How Many Points Do You Get for Suspension of License in Georgia?

Driving is a privilege that comes with great responsibility. In Georgia, as in most states, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) uses a point-based system to monitor and regulate the behavior of drivers on the road. The accumulation of points on a driver’s license serves as a warning system, indicating risky driving behavior and providing a mechanism for the state to take corrective action when necessary. One of the most significant consequences of accumulating points is the suspension of your driver’s license. But how many points does it take to reach that threshold in Georgia, and what happens if you do? This article provides a thorough exploration of Georgia’s point system, the thresholds for suspension, and what you can do if you find yourself at risk.

Understanding Georgia’s Point System

The Georgia DDS assigns points to your driving record whenever you are convicted of certain moving violations. The number of points depends on the severity of the violation. For example, minor infractions like failing to signal may result in two points, while more serious offenses such as aggressive driving or unlawfully passing a school bus can result in six points.

Here are some common violations and their corresponding point values:

• Speeding (15-18 mph over limit): 2 points

• Speeding (19-23 mph over limit): 3 points

• Speeding (24-33 mph over limit): 4 points

• Speeding (34+ mph over limit): 6 points

• Reckless driving: 4 points

• Aggressive driving: 6 points

• Unlawful passing of a school bus: 6 points

• Improper passing on a hill or curve: 4 points

• Failure to obey a traffic control device: 3 points

Points are added to your record upon conviction, not simply upon being cited. This means that if you contest a ticket and win, no points will be added.

Suspension Thresholds: How Many Points Lead to Suspension?

The number of points needed for a license suspension in Georgia depends on the age of the driver. The rules are stricter for younger drivers, reflecting the state’s concern for inexperience and higher accident rates among teens.

For Drivers Aged 21 and Older

For adult drivers, the threshold for suspension is 15 points within a 24-month period. If you accumulate 15 or more points during any consecutive 24-month period, your license will be suspended by the DDS. This is a rolling period, meaning the DDS looks at the most recent 24 months at any given time.

For Drivers Under 21

Georgia law is much stricter for drivers under 21. If you are convicted of a single offense that carries four or more points—such as reckless driving, aggressive driving, or unlawfully passing a school bus—your license will be suspended, even if it is your first offense. For example, if you are 19 and receive a ticket for speeding 24 miles per hour over the limit (a 4-point offense), your license will be suspended.

For Drivers Under 18

The rules are even more stringent for drivers under 18. If you accumulate 4 points within a 12-month period, your license will be suspended. This means that even two minor violations can put a teen’s driving privileges at risk.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record?

Points from moving violations remain on your Georgia driving record for two years from the date of the offense. However, the actual violation may remain visible to insurance companies and employers for longer. It’s important to note that the DDS uses the date of the offense, not the conviction date, when calculating the 24-month or 12-month period for suspension.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended?

If you reach the suspension threshold, the DDS will notify you by mail. The length of the suspension depends on your driving history and the number of previous suspensions:

• First Suspension: Typically lasts six months.

• Second Suspension (within five years): Typically lasts twelve months.

After the suspension period, you must pay a reinstatement fee and meet any other requirements (such as completing a defensive driving course) before your driving privileges are restored.

Reducing Points on Your License

Georgia allows drivers to reduce the number of points on their license, which can help avoid suspension:

• Defensive Driving Course: You can take a certified defensive driving (driver improvement) course to remove up to seven points from your record once every five years. After completing the course, submit your certificate to the DDS to receive the reduction.

• Safe Driving: The best way to avoid accumulating points is to follow traffic laws and drive safely.

Impact on Insurance and Employment

Accumulating points on your license doesn’t just put you at risk for suspension; it can also have significant financial and professional consequences:

• Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies use your driving record to determine your risk profile. More points typically mean higher premiums.

• Employment: Many employers, especially those in transportation or delivery industries, check driving records as part of their hiring process. A history of violations or a suspended license can limit job opportunities.

What Should You Do If You’re at Risk?

If you are approaching the suspension threshold, take these steps:

1. Check Your Driving Record: Regularly review your driving record through the DDS website to ensure its accuracy.

2. Take a Defensive Driving Course: If you are close to the limit, completing a course can reduce your points and may also lower your insurance premiums.

3. Consult an Attorney: If you receive a citation, especially one that could push you over the threshold, consider consulting a traffic attorney. They may be able to help you contest the ticket or negotiate a lesser charge.

4. Drive Carefully: Avoid further violations at all costs. Even a minor infraction can have major consequences if you’re already close to the limit.

Conclusion

Georgia’s point system is designed to promote safe driving and penalize risky behavior. For most adult drivers, accumulating 15 points within a 24-month period will result in suspension of your license. For younger drivers, the thresholds are much lower, and even a single serious offense can lead to suspension. Points remain on your record for two years, but their impact can last much longer—affecting your insurance rates, job prospects, and overall quality of life. By understanding the system and taking proactive steps to maintain a clean driving record, you can protect your driving privileges and avoid the serious consequences of a suspended license.