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Virginia Traffic Ticket Points

When Virginia drivers receive their license, they start with zero points on their driving record. Each year, they get +1 point on their driving record until they have a maximum of +5 points. Whenever a driver is convicted of a traffic offense or a traffic crime, they may receive demerit points. Each traffic ticket or traffic crime in Virginia carries 0, -3, -4 or -6 demerit points.

6 Demerit Point Traffic Tickets

  • Speeding more than 20 mph over the limit
  • Reckless driving
  • DUI
  • Driving on a Suspended License

4 Demerit Point Traffic Tickets

  • Speeding 10-19 mph over the limit
  • Failure to Yield
  • Unsafe Passing
  • Following too Closely
  • Failure to Obey a Traffic Signal

3 Demerit Point Traffic Tickets

  • Improper Driving
  • Speeding 1-9 mph over the limit
  • Driving Without Lights
  • Driving While Using Earphones
  • Failure to Obey a Highway Sign

0 Demerit Point Traffic Tickets

  • No registration
  • Excessive Tinting
  • Improper Equipment
  • Violation of some local traffic codes or ordinances

Will the DMV Suspend My License for Too Many Traffic Ticket Points?

You may be in danger of losing your license for too many traffic ticket points IF you:

  • Are under 18
  • Are on DMV probation
  • Were on DMV probation within the last 18 months
  • Have had more than one traffic ticket in the last two years
  • Have multiple pending traffic tickets

(If you are licensed in another state, consult your state’s DMV to determine whether your Virginia ticket may affect your license).

Va Traffic Court Judges Cannot Control Traffic Ticket Points

The court cannot control DMV suspensions or DMV points. There is nothing a Virginia Traffic Court judge can do to alter the points assessed once you are convicted.

How Many Traffic Tickets Points Can a Minor Get in Virginia?

For minors (under 18 years-old), any demerit-point conviction means the driver must attend a driver improvement class. Failure to do so within 90 days results in a license suspension until the program is completed. A second point conviction results in a 90-day license suspension. A third conviction will result in a suspension for one year or until the offender reaches age 18, whichever is longer.

How Many Traffic Tickets Points Can an Adult Get in Virginia?

  • Advisory Letter

    8 traffic ticket points in 12 months or 12 points in 24 months results in an advisory letter from the DMV.

  • DMV Probation

    12 traffic ticket points within 12 months or 18 points in 24 months results in a mandatory driver-improvement class. The class must be completed within 90 days, or the license will be suspended. After completion of the class the driver will be on probation for six months and a control period of 18 months will follow probation.

  • Automatic DMV Suspension

    18 traffic ticket points in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months results in a mandatory 90-day license suspension. Once that period has expired, the driver must complete a driver improvement class before his license can be restored. After restoration, the driver will be on probation for six months followed by control period for 18 months.

Consequences of Traffic Ticket Points in Virginia (Adult Drivers)
Within 12 months Within 24 months
8 points Letter from DMV Nothing
12 points Mandatory driver-improvement class Letter from DMV
18 points Mandatory 90-day license suspension + driver-improvement class + probation for six months Mandatory driver-improvement class
24 points Mandatory 90-day license suspension + driver-improvement class + probation for six months Mandatory 90-day license suspension + driver-improvement class + probation for six months

I Got Traffic Ticket Points While on DMV Probation

If the driver is convicted of a traffic offense while on DMV probation, his license will be suspended. The suspension will last 45 days for a three-point violation, 60 days for a four-point violation, and 90 days for a six-point violation. Following the suspension, the driver will be placed on probation for six months followed by 18 months of control period.

I Got a Traffic Ticket Points While on Control Period

If a driver gets a traffic ticket during the control period, he will be placed back on probation for six months followed by another 18-month control period.

Get a Copy of Your DMV Record and Talk to a Traffic Attorney

Anyone charged with any traffic violation should find out how many traffic ticket points the violation is, get a copy of their DMV record and make sure that they will not be suspended or put on probation for excess points.