The Pennsylvania Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean

As a driver in Pennsylvania, understanding the driver's license point system is essential. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), this system tracks traffic violations to identify drivers who may pose a safety risk. Earning a license is a privilege, and keeping your driving record free of points is the key to maintaining that privilege and avoiding costly consequences.

This guide will explain how the Pennsylvania point system works, the number of points assigned for common violations, and what happens when you accumulate too many points.

How Does the Point System Work?

When you are found guilty of certain moving violations in Pennsylvania, PennDOT adds a specific number of points to your driving record. These points serve as a running tally of your traffic offenses. The more serious the violation, the more points you will receive.

The primary purpose of the system is corrective, not just punitive. The goal is to identify potentially unsafe driving habits and intervene before they lead to serious accidents.

Points for Common Traffic Violations

Points for violations in Pennsylvania typically range from 2 to 5. Here are some of the most common offenses and their corresponding point values:

5-Point Violations

Failure to Stop for a School Bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.

4-Point Violations

Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle (violating the "Steer Clear Law").
Speeding 26-30 mph over the posted limit.

3-Point Violations

Failure to Stop at a Red Light.
Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign.
Improper Passing on a hill or at a no-passing zone.
Speeding 16-25 mph over the posted limit.
Careless Driving.

2-Point Violations

Speeding 6-10 mph over the posted limit.
Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device (e.g., a "No Turn on Red" sign).
Following Too Closely (tailgating).

Note: Some violations, like failing to wear a seatbelt, do not carry points but still result in a fine. Driving 31 mph or more over the speed limit results in 5 points and requires the driver to attend a PennDOT departmental hearing.

The Consequences of Accumulating Points

PennDOT takes specific actions once your point total reaches certain thresholds. The number 6 is the most important one to remember.

First Time Reaching 6 Points:

When your driving record reaches 6 or more points for the first time, you will be required to take a special written point system examination.

This is a 30-question, multiple-choice test on safe driving practices, vehicle codes, and penalties.
You have 30 days to pass this exam.
If you pass, 2 points are removed from your record.
If you fail to show up or fail the exam, your license will be suspended for 60 days.

Second Time Reaching 6 Points:

If you reach 6 points for a second time, you will be required to attend a PennDOT Departmental Hearing.

At the hearing, a PennDOT examiner will review your driving record.
The result could be a 15-day license suspension.
Failure to attend the hearing will result in an immediate 60-day suspension.

Third (or More) Time Reaching 6 Points:

Reaching 6 points for a third or subsequent time will also require you to attend a PennDOT Departmental Hearing. The potential penalty increases to a 30-day license suspension.

Accumulating 11 or More Points:

If your point total reaches 11 or more points, your driver's license will be automatically suspended. The length of the suspension depends on how many times your license has been suspended before:

First suspension: 5 days per point.
Second suspension: 10 days per point.
Third suspension: 15 days per point.

How Points Are Removed from Your Record

Pennsylvania's system provides a clear path for drivers to clean up their records.

Good Driving: For every 12 consecutive months that you drive without a conviction for a moving violation, 3 points will be removed from your record.
Passing the 6-Point Exam: As mentioned, passing the special written exam removes 2 points.
License Suspension: Once you serve a license suspension, your point total is reduced to 5 points upon restoration.

The best way to manage the point system is to avoid it entirely. By driving safely, obeying all traffic laws, and understanding the serious consequences of violations, you can protect your driving record and enjoy the roads of Pennsylvania responsibly.