How Do I Find Out How Many Points Are on My License in VA?
On the way home, a flashing light in your rearview mirror can be a heart-stopping moment. A simple traffic stop can quickly turn into points on your license, impacting your insurance rates and driving privileges. But how do you find out if you have points on your license?
In Virginia, understanding the point system and how to check your balance is crucial. This guide will walk you through how to determine how many points are on your license and what it means for you.
Understanding Virginia’s Point System: Demerits and Safe Driving Credits
Virginia uses a demerit point system for traffic violations. The more serious the offense, the more points you accumulate. Points count against you for two years, but they still show up on your record for as long as the conviction itself appears. However, Virginia rewards good drivers with “safe driving points.”
Demerit Points
These are assigned based on the severity of the violation. Here’s a general overview:
- Three points. Minor offenses like speeding 1-9 mph over the limit result in three points.
- Four points. More serious infractions, such as improper passing and reckless driving for failure to yield, gets you four points.
- Six points. Severe violations, such as DUI and reckless driving 20+ mph over the speed limit, result in six points.
As you can see, the number of points increases as the offense level increases.
Safe Driving Points
Every year you drive without a violation, you earn one safe driving point, up to a maximum of five. Your safe driving points balance in VA can offset demerit points, potentially reducing the impact of any violations. Driving safely and avoiding infractions is essential to maintain a good driving record.
Reinstating a suspended license involves completing a driving improvement course, paying reinstatement fees, and meeting other requirements determined by the DMV.
How to Check How Many Points Are on Your License? Accessing Your Point Balance
How do I find out how many points are on my license in VA? Here are some of the official methods:
- Online through the DMV. The quickest way is to go to the Virginia DMV website, create an account, verify your identity, and access your driving record. A small fee may apply.
- In-person at a DMV office. You can also visit a DMV customer service center, but be sure to bring proper identification. A small fee may also apply for this service.
- By mail. Use the Information Request Form (CRD 93) to submit a written request to the DMV with the required fee. This method takes longer.
Remember, the DMV is the official source for your point balance. Information from other sources, like insurance companies, might not be current.
The Impact of Points: More Than Just a Ticket
How many points can you get on your license? Accumulating too many points within a specific timeframe can lead to a license suspension and other penalties:
- If you accumulate 12 points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months, you may be required to take a mandatory driving improvement course.
- A 90-day suspension will automatically trigger if you accumulate 18 points within 12 months or 24 points within 24 months.
You’ll also deal with insurance issues. Insurance companies often increase premiums for drivers with points on their records, resulting in higher overall costs for maintaining auto insurance coverage. Some insurers may decline to cover you.
For professional drivers or those whose jobs require a clean driving record, points can jeopardize employment. Points on a driving record can also impact job opportunities, as some employers may view multiple infractions as a liability. In some cases, accumulating points may result in job loss or difficulty finding new employment.
How a Traffic Attorney Can Help
It’s easy to check your driving record points. However, understanding the legal consequences of traffic violations and a potential license suspension can be a real headache. If you’re worried about too many points on your license, a skilled traffic attorney can help by:
- Challenging tickets. We’ll search for errors in the ticket itself, and we’ll look into the circumstances of the ticket that resulted in points. For example, if a radar gun wasn’t calibrated correctly, we could challenge the accuracy of the speed reading.
- Negotiating with prosecutors. Our firm has established relationships with local prosecutors. We can negotiate for reduced charges, which could mean fewer points on your license or even a dismissal.
- Exploring defenses. Valid legal defenses may be available to you, like a medical emergency or you swerved to avoid hitting a person or an animal. Our team can explore these options and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Minimizing consequences. We’ll argue for leniency and seek alternative penalties. For instance, we can strive to get you community service or a driving course instead of additional points or a longer license suspension.
The right legal strategy can be your lifeline, as it can save your driving privileges, keep your license clean, and keep your insurance rates low.
Don’t Let Points Add Up—Take Action Today
Think of your driver’s license as a savings account. Every safe driving point is a deposit, but every demerit point is a withdrawal. When your balance gets too low, you’re in trouble. Don’t wait until you’re facing suspension or skyrocketing insurance rates.
At Flusche & Fitzgerald, we have decades of experience handling Virginia traffic and misdemeanor cases. Our firm has built strong relationships with local prosecutors and judges, giving us unique insight into how to strategize for the best possible outcome.
We know what it takes to protect your license, and we’ll use our skills to keep you on the road. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Resources:
- Moving Violations and Point Assessments. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, link
- Va. Code § 46.2-870, link
- Va. Code § 46.2-862, link
- Va. Code § 46.2-266, link
