The driver’s license “points system” is a way for states to track unsafe driving behaviors. Points are basically negative marks on your driving record, which are added when you’re convicted of certain violations.
Many drivers don’t realize just how much of a long-term impact these points can have. Since this system is used in 41 states and the District of Columbia, there’s a good chance it may impact you. Here’s what you need to know.
What Can Cause You to Get Points on Your License?
If you receive a speeding ticket or citation for certain other violations and you’re convicted, you’ll receive points on your driver’s license. One of the primary reasons for the point system is to discourage drivers from engaging in dangerous behaviors. For example, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities.
In addition to speeding, some of the offenses that typically come with points include:
Reckless driving
Failure to yield or stop
Failure to leave information after an at-fault accident
Texting or using your cell phone while driving
Failure to use a child restraint
Driving while under the influence
While each state’s system is a bit different, most work in generally the same way. Typically, the less severe your offense is, the fewer points you’ll receive. For example, a speeding ticket for going a few miles over the speed limit will add fewer points than one for going 15 miles or more above the limit.
Points stay on your driving record for a specified amount of time. As they add up, they will quickly begin to have an impact. If you're not sure whether points are affecting you, it's easy to check the number of points on your license. This can help you better understand the effect they may have on your insurance rates.
How License Points Can Impact Your Insurance Rates
Having points on your driver’s license tells your insurance company that you're a driver who engages in reckless behavior. Most insurance companies believe that if you are a high-risk driver, you’re more likely to file a claim. As a result, they charge more in premiums to make up for the additional risk they’re taking on by insuring you.
You may believe that your traffic incident was a one-time thing, but the insurance company likely won’t see it that way. The good news is, you’re not powerless when it comes to dealing with driver’s license points and it is possible to get back in the good graces of your insurance company by following a few simple steps.
What Are the Next Steps?
The first thing you’ll want to do is make a conscious effort to drive safely from this point on. Maintaining a clean record going forward will help ensure you don't end up with more points on your license, further raising your insurance rates.
Next, you’ll want to find out whether you can have points removed from your driving record (or in some states, like California, have them masked). This is often accomplished by attending traffic school or taking online defensive driving courses, then submitting your completed course certificate to the local DMV. While you'll likely still have to pay the ticket, having the points removed from your license will help ensure your insurance rates don't go up.
Some points can't be removed from your license, even with traffic school attendance. But they won't remain on your license forever. The points added to your driving record are erased after a set period of time, usually dependent on how serious your infraction was.
Say Goodbye to Points for Good
Having points put on your license can be nerve-racking, but it's not the end of the world. By committing to safe driving practices and attending driver safety training, you can work to regain a clean driving record with no points on your license. Even if you don’t have any points on your license, taking a defensive driving course can help you take advantage of money-saving insurance discounts. Get started with one of our defensive driving courses and certificates today!
