In the Peach State, Georgians need to think of the act of driving like cross-country running—the fewer number of points you have, the better. As car accident lawyers, we’ve seen a lot of Georgians unaware of this fact.
Like other states in the nation, Georgia has a DMV point system for each Georgian driver.
The following information describes Georgia’s point system, its purpose, and how to get rid of them.
Read on and learn more about Georgia’s DMV point system.
Georgia’s Point System 101
Like golf and cross-country running, the lower your score as a driver, the better off you are overall. But where do these points originate?
For each conviction or guilty plea you have for a moving violation in Georgia, the state will add a specific number of points to your driver’s license depending on the severity of the violation. While the points may change, and your balance may fluctuate, one thing that does not is the consequences of having too many points.
Georgia’s Department of Driver Services (DDS) has the power to suspend a motorist’s license who is over twenty-one and accrues 15 points over a two-year time frame. But that is not the only consequence you might face. Your auto insurance rates may go up, and if you have a commercial driver’s license, you may face even more additional penalties. Out of state violations also count towards your overall number of points.
Compared to older motorists, drivers under the age of twenty-one face even stricter penalties regarding the point system. For example, if a driver is under eighteen and accrues just 4 points, their license is automatically suspended. But for drivers under twenty-one, their license will also get suspended for any of the following moving violations:
- Racing
- Reckless driving
- Improper/unlawful passing of a school bus resulting in 4 or more points
- Exceeding the speed limit by 24+ MPH
- Aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence
- Eluding an officer
- Hit and run
- Purchasing alcohol
- Mispresenting I.D. or age
Georgia’s Point System Schedule
The range of traffic ticket points falls between 2 and 6, depending on the violation’s severity.
Common driving offenses and their points include:
- Speeding 15-18 MPH over the posted speed limit = 2 points
- Not obeying a police officer = 3 points
- Reckless driving = 4 points
- Speeding 34 MPH or faster over the posted speed limit = 6 points
- Aggressive driving = 6 points
How to Learn the Number of Points You Have
Learning the number of points you have is very simple. Just create an online account at the Georgia Department of Driver Services website or download the DDS 2 GO Mobile App. Either of these options will show you your license status, the number of points on your license, and steps to reinstate it.
How to Reduce Your Driving Record Points
If you are one of those drivers with more points than they would like to have, there is a way to reduce them.
After completing one of Georgia’s defensive driving classes successfully, the DDS will reduce your point balance by seven points. Keep in mind that this kind of reduction can only happen once every five years. You may only apply for a point balance reduction with your defensive driving course completion certification by either appearing in-person at a Georgia DDS office or by mail at:
Department of Driver Services
P.O. Box 80447
Conyers, GA 30013
How to Order Your Georgia Driving Record
Whether you need your official driving record for employment reasons or to learn more about information regarding points on your license or just your overall license status, you can order your driving record directly from the Georgia DDS.
To order a Driving History Report—or a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)—you:
- Can use the state’s DDS online portal to make a request
- Mail your request to the DDS (along with your payment and proof of I.D.)
- Visit a customer service center in person
Contact Us
Have you suffered injuries after being in a car accident? Have you experienced losses due to negligent drivers with a high license point balance? Then John B. Jackson of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is here to help you 24/7. The Law Office of John B. Jackson provides free case evaluations and does not require payment if you do not win your case. With no upfront fees and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, the experience of those at the Law Firm of John B. Jackson will help you get your settlement faster. Contact our office today!
