Knowledge Center

What does the point system say about you?

DMV uses a point system to rate drivers. You receive demerit points for unsafe driving and safe driving points for good driving. Demerit Points are assigned when you commit a traffic violation. Different violations carry different point assignments, depending on the seriousness of the offense.

For example, you will receive three demerit points if you make an improper U-turn. However, you will receive three demerit points if you make an improper U-turn. However, you will receive six demerit points if you speed 20 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit. Demerit points remain valid two years from the date you commit an offense.

Safe Driving Points are assigned for each full calendar year that you hold a valid Virginia driver’s license and drive without any violations or suspensions. You may also earn safe driving points by completing a driver improvement clinic. You can accumulate a total of five safe driving points and you may use these safe-driving points to offset demerit points.

Consider the following example.

For five years Molly followed all the safe driving rules and always obeyed the speed limit. She accumulated a safe driving point each year, for a total of five points. But, one day Molly ran a red light. DMV assigned four demerit points to her driving record. However, since she had earned five safe driving points, she ended up with one safe driving point left on her record.

Demerit points can add up each time you commit a traffic offense, DMV adds additional demerit points to your record. This can add up to big trouble for some drivers.

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