When you get points on your driver’s license, they accumulate over time. Generally, it can take two years for points to fall off and not be counted in your accumulated total and used against you if you are subjected to penalties. Once every five years, you can also request a reduction of up to seven of the total number of points on your Georgia driver’s license.
Depending on the violation, each one can add between two and six points to your record. A lawyer can clarify how long it takes for points to come off your driving record in Georgia based on your specific circumstances and how and why the points were added to your record.
How Can I Get Points Taken Off My License?
The fewer points you have on your driving record, the better. According to Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) guidelines, you can request the removal of up to seven points. The approval of your request is not automatic.
To qualify for removal, you must meet the following criteria:
- Attend and complete an acceptable defensive driving class
- Submit your Certificate of Completion along with your request
This request can only be submitted by each driver once in a five-year period. The best way to ensure your driving record is clear and stays clear is to drive responsibly and obey all traffic laws.
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What Kinds of Violations Result in Points?
Points are assigned when you are convicted, not accused, of a traffic or moving violation with more serious violations resulting in higher points. Examples of driving violations and their assigned points include:
- Violation of wireless telecommunication device requirements (1)
- Operating a vehicle while text messaging (1)
- Open container of an alcoholic beverage while driving (2)
- Failure to adequately secure load resulting in an accident (2)
- Failure to obey traffic-control device (3)
- Failure to obey police officer (3)
- Reckless driving (4)
- Improper passing on hill or curve (4)
- Aggressive driving (6)
- Speeding (2 to 6)
This list is in no way exhaustive, and there are some violations that will not result in any points at all. Many other violations can cause you to receive points on your driving record.
Is It Possible to Avoid Points After a Traffic Violation Conviction?
If you are arrested for a moving violation and want to avoid adding the corresponding points to your license, you can complete a 6-hour driver improvement course. At that point, the court will reduce your fine by 20% and not add points to your license.
Driving carefully and safely is still important because the state works hard to remove unsafe drivers from the road. In addition, you can only use this avoidance strategy once every five years.
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Can My License Get Dinged for Out-of-State Violations?
It will. The state of Georgia encourages its drivers to obey the rules of the road in, around, and outside of the state. The state is equally committed to protecting its cities and citizens from unsafe drivers.
To that end, the state will add points to your license for driving violations you receive in other states. As a member of the Nonresident Violator Compact (NVC), Georgia receives notification of violations made in other states.
Just as your license allows you to drive lawfully in all other U.S. states, it also requires you to obey the driving laws of that state. A lawyer can help you understand how out-of-state violations affect your in-state driving record.
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Can My Driver’s License Be Suspended for Having Too Many Points?
Yes, it can. A suspended license can make your daily life and your family’s daily life difficult. It can also force you to make alternative transportation arrangements (rideshares, city buses, etc.) which can be costly.
Your license can and will be suspended if:
- You are 21 years old or older and accumulate more than 15 total points in any two-year period
- You are a minor (18 years old or younger) and accumulate more than four points on your license in a one-year period
- You are a minor who is convicted of any 4-point violation at any time
Under certain circumstances, you may qualify for a limited permit. You might also be able to pay a reinstatement fee to have your license restored.
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Loss of the ability to legally drive your car and safely and affordably transport yourself and your family is important. If you have one or more driving citations, you must understand how long it takes for points to come off your driving record in Georgia. You also need to understand how your license is affected by an accumulation of points.
Contact one of our case review team members at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers and learn more about protecting your driving privileges. Additionally, check out our client testimonials to see why previous clients enjoyed working with us.
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