The Georgia Driver's License Point System: How to Keep Your License Safe

When you get your Georgia 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 high-risk drivers, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) 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 mandatory license suspension.

How the Georgia 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 DDS adds those points to your driving record.

The DDS will suspend the license of any driver who accumulates 15 or more points in any 24-month period.

Point Values for Common Georgia 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 Georgia:

• 2 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (15-18 mph over the limit)
  • Open Container of Alcohol
  • Possessing an Open Container of Alcohol While Driving

• 3 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (19-23 mph over the limit)
  • Failure to obey a traffic signal or stop sign
  • Improper passing
  • Failure to secure a load

• 4 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (24-33 mph over the limit)
  • Improper passing on a hill or curve
  • Passing a stopped school bus

• 6 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (34 mph or more over the limit)
  • Aggressive Driving
  • Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer

• Major Offenses: Some violations, like Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Hit and Run, do not just add points; they result in a mandatory license suspension on the first conviction.

Stricter Rules for Teen Drivers (Under 18)

The consequences for new, young drivers are much harsher. Under Georgia's TADRA laws, the license of any person under the age of 18 will be suspended for a conviction of any single violation that is worth 4 or more points.

This means a 17-year-old caught speeding 24 mph over the limit (a 4-point offense) will have their license suspended automatically, even if it's their very first ticket.

The Consequences of Accumulating Points

The process for adults who hit the 15-point threshold is clear:

1. Notice of Suspension: The DDS will mail you an official notice that your license is being suspended.
2. Suspension: Your driving privilege is suspended.
3. Reinstatement: To get your license back after the suspension period, you must complete a state-approved Defensive Driving course, pay significant reinstatement fees, and may have to retake all licensing exams.

A Proactive Option: Point Reduction

Georgia law allows drivers to reduce the number of points on their record once every five years.

• How it Works: You can request that the DDS reduce the number of points on your record by up to 7 points by completing a certified 6-hour Defensive Driving/Driver Improvement course.
• The Process: After completing the course, you must submit the original certificate of completion to the DDS. This does not remove the conviction from your record, but it lowers your calculated point total, which can help you avoid a suspension.

This point reduction option is a valuable tool for drivers who have made a mistake and want to protect their driving privilege.

How to Keep Your Record Clean

1. Drive Safely: The most effective method is to avoid getting tickets in the first place by obeying all traffic laws.
2. Know the Teen Rules: If you are under 18, be especially aware of the 4-point suspension rule. A single bad decision can cost you your license.
3. Consider Point Reduction: If you have accumulated some points, consider taking a defensive driving course to lower your total before you reach the 15-point limit.

Your driving record is a direct reflection of your choices behind the wheel. By understanding the Georgia point system, you can make informed decisions that will keep your record clean and keep you safe on the road.