Violating Virginia driving and traffic laws can result in fines, the suspension of your driving privileges, and even imprisonment. The Virginia Department 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 a violation of left turn at red carries a 3 point penalty and failure to yield right-of-way or reckless driving carries a penalty of 4 points. The number of points assessed for different speeding violations are as follows:

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 1-9 mph:3 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 10-19 mph:4 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 20 mph or more: 6 points

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:

1. You will have your license suspended for 90 days, if you accumulate 18 points or more in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months on your current driving record. A warning notice will be mailed to you if you accumulate 8 points in 12 months or 12 points in 24 months. You may be imprisoned for driving with a suspended license.
2. 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 Virginia DMV maintains a record of all the points added to your driving license. However, there are a number of ways in which you can remove points from your current driving record.

1. If you remain violation or suspension-free for one year, you are allotted safe driving points. You may also earn safe driving points by completing a driver improvement clinic. You can accumulate a total of five safe driving points which can be used to offset demerit points.
2. Taking a Defensive Driving Course enables you to deduct two points from your current driving record, and may also qualify you for a reduction in your car insurance rates.
3. DMV demerit points remain on your record for two years from the date that you commit the offense. The dates that demerit points are removed from your driving record are not related to the dates that convictions are removed from your record.

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.