What is the Driver's License Point System
Written by Team Clearcover
Staying safe on the road should be the main goal for every licensed motorist. Unfortunately, many drivers stray from their good intentions and break traffic laws. Most states have implemented a measurement system for determining how safely each person drives, called the "point system."
By assigning points to traffic violations, states can gauge driver safety consistently and uniformly. Someone who drives recklessly accumulates points for driving infractions with the point system, and in many states, once you reach a certain number of points, you lose your license. Following local traffic laws keeps you and other motorists safe and helps you avoid these consequences.
In this article, we'll look at information from several states’ Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to explore the point system in detail and discuss the importance of keeping a clean driving record.
States That Don’t Currently Have a Driver’s License Point System
Each state decides independently whether or not to employ a point system for driving infractions. However, the states that don't have a point system typically have other systems in place for weighing driving demerits.
Hawaii: Hawaii used to have the point system but no longer does. However, the state still keeps track of moving violations, and too many infractions can result in license revocation.
Kansas: Although the state doesn't employ a point system, Kansas does have a straightforward system for punishing infractions: three or more moving violations in a twelve-month period may result in license suspension or revocation.
Louisiana: Louisiana participates in the Problem Driver Pointer System, a national registry that keeps track of your driving violations. The state uses the information stored in this database to determine whether or not a driver should lose their license.
Minnesota: While there's no point system in Minnesota, the state tracks moving violations and gives harsher penalties for each additional one. It's worth noting that you can lose your license (suspension or revocation) for certain offenses, such as repeated traffic violations or reckless driving.
Mississippi: The state of Mississippi keeps track of a driver's offenses, and each subsequent infraction has harsher penalties.
Oregon: Oregon doesn't track points. However, the state will suspend your license for 30 days if you have four violations in two years. Drivers with further infractions may be required to participate in Oregon's Driver Improvement Program to get their license back.
Rhode Island: Instead of a point system, Rhode Island charges higher fines and fees for traffic violations.
Wyoming: Drivers convicted of two violations in one year must attend a class, while four convictions in a year result in a 90-day license suspension.
How Does the Point System Work for Traffic Violations?
While the demerit point system varies by state, the general idea is the same: for every instance of unlawful driving, such as running a red light, speeding, failing to yield, running a stop sign, etc., there is a corresponding point value. The points typically reflect the severity of the violation, with more serious violations receiving a higher point value. Points add up, and too many points result in the state revoking or suspending your license.
Driving Violations With the Most Points
Serious moving violations give drivers more demerit points than minor ones. However, in some states, minor offenses add up over time and still result in license suspension or revocation. For example, these are the most costly moving violations in New York State (Note: point values vary by state):
Speeding 40 mph over the posted speed limit: 11 points
Speeding from 31 to 40 mph over the posted speed limit: 8 points
Speeding from 21 to 30 mph over the posted speed limit: 6 points
The following violations are assigned 5 points in New York State:
Failing to stop for a school bus
Reckless driving
Improper cell phone use
Railroad crossing violation
Texting while driving
Other minor violations that still give demerit points in New York include failing to yield, running a red light, improper passing, violating child restraint rules, and failing to signal.
Keep in mind if you accrue points in states where you aren't licensed (for example, you live in Texas but get caught speeding in Nevada), the incident will most likely be reported to your home state, and you'll end up receiving demerit points on your driver's license. In most states, out-of-state violations generally have the same point value as they do in-state.
Accruing Too Many Points on Your License
Drivers who are convicted of enough violations and accrue points in a short period of time (again, the time frame depends on your state) may incur penalties like:
Mandated defensive driving courses: Some states require drivers with too many points to attend driving school. In some cases, these courses can also be used to wipe points off a driver's record. However, most states have regulations about how often a person can use defensive driving courses to decrease their points and how long they must wait between courses to get additional points removed.
Surcharge penalties: Some states impose extra fees on drivers who have accumulated points on their driving records. The more points you get, the higher the surcharge.
License suspension: When a driver reaches a certain number of points, typically within one year, their license will be suspended. During this period, a driver cannot operate a motor vehicle and may be required to pay a reinstatement fee to get their license back.
Violations That Don’t Typically Result in Points
While you may get a ticket or citation (and even a fine) for some of the following violations, they typically don't count against you in the point system:
Tinted windows
No seatbelt for drivers and passengers over 16 years old
Bicycle, pedestrian, or parking violations
Faulty equipment
Improper use of carpool lanes
Unregistered, unlicensed, or uninspected vehicle
Tickets from traffic control devices
How Do Driver’s License Points Affect Insurance Rates?
By violating traffic laws, drivers accumulate points on their driving records, and their insurance rates may increase.
Most insurance companies use their own traffic violation points model to set their insurance rates, whether the state they're operating in has one or not. Their goal is to weigh the risk of insuring each driver. The more points a driver accrues, the riskier they are to insure. Higher risk typically means higher premiums for the policyholder.
Important note: Points on your license don’t necessarily correlate with your auto insurance company’s point system. Both sets of points (the DMV’s and your insurance company’s) might expire at different times.
The good news for drivers is that DMV points don't stay on your license forever. For example, in New York, points from careless driving are erased after 18 months. If you receive three points in March, they automatically fall off in September of the following year. However, points stay on a person's driving record for 24 months in Georgia. Regulations vary from state to state, so be sure to stay current on your state's point system rules.
Drive Safe and Get Coverage With Clearcover
Understanding how the driver's license point system works and how it affects a driver's ability to keep their license is important for every driver to understand and respect.
Stay attentive, avoid talking and texting, abide by the speed limit, and know your state's traffic laws. These practices can help you be a safer driver and prevent you from winding up with points on your license.
Are you looking for smart, affordable car insurance you can depend on? Clearcover has your back (and front, and sides, and bumpers). Get started with a quote today to find a policy that makes you feel confident.
