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.
You may be in danger of losing your license for too many traffic ticket points IF you:
(If you are licensed in another state, consult your state’s DMV to determine whether your Virginia ticket may affect your license).
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.
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.
8 traffic ticket points in 12 months or 12 points in 24 months results in an advisory letter from the DMV.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.