The Virginia Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean
When you receive your Virginia driver's license, you also become part of the state's Driver Monitoring System. A key component of this is the demerit point system, managed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This system tracks traffic convictions and other violations to identify drivers who may pose a risk on the road.
Understanding how points are assigned for violations, the serious consequences of accumulating too many, and the unique benefit of "safe driving points" is crucial for every driver. It's the key to keeping your driving privilege and avoiding costly insurance hikes.
How the Virginia Point System Works
When you are convicted of a moving violation in Virginia, the DMV adds a specific number of demerit points to your driving record. The number of points depends on the severity of the offense. These points remain on your record for a set period and serve as an official tally of your driving infractions.
Demerit Points for Common Traffic Violations
Violations in Virginia are categorized into three levels, assigning 3, 4, or 6 demerit points.
6-Point Violations (Most Severe)
- Reckless Driving (e.g., speeding 20 mph or more over the limit, or over 85 mph regardless of the limit)
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Driving on a suspended license
- Passing a stopped school bus
4-Point Violations
- Speeding 10-19 mph over the posted limit
- Failure to stop before entering a highway
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Improper passing
3-Point Violations
- Speeding 1-9 mph over the posted limit
- Improper turn
- Failure to obey a highway sign
- Driving without a license
The Consequences of Accumulating Points
The DMV takes specific, escalating actions as your point total grows.
- Advisory Letter: If you accumulate 8 demerit points in 12 months (or 12 points in 24 months), the DMV will send you a warning letter.
- Driver Improvement Clinic: If you accumulate 12 demerit points in 12 months (or 18 points in 24 months), you will be required to complete an 8-hour driver improvement clinic within 90 days. Failure to complete the clinic will result in a license suspension.
- License Suspension: If you accumulate 18 demerit points in 12 months (or 24 points in 24 months), your license will be suspended for 90 days. You will also be required to complete a driver improvement clinic.
Special Rules for Teen Drivers (Under 18)
The system is much stricter for new, young drivers.
- First Demerit Conviction: A teen driver will be required to attend a driver improvement clinic.
- Second Demerit Conviction: A 90-day license suspension.
- Third Demerit Conviction: A one-year license revocation (or until age 18, whichever is longer).
The Unique Benefit: Safe Driving Points
Virginia's system also rewards good driving behavior with safe driving points.
- How to Earn Them: For every full calendar year you hold a valid Virginia license and drive without any violations or suspensions, you will receive one safe driving point.
- Maximum Accumulation: You can accumulate a maximum of five safe driving points.
- How They Work: These points can be used to offset demerit points. For example, if you have 3 demerit points from a ticket but also have 3 safe driving points, your record's effective point balance is zero. This can be very beneficial for your insurance rates.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record?
- Demerit Points: The points for a specific violation will remain on your record for two years from the date you commit the offense.
- The Conviction: The violation itself, however, may stay on your record for a longer period (3, 5, or 11 years, or even permanently for very serious offenses), which can still impact insurance rates.
The best way to manage the point system is to avoid violations. By driving safely, obeying all traffic laws, and being aware of the consequences, you can protect your driving record and even be rewarded for your good habits.
