The Delaware Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean
When you get your Delaware driver's license, you also receive a clean driving record. Keeping it that way is one of your most important responsibilities. To encourage safe driving and identify drivers who may pose a risk, the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a demerit point system.
Understanding this system from the moment you get your license is crucial. Every time you are convicted of a moving violation, points are added to your record. If you accumulate too many points, you will face serious consequences, including mandatory driver improvement courses and the suspension of your license.
How the Delaware Point System Works
The concept is straightforward: the state assigns a point value to different moving violations. The more serious the offense, the more points you receive. When you pay a ticket or are found guilty in court, the DMV adds those points to your driving record.
The DMV calculates your point total based on a 24-month (2-year) period. Points for a violation are considered "valid" for this two-year window for calculation purposes.
Point Values for Common Delaware Traffic Violations
It's essential to know which actions carry the most weight. Here are the point values for some of the most common violations in Delaware:
2 Point Violations:
- Speeding (1-9 mph over the limit)
- Failure to signal
- Most other minor moving violations
4 Point Violations:
- Speeding (10-14 mph over the limit)
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Failure to stop at a stop sign
5 Point Violations:
- Speeding (15-19 mph over the limit)
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Ignoring a red light
6 Point Violations:
- Aggressive Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Leaving the scene of an accident (Hit and Run)
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): A conviction for DUI results in an immediate and lengthy license suspension or revocation that operates outside the standard point system.
The Consequences of Accumulating Points
The DMV takes progressive action as you accumulate points.
At 8 Points: The DMV will mail you an Advisory Letter. This is your first official warning that you are accumulating points and are at risk of further action if your driving habits do not improve.
At 12 Points: You will be required to take a mandatory Behavior Modification/Attitudinal-Driving Course. You must complete this course within 90 days of notification, or your license will be suspended.
At 14 Points: This is a critical threshold. Once you accumulate 14 points, your driver's license will be suspended for 4 months. You will receive a notice of suspension from the DMV.
At 16 Points: Your license will be suspended for 6 months.
At 18 Points: Your license will be suspended for 8 months.
At 20 Points: Your license will be suspended for 10 months.
At 22 Points: Your license will be suspended for 12 months.
Reinstating your license after a suspension involves paying significant fees and fulfilling all DMV requirements.
A Powerful Tool: The Defensive Driving Course Point Credit
Delaware offers a proactive way for drivers to manage their point total. You can voluntarily complete a state-approved Defensive Driving Course.
- The Benefit: Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a 3-point credit on your driving record.
- How it Works: This credit is applied to your record and can help offset points from future violations or keep you from reaching a suspension threshold.
- Limitations: You can only receive this 3-point credit once every 3 years. The credit cannot be used to reduce the points for a specific violation retroactively, but it lowers your overall calculated total.
Taking a defensive driving course is a smart investment, especially if you have received a ticket. It can help keep your insurance rates down and, most importantly, protect your driving privilege.
Your driving record is a direct reflection of your choices behind the wheel. By understanding the Delaware point system, you can make informed decisions that will keep your record clean and keep you safe on the road.
