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Georgia DMV Point System


Points Accumulation can Suspend License in GA
Did you know that the accumulation of license points can quickly result in a license suspension? Upon conviction of any traffic violation, the Georgia DDS (Department of Driver Services) will record "Points" on your driving history. With a sufficient number of points in a short period of time, your license CAN be suspended, cancelled or revoked. Drivers under age 21 will lose the right with 4 or more points, whereas adult drivers are permitted 15 points in a 24 month period before they suffer a suspension. The "points" system is followed in most states, and is intended to reduce unlawful use of the roadways.
 
Certain Serious Driving Offenses Immediately Suspend GA License at time of Conviction
Certain SERIOUS driving offenses are "automatic" driver's license suspension offenses. These include DUI, hit & run (accident with an occupied vehicle or pedestrian where the driver fails to stop and render aid), attempting to elude an officer. While reckless driving is not a license suspension offense for drivers age 21 and over, any conviction or nolo contendere (no contest) plea by a driver under age 21 (at the time of conviction) will result in a driver's license suspension for that underage driver.
 
What is Behind the Assignment of Points in Georgia?
Points are a means of identifying "problem drivers" at the State level. Georgia's point system is a simple way to track and "rate" the severity of any Georgia-licensed driver's citations. Other indirect consequences of accumulating license points can occur, including higher insurance rates, having difficulty obtaining coverage, and a requirement to take time-consuming and expensive driver education courses.
 
Caution to Drivers Licensed by States other than Georgia, when facing Charges in GA
Be aware that (for drivers licensed by other states) a reported traffic offense from a Georgia court to your State's DMV/DPS/BMV will be "rated" and dealt with under YOUR State's license suspension laws. For example, being convicted in Georgia of traveling at 20 mph over the posted speed limit will cause a 1 year license suspension for a North Carolina licensee, once BNC gets the report of conviction. Similarly, reckless driving is a 4-point violation in Georgia, but a South Carolina licensee will be "dinged" for 6 points in that state. Due to the special provisions of SC law, all automobile insurance is INTEGRATED, wherein once the South Carolina DPS received notice of a reported conviction, the insurance rates at hiked for that driver. Six (6) points usually doubles (or more) the person's rates, and this kike will be immediate.
 
What Criteria determine How Many Points are issued for Georgia Traffic Ticket Convictions?
Generally, the more severe the incident, the more points are added to the license after conviction. But, as shown above, a 4-point violation in GA (like reckless driving) will be reported as 6 points in SC or FL. The assignment of points is primarily a decision of each State's legislature. Here are some common examples of driving violations and the number of points levied by the State of Georgia:
  • HOV/carpool lane violation (four or more offenses): 1 point
  • Child restraint 1st offense: 1 point; 2nd offense: 2 points
  • Failure to secure a load: 2 points
  • Open alcoholic container: 2 points
  • Misc. moving violations: 3 points
  • Defiance of traffic signal or traffic officer: 3 points
  • Illegal passing: 4 points
  • Reckless driving: 4 points
  • Illegally passing a school bus: 6 points
  • Aggressive driving: 6 points and automatic suspension if the driver is under 21.
  • Speeding (MPH over the speed limit):
  • 15-19 MPH: 2 points
  • 19-24 MPH: 3 points
  • 24-34 MPH: 4 points
  • 34 MPH or higher: 6 points
How Many Points must be Accumulated before a Driver's GA License is actually Suspended?
If a motorist accrues 15 points within a 24 month period, the DDS will automatically suspend their license. Out of state violations also count towards the total amount of points. Any of the following convictions may result in a suspended license for drivers under 21: racing, reckless driving, 4 or more points from improper passing or unlawful passing of a school bus, exceeding speed limit by 24 or more miles per hour, aggressive driving, driving under the influence, eluding an officer, misrepresenting I.D. or age, hit and run, or purchasing alcohol. Those under 21 face even stricter guidelines. For drivers under 18, only 4 points from any violation will result in a suspension.

How long does the suspension last?
Suspension, cancellation, and revocation times will vary greatly based on the number of points accumulated, severity of the incidents, and any repeat offences. The DDS takes all of this into consideration before determining if a license should be suspended shortly, or revoked for a number of years.
 
CONTACT US
We handle nearly 500 traffic tickets (primarily speeding). The fees we charge in some metro Atlanta courts are a fraction of what your increased insurance costs will be over the next 3 to 5 years. For most people, being suspended means they cannot work. If you go to court alone, or pay a ticket ONLINE and enter some sort of misguided guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), plea AND THEN CALL US TO TRY TO UNDO IT, the cost will be substantially higher, due to much more work being required. The call is FREE, and we take your calls 24/7.  404-250-1113 or 877-384-4367 OR E-mail us at: helpme@absolutely-not-guilty.com.
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