How many points until I lose my license?

Getting a ticket in Georgia can be an expensive and stressful situation, not to mention the potential disruption it could cause with your daily routine. If you’re unsure about just how many points on your license until you’d lose it, this blog post is for you! We’ll look at all facets of GA law regarding driving offenses and what they mean for different age groups: 18 and under, 21 and over, as well as those who are not quite underage, but not quite out-of-the-woods for points assessment yet either (between 18 and 20). By understanding the rules here before getting behind the wheel again, you won’t end up with more than 14 points (21 and over) or 4 traffic points (under 18) based on age group – leading to loss of eligibility to even drive! Join us in exploring exactly what kind of traffic offense will result in suspension so that we all can stay safely ahead of any points based license suspension.

Overview of Georgia points based license suspension thresholds

Getting behind the wheel of a car can be a liberating experience, but it also comes with immense responsibility. The state of Georgia takes traffic laws seriously, especially when it comes to any and all moving violations. The typical points assessed for a moving violation in Georgia – a traffic offense where the car was in motion – is 3 points. However, points assessed can range from as little as 1 point all the way up to 6 points for more serious offenses. If you accumulate a certain number of points on your driving record within a certain timeframe, your license can be suspended. For drivers 21 and up, if you get 15 or more points within a 24-month period, your license is automatically suspended. For drivers under 18, it’s a mere 4 points in a 12-month period that will suspend your license. And for drivers not yet 21, if you get a single offense that assesses 4 or more points, your license will be suspended. It’s crucial to have a good understanding of the thresholds that determine the suspension of your license, as they can have a significant impact on your driving privileges and everyday life. Let’s take a closer look at the overview of GA license points based suspension thresholds.

Points system in Georgia – what offenses carry which points

Most Georgia drivers are aware that certain traffic offenses can result in points being added to their driving record. However, it can be difficult to know exactly which offenses carry which points. In the state of Georgia, points are assessed based on the severity of the offense. For example, a reckless driving charge can add 4 points to your record, while a speeding ticket can add anywhere from 0 points (14mph or under the speed limit) to 2 points (between 15mph and 18mph over) and all the way up to 6 points (34mph or more over the speed limit). Understanding the point system is crucial, as accumulating too many points can lead to suspension of your driver’s license – depending on your age and how many points you have in the past year or two. It’s important for Georgia drivers to stay informed about the point values associated with different offenses and to prioritize safe and responsible driving.

Accumulation of points and how long they stay on your record

The accumulation of points on your driving record can be a daunting topic for many. Points can be added to your license for a number of reasons such as moving violations or violation of the hands-free law in Georgia. These points will stay on your record for a certain amount of time depending on your age – for drivers 18 and older, they stay on your record for 24 months; for drivers under 18, they stay on your record for 12 months. However, it’s important to note that the charges will stay on your driving history for life – even if the points age off after a year or two depending on your age. As we’ve seen previously, accumulating too many points can result in license suspension – 15 or more points in 24 months if you’re 21 and up, or 4 points in 12 months if you’re under 18; and of course, if you’re under 21 and get convicted of an offense that carries 4 or more points by itself, you’ll face automatic suspension as well. Keeping track of your points and understanding when they will be removed from your record can help you maintain a clean driving record and avoid any potential consequences.

Impact of GA license points based suspension – reinstatement requirements and costs

Getting your license suspended is a frustrating experience that comes with a host of inconveniences and expenses. In Georgia, we’ve seen how license suspension is based on a points system that penalizes drivers for certain traffic violations, with the amount of points assessed depending upon the seriousness of the offense in the eyes of the law. While the system is designed to encourage safe driving, the impact on those who lose their license can be significant. In order to reinstate your license in Georgia, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and pay associated fees. Let’s look at these suspension terms and how to reinstate:

First Suspension for Points in 5 years

Suspension will last 1 year, with possibility for immediate reinstatement.

You are able to have a limited driving permit – valid for 1 year from when issued, and cost is $25.

To have your license reinstated (immediately), you must show proof of completion of a Department of Driver Services (DDS) approved Defensive Driving Course, and pay a reinstatement fee of $210 (or $200 if online or by mail).

Second Suspension for Points in 5 years

Suspension will last 3 years, with possibility for immediate reinstatement.

You are also able to have a limited driving permit – valid for 1 year from when issued, and cost is $25.

Third Suspension for Points in 5 years

Suspension will last 2 years, no possibility for early reinstatement.

You are not able to have a limited permit with this type of suspension.

To have your license reinstated after the 2 year suspension period is over, you must show proof of completion of a Department of Driver Services (DDS) approved Defensive Driving Course, and pay a reinstatement fee of $410 (or $400 if online or by mail).

The costs associated with a suspended license can quickly add up, making it all the more important to drive safely and avoid accumulating points in the first place.

Strategies for avoiding points based license suspension in Georgia – defensive driving courses, traffic school, etc.

Driving is an integral part of our lives, but it is also a responsibility. You could be the most cautious driver, but still find yourself in trouble with the law, especially in Georgia where license suspension is heavily enforced. Losing your license can be quite frustrating and even more so if it affects your job. Fortunately, there are strategies that you can implement to avoid points-based license suspension. One such strategy is taking defensive driving courses or traffic school. These courses equip you with the necessary skills to react to different driving scenarios, and can also help dismiss a traffic ticket. In Georgia, you are even allowed to submit proof of a DDS-approved Defensive Driving Course to reduce up to 7 points on your history, available every 5 years – just make sure you do this prior to reaching 15 points on your license. Another strategy is seeking professional legal guidance from an experienced traffic attorney. A good attorney can assist you in negotiating lesser penalties or even avoiding the suspension altogether. By employing any of these strategies, you can safeguard your driving privileges and prevent unnecessary headaches.

In Conclusion

It is important to be aware of the points system in Georgia and the regulations regarding license suspension. Understanding the thresholds at which a license may be suspended can help drivers keep their driving record clean and avoid suspension. Staying compliant with state traffic laws can go a long way in keeping points off of your record, but there are other strategies such as defensive driving courses and traffic schools that can help reduce or eliminate points from your record. If you are facing or worrying about license suspension, there are resources available to assist you with reinstatement requirements and costs. It is best to take proactive measures to protect yourself from suspension rather than wait for license suspension to occur.