6 Things You Need to Be aware of about Driver's License Points
Your driver's license gives you the legal right to drive. In return, you're expected to adhere to the traffic laws. One method used by many states to keep track of your driving history is to assign points to your license if you're cited for a moving violation. The violations are also reported by insurance companies. The points system is designed to encourage safety in driving and deter the opposite. Accumulating too many points could cause your license to be suspended or revoked, or your insurance premiums increased. Here's what you need be aware of about how driver's license points work.
1. Points vary based on the seriousness of the violation
Driver's license points systems were created to make it easier for insurers and states to spot high-risk drivers. If you're cited for certain moving violations points could be added to your driving record at the state level. There are different numbers based on the nature of your violation. Find out more info about driver's license, by click here.
In New York, for example, driving 1 to 10 mph in excess of the posted speed limit can add three points to your driving record. Reckless driving, improper use of a cell phone while driving, or failing to stop to wait for the school bus are all five-point violations.Your state's department of motor vehicles (DMV) could provide information on the points system it uses through its official website.
2. Some States don't assign points
States aren't required to assign points for infractions to the law. These states don't use a points-based system to keep track of your driving history: Hawaii,Kansas,Louisiana,Minnesota,Mississippi,Oregon,Rhode Island,Washington,Wyoming. However, those states may still monitor your driving record and keep track of the amount of tickets you've earned.
3. Not all traffic violations result in Points
There is no point for specific violations. For example, parking violations may not count toward your points total, depending on the state you reside.
However, minor violations can lead to you being issued a ticket. Even if you don't have any points, you'd still need to pay the fine. A ticket can potentially increase your car insurance rates.
4. A suspended license can be result of earning too many points
Generally, you have to be convicted of a moving offense to get points added to your license. If you earn excessive points within a certain time frame, your state's DMV can temporarily suspend your license. The number of points you need to be suspended and the period of time required for doing so varies by state.
The time period for which a suspension remains in place is also dependent on the state as well as the type of suspension, whether first or subsequent suspension. Points may remain on your record for up 10 years, based on the state in which you're licensed. If your state has electronic driving record, you are able to check the points on your license online.
5. You may lose your license if you commit serious offenses
Certain violations of moving can be considered more serious than others and may be punished with a greater penalty. Your license could be suspended or revoked if you are convicted of serious offenses. A revocation could happen in a matter of minutes if you're guilty of certain crimes.
In addition to losing your driver's license and yyyy, being convicted of a serious traffic offense can result in imprisonment and/or fines.
6. Insurance companies have the option of having their own point systems
Insurance companies don't have the obligation of following the exact points system as your state's motor vehicle agency. Instead, insurers may use specific points systems that are designed by them to assign points for different driving violations.
Points imposed by an insurance company won't cause you to lose your license. But they can lead to an increase in the cost of your insurance or result in your policy being canceled when you accumulate a large amount of points.