Home -> Resources -> Georgia Driver’s License Points Schedule
Georgia Driver's License Points Schedule
Georgia uses a driver’s license points system for certain traffic convictions. Most violations add between 2 and 6 points to a driver’s record. A Georgia driver who accumulates 15 points within 24 months can have their license suspended. Different suspension rules apply to drivers under 21 and drivers under 18.
Points are assessed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services after certain traffic convictions. The number of points depends on the violation.
How Do You Get Points on a Georgia Driver's License?
If you are convicted of a traffic violation, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) may add points towards your driving record.
The number of points DDS assesses depends on the type of violation.
Georgia’s point system generally assigns between 2 and 6 points depending on the offense. More serious moving violations usually carry more points.
Points are separate from fines, court costs, or other penalties that may result from a traffic conviction.
How many points will suspend my driver’s license in Georgia?
For drivers 21 years old and older, any person who has accumulated 15 or more points in any 24-month period shall have their driver’s license automatically suspended.
Different rules apply to younger drivers.
A driver under age 21 may face a suspension after a conviction for a single traffic offense that carries 4 or more points. For drivers under age 18, accumulating 4 points within 12 months can also result in suspension.
Some offenses can also result in suspension or loss of driving privileges regardless of the total number of points on the driver’s record.
Georgia Driver's License Points Schedule for Common Violations
Below are some of the more common point assessments listed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
| Traffic Violation | Points |
|---|---|
|
Reckless Driving
|
4 points |
|
Unlawful passing of a school bus |
6 points |
|
Improper passing on hill or curve |
4 points |
|
Speeding |
|
|
15 mph but less than 19 mph over |
2 points |
|
19 mph but less than 24 mph |
3 points |
|
24 mph but less than 34 mph |
4 points |
|
34 mph or more |
6 points |
|
Disregard of any traffic-control device or signal |
3 points |
|
Possessing an open container of an alcoholic beverage while driving |
2 points |
|
Failure to adequately secure a load |
2 points |
|
Child restraint – 1st offense |
1 point |
|
Child restraint – 2nd and subsequent offense |
2 points |
|
Aggressive driving |
6 points |
|
HOV lane violation – 4th and subsequent offense |
1 point |
|
All other moving violations |
3 points |
For a complete and current list, drivers should review the Georgia DDS Points Schedule.
When Are Points Not Added to a Georgia Driver's License?
Not every traffic conviction results in points.
According to Georgia DDS, points are generally not added for:
- Speeding convictions of less than 15 mph over the posted speed limit
- Convictions for driving too fast for conditions
- Certain convictions involving non-Georgia residents
A traffic violation may still carry fines or other consequences even when points are not added.
What is the purpose of the Georgia Driver's License Points System?
The primary purpose of the Driver’s License Point System in Georgia is to identify, and suspend, drivers who operate their vehicle in an unsafe manner and who repeatedly violate traffic laws. Accumulating too many points can lead to suspension of driving privileges.
Not only can the Point System cause your driver’s license to be suspended, but it can also cause your insurance premiums to go higher, or even make it difficult to obtain insurance coverage all together.
Can You Reduce Points on a Georgia Driver's License?
Yes. Eligible Georgia drivers may request a reduction of up to 7 points once every 5 years after successfully completing a certified driver-improvement, or defensive-driving, course.
Drivers generally must submit the original certificate of completion to Georgia DDS either in person or by mail.
A points reduction does not erase the underlying conviction from the driver’s record. It reduces the number of points counted toward suspension.
Can You Avoid Points After Receiving a Traffic Citation?
Georgia also has a process that may allow some drivers to avoid points after receiving a citation for a moving violation.
A driver may complete a certified six-hour driver-improvement course after receiving the citation and before the court appearance, or as ordered by the court. If the original certificate is presented and the court accepts the process, the fine is reduced by 20 percent and no points are assessed. This option may generally be used once every five years.
Whether this option is available depends on the circumstances of the citation and court proceedings.
Can I Get a Limited Driving Permit After a Points Suspension?
A limited driving permit may be available in some situations after a license suspension, but eligibility depends on the reason for the suspension and the driver’s history.
Georgia DDS distinguishes between different types of suspensions and repeat suspensions. Drivers should confirm eligibility directly with DDS before assuming a limited permit is available.
Any person may apply for a limited driving permit if their license was suspended due to a points accumulation suspension if the following conditions have been met:
- They have not been convicted of a DUI within the last 5 years; and
- This is their first license suspension due to points accumulation within the last 5 years.
Can I plead NOLO or nolo contendere?
DDS will accept one plea of nolo contendere for a moving traffic violation in any 5-year period without assigning points to that motorist’s driving record. Any subsequent nolo contendere pleas will result in points being assessed against the motorist’s driving record.
Nolo contendere pleas do not erase the offense or violation and are not available for every offense.
How Can I Check the Points on My Georgia Driver's License?
Georgia drivers can use DDS Online Services or the DDS 2 GO mobile app to check:
- Driver’s license status
- Number of points
- Suspension information
- Reinstatement requirements
Because traffic laws and DDS procedures can change, drivers should confirm current requirements directly with the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
Can a Traffic Violation Matter After a Car Accident?
A traffic citation and a personal injury claim are separate legal matters, but the same driving behavior may be relevant to both.
Speeding, reckless driving, running a traffic signal, improper passing, or failing to yield can become part of the evidence reviewed after a crash. A citation by itself does not automatically decide who is legally responsible for an injury claim, but the surrounding facts may be important when fault is investigated.
If you were injured because another driver was careless, our Georgia Car Accident Lawyer page explains how fault, insurance coverage, and personal injury claims are handled after a wreck.
