Mark Casto | December 5, 2024 | Car Accident Lawyer Near Columbus Georgia
According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the state recorded 1,797 traffic fatalities in 2022, with particularly concerning numbers in large truck crashes, bicycle accidents, and collisions involving older drivers in the Atlanta region.
With such serious safety concerns on Georgia roads, the state maintains strict oversight of driving privileges through its point system. Every Georgia driver should understand how the state’s point system works and how long violations remain on their driving record. Here’s what to know about points in Georgia and how to handle them.
The Basics Of The Point System In Georgia
Georgia uses a point system to track driving violations and promote road safety. How long do tickets stay on your record in Georgia? According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, points remain on a driver’s record for 24 months.
However, the actual violation stays on your Georgia MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) for much longer, usually seven years.
As far as how many points for a speeding ticket, here are the point values a driver can get for different violations:
- Aggressive driving adds 6 points
- Reckless driving adds 4 points
- Georgia speeding ticket for 15–18 mph over the limit adds 2 points
- Speeding ticket for 19–23 mph over the limit adds 3 points
- Speeding ticket for 24–33 mph over the limit adds 4 points
- Speeding ticket for 34 mph or more over the limit adds 6 points
- Texting while driving adds 1 point
- Following too closely adds 2 points
Importantly, some violations carry higher point values for repeat offenses. For example, violating child safety restraint laws results in 1 point for the first offense but doubles to 2 points for the second and subsequent violations.
Point Accumulation And License Suspension
The Georgia Department of Driver Services implements stiff penalties when drivers accumulate too many points. For drivers 21 and older, collecting 15 points within 24 months leads to automatic license suspension. For those under 21, the threshold is even lower–just 4 points can trigger a suspension.
Points apply from the conviction date, not the violation date, and multiple violations from one incident can result in point stacking. Point reduction courses must be completed before point totals trigger suspension, and some violations carry mandatory suspension regardless of the total.
How To Get Points Off Your License
Points will automatically begin dropping off your driving record after 24 months. However, some drivers have the option to lose points faster by taking defensive driving courses.
Taking a certified defensive driving course can remove up to 7 points from your driving record once every 5 years. The course must be state-approved and last a minimum of six hours, and you must complete it before reaching 15 points.
You must submit documentation of course completion to the Department of Driver Services. This can be especially helpful after a motorcycle accident or other incident where points threaten your license status.
The Impact Of Points On Insurance
According to the Insurance Information Institute, points on a driving record typically lead to higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies often check driving records when renewing policies, changing coverage, or processing claims after vehicular accidents.
The Effects Of Points For Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers face stricter standards under Georgia law. Earning points can affect both their personal and commercial licenses, potentially threatening their livelihood. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains separate records for commercial violations.
Safer Driving With Georgia’s Points System
Georgia’s point system helps drivers make informed decisions about their driving behavior and license status. The points eventually go away; however, preventing their accumulation through safe driving remains the best strategy. Regular record checks and prompt attention to violations can help drivers maintain clean records and avoid serious consequences. If you have questions, contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus personal injury lawyer.
Contact the Columbus Car Accident Lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus car accident lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808
Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030