Pennsylvania DMV Points System: What is It? How does it Work?

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The Pennsylvania DMV points system will add points to an individual’s license for certain driving violations. Points range between two and five depending on the violation. The most serious violations carry the highest points. The reason behind the Pennsylvania DMV points system is to improve bad driving behavior and to keep the roads safe. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) starts to take corrective measures once you have accumulated six or more points on your record.

Under Age 18

A driver under the age of 18 who accumulates six or more points on their record will have their license suspended for 90 days for the first occurrence. Their driving privileges will be suspended for 120 days for any other occurrences along with the additional requirements listed below.

First Occurrence of Six Points

A driver will have to take a special point examination that will cover the following:

  • Knowledge of Safe Driving Practices
  • Knowledge of Departmental Sanctions
  • Knowledge of Related Safety Issues

The driver has 30 days to complete the exam with a passing score otherwise their license will be suspended until the test is completed. After successful completion, two points will be removed from the individual driving record.

Second Occurrence of Six Points

The driver will have to attend a hearing, and the examiner can recommend the following:

  • 15-day license suspension
  • Special On-Road Driver’s Examination
  • No action at all

A missed hearing will result in a 60-day license suspension. If either of the actions above is ordered, two points will be removed from the record upon completion of the exam or after the suspension has been served. No points are removed if no action was taken during the hearing.

Three or More Occurrences of Six Points

A driver will have to attend a hearing and face the potential of a 30-day license suspension. If the individual misses the hearing, their license will be suspended until they or attend.

How long do points stay on your license in PA?

How long do points stay on your license in PA? Three points are dropped from an individual’s license for driving for 12 months with no points violations. The clock starts with the driver’s last violation. Once zero points are reached, and the individual has no further violations for 12 months after, any new violations will be treated as a first occurrence.

Points on License PA Insurance

Points on license PA insurance rates will typically increase. The amount of the increase will depend on the number of points, the type of violations, and the insurance company.

PA CDL Point System

The PA CDL Point System adds points to an individual’s CDL like a regular license for certain violations except the CDL is subject to suspension or revocation for fewer points.

PA Point System Out-of-State Tickets

PA point system out-of-state tickets will forward your violation information back to your state if it is a member of the Drivers License Compact(DLC). It will be up to your state to assign points to your license based on the type of ticket. Pennsylvania may suspend your driving privileges in the state for certain violations such as DUI or excessive speeding.