How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in GA

Demystifying Driver’s License Points in Georgia: Accumulation, Removal, and Reduction (2024)

Driving in Georgia is a privilege, and maintaining a clean driving record is crucial for keeping your license safe. However, even the most cautious drivers might encounter situations that lead to traffic violations. These violations can result in points being added to your driver’s license, potentially impacting your driving privileges and insurance rates.

This comprehensive guide dives into the Georgia driver’s license point system, explaining how long points stay on your record, how to get them removed, and alternative options for reducing their impact.

Understanding the Georgia Driver’s License Point System

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) employs a point system to track traffic violations and assess potential consequences for repeat offenders. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:

Points for Violations: The Georgia point system assigns a specific number of points to various traffic violations. Moving violations, considered more serious offenses, typically carry higher point values than non-moving violations.
Point Accumulation: Points are added to your driving record upon conviction for a traffic violation. These points accumulate over time.

It’s important to note that the date the violation occurred, not the conviction date, is used to determine the point accumulation period.

Consequences of Point Accumulation: Accumulating a certain number of points within a specific timeframe can lead to license suspension. In Georgia, 15 or more points within a 24-month period result in a license suspension.

Understanding how long points stay on your record and how to potentially remove or reduce them is essential for maintaining a clean driving record.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in Georgia?

In Georgia, points remain on your driving record for two years from the date they were added. This means that if you receive a traffic violation on July 9th, 2024, the points associated with that violation will be automatically removed from your record on July 9th, 2026.

However, there’s an important caveat:

Points for Drivers Under 18: For drivers under 18 years old, the point accumulation period is shorter. Points associated with violations they commit will be removed after 12 months from the violation date.

Removing Points From Your Driving Record

Unfortunately, Georgia does not offer a system for simply removing points from your driving record once they have been added. However, there is one legal option for reducing the number of points on your record every five years:

Driver Improvement Course: By successfully completing a certified Driver Improvement Course (defensive driving course), you can qualify for a reduction of up to seven points from your driving record.

Here are some key points to remember about driver improvement courses in Georgia:

You can only take a driver improvement course once every five years to qualify for point reduction.
The course must be approved by the Georgia DDS.
You must complete the course in its entirety to receive the point reduction certificate.
Once you complete the course, you need to submit the certificate to the DDS to have the points reduced on your record.

Alternative Options to Mitigate the Impact of Points

While removing points directly might not be possible, there are alternative strategies to minimize the negative consequences of having points on your license:

Maintaining a Clean Driving Record: The best way to avoid the effects of points is to strive for a clean driving record by obeying traffic laws and avoiding violations.
Contesting Tickets: If you believe a traffic ticket was issued unfairly, you have the right to contest it in court. A successful outcome can prevent points from being added to your record.
Negotiating with the Prosecutor: In some cases, you might be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to plead guilty to a lesser offense that carries fewer points.
Defensive Driving Courses: While not directly removing points, taking defensive driving courses can help improve your driving skills and potentially lead to lower insurance rates from some providers.

FAQ on Georgia Driver’s License Points and Point Reduction

Q: How can I check how many points are on my license?

A: You can check the number of points on your driving record by visiting a DDS customer service center or accessing your online driving record through the DDS website https://dds.georgia.gov/.

Q: What happens if my license is suspended due to points?

A: The length of your license suspension depends on the number of points accumulated. The Georgia DDS website provides a detailed explanation of suspension periods based on point accumulation https://dds.georgia.gov/points-and-points-reduction.

Q: Can I take a driver improvement course online?

A: No, currently Georgia does not allow online driver improvement courses to qualify for point reduction. The course must be taken in person from a certified provider approved by the DDS.

Q: What if I don’t complete the driver improvement course within the five-year window?

A: If you don’t complete the course within the five-year eligibility period, you’ll have to wait another five years before becoming eligible for point reduction through this method again.

Q: Will my insurance rates increase if I have points on my license?

A: Yes, having points on your driving record can lead to higher insurance rates. Insurance companies consider your driving history when calculating your premiums, and points indicate a higher risk of future accidents.

Q: Are there any other ways to improve my driving record besides point reduction?

A: While not directly affecting points, there are ways to demonstrate a commitment to safe driving and potentially improve your insurance rates:

Maintaining a clean driving record for an extended period: The longer you go without traffic violations, the more positively it reflects on your driving record in the eyes of insurance companies.
Taking additional defensive driving courses: Even if you’ve used the course for point reduction, taking additional defensive driving courses can showcase your commitment to safe driving practices.
Enrolling in telematics programs: Some insurance companies offer telematics programs that track your driving behavior through a device installed in your car. Safe driving habits can lead to discounts on your insurance premiums.

Remember, consulting with a qualified traffic attorney is recommended if you have questions or concerns about your specific situation and the potential consequences of traffic violations.

Conclusion

Understanding the Georgia driver’s license point system and how long points stay on your record is crucial for responsible driving. While points can’t be directly removed, the option to reduce them through a driver improvement course every five years offers some relief. Always prioritize safe driving habits to avoid accumulating points in the first place.

By following the tips and information provided in this guide, you can gain a better understanding of the Georgia driver’s license point system and take proactive steps to maintain a clean driving record.