Virginia DMV Points
March 20, 2016 by Jean Humbrecht
DMV Demerit Points Result From Many Virginia Traffic Violations
In Virginia, the DMV adds demerit points to a person’s driving record after he is convicted of a traffic violation (in court or even by pre-paying a ticket). Most traffic infractions will result in automatic Virginia DMV points if the offender is convicted. The number of points depend on the severity of the charge. Virginia DMV points will remain on an offender’s driving record for 2 years from the date of the offense, but the record of the conviction will remain on the driver’s record longer. The Virginia DMV will even assess points for traffic convictions from other states.
For a list of offenses resulting in 3 DMV demerit points in Virginia, click here.
For a list of offenses resulting in 4 DMV demerit points in Virginia, click here.
For a list of offenses resulting in 6 DMV demerit points in Virginia, click here.
Virginia DMV Points and Penalties
Drivers over 18 who receive 8 or more points in a 12 month period will receive a warning letter from the DMV. If a driver is convicted of any offense resulting in Virginia DMV points while under an 18 month control period, he will be placed on DMV probation for 6 months. If a driver is convicted of a traffic offense resulting in Virginia DMV points while he is on probation, his license will be suspended by the DMV. A 3 point offense will result in a 45 day suspension, a 4 point offense will result in a 60 day suspension, and a 6 point offense will result in a 90 day suspension. After the suspension period, the driver will be on probation with the DMV for another 6 months.
For more information on DMV control periods in Virginia, click here.
For more information on DMV probation in Virginia, click here.
Virginia DMV Points and Driver’s License Suspension
The DMV can suspend a driver’s license for accumulating too many points in a short period of time. If a driver accumulates 18 points in 12 months, or 24 points in 24 months, the DMV will suspend his privilege to drive for 90 days. If a driver’s license is suspended for accumulating too many Virginia DMV points, the driver will be required to complete a driver improvement class before getting his driving privileges reinstated. After reinstatement, the driver will be on DMV probation for 6 months.
A driver convicted of committing ANY 2 traffic offenses resulting in Virginia DMV points (or a safety belt violation or child restraint violation) while under age 18 will automatically have his license suspended by the DMV for 90 days. A conviction for a third traffic offense resulting in Virginia DMV points committed while the driver was under 18 will result in driver’s license revocation for one year or until the driver is 18.
For more information on DMV driver’s license suspension of adults in Virginia, click here.
For more information on DMV points and driver’s license suspension of minors in Virginia, click here.
Safe Points
Drivers in Virginia can also earn safe driving points. For every calendar year of driving without any traffic violations or license suspensions, the DMV will add 1 safe point to the person’s driving record. Driver’s can earn up to 5 safe points. Drivers can also earn safe points by taking a driver improvement class.
Driver Improvement Class
Drivers in Virginia can take a driver improvement class on their own or pursuant to a court or DMV order. Completing a DMV-approved driver improvement class will add 5 positive points back to the person’s Virginia driving record. Most courses are available online, but the person must take the final test in person. Drivers under 20, however, cannot take an online class and must take a class with live classroom instruction. The course must be approved by the DMV in order to count. For links to DMV-approved driver improvement courses in Virginia, click here.
The DMV will sometimes require a driver to complete a driver improvement class. For example, if the driver has accumulated 12 DMV demerit points in 12 months (or 18 points in 24 months), he will be required to take a driver improvement course within 90 days. Additionally, drivers convicted of committing any traffic offense when they were under age 18 that resulted in Virginia DMV points (or any safety belt or child restraint violation) are required to take a driver improvement class. Failure to complete the class in 90 days will result in driver’s license suspension until the class is competed.
Driver’s 18 or 19 must also complete a driver improvement course if convicted of a traffic offense resulting in Virginia DMV points or a child restraint or safety belt violation.
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