Violating Delaware driving and traffic laws can result in fines, the suspension of your driving privileges, and even imprisonment. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a point system to track violations and their corresponding penalties. Points are added to your driving record if you receive a traffic ticket for moving violations.

MOVING VIOLATIONS AND POINTS

Different violations are assigned different point values, which are added to your driving record. For instance, moving violations like reckless driving, passing a stopped school bus, and aggressive driving, carry six points each. Disregarding stop sign or red light will get you three points and exceeding the maximum speed limit by 20 mph or more will get you five points. The number of points assessed for different speeding violations are as follows:

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 1-9 mph: 2 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 10-14 mph: 4 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 15-19 mph: 5 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 20 mph or more: 5 points with possible

suspension    

View the complete Point Schedule to learn about the number of points associated with each type of moving violation.

PENALTIES

You will be subject to specific penalties if you accumulate a certain number of points on your driving license. All actions will be based on total calculated points within a 24 month period after the offense.

1. If you reach a total of eight points, the DMV will send you an advisory letter.
2. At 12 points you will be asked to complete a behaviour modification/attitudinal-driving course within 90 days of notification. If you do not comply, your license will be suspended for two months.
3. The severity of the punishment increases along with an increase in the points tally. At 22 points you will have your license suspended for 12 months. You will only get a reinstatement if you complete a behaviour modification/attitudinal-driving course.
4. Accumulating points on your driving license is also likely to increase your auto insurance rates. See our auto insurance section for more information about obtaining quality car insurance at competitive rates.

HOW TO CLEAR YOUR DRIVING RECORD

The Delaware DMV maintains a record of all the points added to your driving license. However, only half the points you accumulated in a 12-months period carry over to the next 12-months period. You can therefore clear your record gradually, if you do not commit more violations. In addition, since punitive actions are based on the points calculated over a 24-months period, you can escape action as long as you do not keep committing traffic violations. Point credit:

1. A speeding violation of 1 to 14 mph over the limit will not be assessed points if it is your first violation in a three year period or if you pay the ticket through the Voluntary Assessment Center.
2. Taking a Defensive Driving Course enables you to deduct three points from your current driving record, and may also qualify you for a reduction in your car insurance rates.

HOW TO DISPUTE A MOVING VIOLATION CHARGE

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged with committing a moving violation, you may be able to fight the charge in court. See Traffic Tickets and Traffic Ticket Attorneys for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Points are not assessed for parking or other non-moving violations.
• See also Driver's Education and Suspended Licenses.