How Many Points Can I Get On My License Before It is Suspended in Georgia?

A suspension of your driver's license can be difficult to handle for people of all ages. Driving is a privilege, and the Georgia Department of Driver Services will suspend your license if you receive too many points on your license. The DDS point system ranges from two to six points for a single conviction. Most moving violations come with three points on your license. 

For drivers over the age of 21, receiving 15 points on your license within a two-year period will cause your license to be suspended. The date of the two years begins on the first citation date. 

Special Rules for Drivers Under the Age of 21:

Drivers under the age of 18 only have to receive a total of 4 points until their license is suspended. The four (4) points can accrue from any combination of offenses before the age of 18. 

In Georgia, most moving violations are 3 points, which means people under the age of 18 will likely get their license suspended after two tickets. If suspended, the suspension is for at least six (6) months. 

For drivers between the age of 18 and 21, a four (4) or more point offense will result in a license suspension. As a result, a conviction for reckless driving, aggressive driving, unlawful passing of a school bus, or speeding 24 mph or more will all result in a license suspension. 

The suspension period lasts for at least six (6) months and requires the driver to attend a Defensive Driving Course to reinstate their license. 

As with most things in life, when young people have a suspended license it can make it very difficult for parents when their children need to get to school, work, or other extracurricular activities. 

A DUI Conviction Does Not Result in Points on Your License

One of the things our clients frequently ask when charged with a DUI is how many points it will be on their license. DUI is a license suspension offense, in and of itself. As a result, it is the legal equivalent of getting all 15 points at once. The DDS does not, however, access points upon a DUI conviction, it instead suspends the license of a Georgia driver. The length of the suspension is based on the person's MVR over the past five (5) years.

How to Keep Points off Your License

One way to keep points off your license is to plea nolo contendere in Georgia. Georgia drivers are allowed to use a nolo plea once every five (5) years. Even though no points will be assessed on your license, insurance can see the conviction on your driving record and possibly increase your rates. 

Another possible way of avoiding points is when your Georgia Traffic Ticket Lawyer convinces a court to sign a zero points order. 

Another way to keep points off your license is by having a Georgia Traffic Ticket Attorney discuss the charge with the prosecutor. They could negotiate the ticket down to a Basic Rules Violation, where no points will go on your license, and it will not be reported to insurance. 

Contact Us

The best way to try and keep points off your license is to hire a Georgia Traffic Ticket Lawyer. The Office of Lawson and Berry knows what prosecutors are looking for and how to approach them to get a good deal. If you have any questions about your ticket or options in your case, contact us now.