fines for At-Fault Motorcycle Riders in New York

As of February 2026, at-fault motorcycle accident fines in New York increased significantly. Though they depend on accident severity, and, with driving while under the influence (DWIs), the level of impairment, penalties range from license revocation for specific periods to jail time.

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Friedman Levy can help guide you through this complicated situation. We gather evidence, such as surveillance videos, and conduct a thorough investigation to minimize your motorcycle accident penalty in New York.     

What Happens After You Are Found At-Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?

New York operates under a pure comparative negligence standard when it comes to liability. Technically, someone could be 99 percent at fault for an accident and still file a personal injury lawsuit against a defendant for that one percent.

While that is an extreme example, the lower your percentage of fault, the less you must pay in damages if the plaintiff files a lawsuit against you.

Traffic Citations and License Point Penalties

Drivers or motorcyclists face license suspension if they accrue more than 10 or more points in a 24-month period. Current New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) points for traffic violations include:

• Any alcohol or drug related conviction or incident:   11 points
• Failure to exercise due care: 5 points
• Leaving the scene of a personal injury crash: 5 points
• Overtaking or passing a stopped school bus: 8 points
• Speeding in construction zone: 8 points
• Speed contests and races: 5 points

If a motorcyclist is not wearing a New York Department of Transportation-approved helmet, they are subject to a fine of up to $100 and 30 days in jail.

Common Traffic Violations That Lead to At-Fault Determinations

The most frequent traffic violations leading to motorcyclists being determined at fault include:

• Equipment violations, such as inadequate lighting
• Failure to wear a helmet
• Lane splitting
• Speeding
• Weaving

Civil Liability: What At-Fault Riders Owe the Other Party

Although New York is a no-fault state for automobile insurance, no-fault does not pertain to motorcyclists. The Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance for your car does not apply to injuries sustained on your motorcycle. If you have health insurance, your policy must pay for your injuries.

From a liability standpoint, if you are at fault in a motorcycle accident, the serious injury threshold to which no-fault car injury victims are subject does not apply. The accident victim can file a personal injury lawsuit against you even if their injuries were relatively minor.

In New York, the minimum amount of liability insurance a motorcyclist must carry is:

• $25,000 per person bodily injury
• $50,000 for total bodily injury when more than one person is hurt
• $50, 000 per death per person
• $100,000 for multiple fatalities
• $10,000 in property damage

Because they are not covered by PIP, it is recommended that motorcyclists carry more than the minimum amount of liability insurance. This is especially true if the individual has assets such a house, bank or brokerage account. If your insurance is not sufficient to pay the plaintiff’s settlement amount, their lawyer may pursue those assets for their client.  

How Being At-Fault Impacts Your Motorcycle Insurance

Being at fault in a New York motorcycle accident can negatively impact your motorcycle insurance substantially. Insurers already consider motorcyclists high risk, which is why auto insurance companies will only cover motorcycles under a separate policy.

Rate Increases and Policy Cancellations

If you are at fault in a motorcycle accident, expect significant insurance rate increases at best and policy cancellation at worst. It is possible that your insurance rate could increase by 50 percent or more.

Your higher rate may be in place for three to five years, if you do not have any further at fault accidents. Surcharges will also apply.

When At-Fault Accidents Lead to Criminal Charges in New York

What fines do at-fault motorcycle riders face?

In some situations, such as DWI or reckless driving, an at-fault motorcyclist may also face criminal charges. DWI charges depend on Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels:

• DWI: BAC of 0.8 or higher. There is a mandatory fine ranging between $500 and $1,000, a maximum jail term of one year, and a mandatory six-month license revocation.
• Aggravated DWI:.18 BAC or higher. The mandatory fine ranges from $1,000 to $2,500, with a maximum jail term of one year and a license revocation for at least one year.

Subsequent convictions for DWIs raise the fine, jail term, and revocation period.

Negligence when operating your motorcycle can lead to a charge of reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor. Penalties include 30 days in jail for a first offense, a fine of up to $300, license revocation, and 8 points on your license. 

Can You Reduce or Fight the Penalties You Are Facing?

It is possible to reduce penalties for at fault motorcycle riders, but it is difficult to do so on your own. For that, you need qualified legal representation. You need someone familiar with every aspect of at fault motorcycle accidents fines in New York along with motorcycle accidents penalties. 

Why Hiring an Attorney Makes a Difference

If you were at fault in a New York motorcycle accident, you are likely worried about the financial consequences. You need the services of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Friedman Levy. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.