Georgia's point system adds points to your record for traffic violations, and accumulating too many points within a set time period can result in license suspension

Georgia tracks violations using a point system managed by the Department of Driver Services. When you receive a traffic ticket, the violation carries a specific number of points. These points stay on your record for a set period, and if you accumulate too many within that window, the state will suspend your driving privileges. The number of points assigned depends on the type of violation — a speeding ticket carries fewer points than a reckless driving conviction, for example.

Your record is not permanent. Points drop off after a certain time, and you have options to reduce points through defensive driving courses or by straightforward staying violation-free. Understanding how many points you currently have, what violations caused them, and how long they remain on your record helps you know whether you are at risk of suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia assigns between 2 and 6 points for most traffic violations, with more serious offenses like reckless driving or DUI carrying the highest point values.
  • Accumulating 15 points within 24 months results in a mandatory license suspension; 24 points within 36 months also triggers suspension.
  • Points remain on your driving record for three years from the violation date, but you can remove up to 7 points by completing an approved defensive driving course.
  • You can check your current point total and violation history through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website or by visiting a local DDS office in person.

Point values for common Georgia traffic violations

Georgia assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Speeding violations typically carry 2 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were traveling. Reckless driving, improper passing, and following too closely each carry 4 points. Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving with a suspended or revoked license carries 6 points — the highest standard point value.

Some violations do not add points to your record but still result in fines or other penalties. These include parking violations, equipment violations (like a broken taillight), and certain administrative infractions. A conviction for hit-and-run, however, carries 6 points and may also result in license suspension independent of the point total.

The exact point value can vary slightly based on the circumstances. For example, speeding 15 miles per hour over the limit is typically 2 points, while speeding 34 miles per hour or more over the limit is 4 points. Your ticket should list the specific violation code and corresponding points, though you can also contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services to confirm.

When Georgia suspends your license based on points

Georgia uses two separate thresholds for point-based suspension. If you accumulate 15 points within a 24-month period, your license will be suspended. If you accumulate 24 points within a 36-month period, your license will also be suspended. The state counts points from the violation date, not the conviction date, so a ticket issued today counts toward your total even if you do not go to court for several months.

The suspension is not automatic in the sense that you receive a notice before it takes effect. The Georgia Department of Driver Services will mail you a notice of suspension, typically giving you 10 days before the suspension becomes active. If you believe the suspension is in error — for example, if points were added for a violation you successfully contested — you can request a hearing within that 10-day window.

Once your license is suspended due to points, you cannot straightforward wait for the points to expire. You must request reinstatement from the Department of Driver Services, which typically involves paying a reinstatement fee and providing proof that you have completed any required courses or conditions.

How long points stay on your Georgia driving record

Points remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the violation. This means a speeding ticket from January 2022 will stop counting toward your point total in January 2025. However, the violation itself may remain visible on your record for longer in some contexts — for example, insurance companies often look back five to seven years, and certain serious violations like DUI may have longer reporting periods.

The three-year window is important because it determines which violations count toward suspension thresholds. If you have 10 points from violations in the past two years and 8 points from violations three years and one month ago, only the 10 points count. Once a violation passes the three-year mark, it no longer contributes to your suspension risk, though it may still appear on your record.

Reducing points through defensive driving courses

Georgia allows you to remove up to 7 points from your record by completing an approved defensive driving course, also called a driver improvement course. You can take one course every 12 months, meaning you could potentially remove 7 points per year if you take a course annually. The course must be approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services — not all online driving courses may have access to, so verify approval before enrolling.

The course typically takes four to six hours to complete, either in-person or online depending on the provider. You pay the course provider directly; there is no state fee for the point reduction itself. After you complete the course, the provider submits a certificate to the Department of Driver Services, and the points are removed from your record within one to two weeks.

Taking a defensive driving course does not erase violations from your record or reduce insurance rates — it only removes points. Some insurance companies offer a discount for completing a course, but that is separate from the point removal. If you are close to the suspension threshold, a defensive driving course can be an effective way to stay below it.

Checking your current points and violation history

You can view your driving record and current point total through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to access your record online. The record shows each violation, the date it occurred, the point value, and when it will expire from your record.

If you prefer not to check online, you can visit a local DDS office in person and request a copy of your driving record. There is typically a small fee for an official record, though viewing your record online is free. Some DDS offices also allow you to request your record by mail, though this takes longer.

Your insurance company may also provide information about violations on your record, since they receive reports from the state. However, the official source is always the Georgia Department of Driver Services, so if you see a discrepancy between what your insurance company shows and what the state shows, contact DDS to resolve it.

What happens if your license is suspended for points

A point-based suspension means you cannot legally drive in Georgia or any other state during the suspension period. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that carries its own penalties, including fines and potential jail time. If you are stopped while suspended, you will face charges in addition to whatever led to the original suspension.

The length of suspension varies. A first suspension is typically for a period set by the Department of Driver Services based on your point total and history. You must wait out the suspension period and then request reinstatement. Reinstatement requires paying a fee (currently $210 for a point-based suspension, though this may change) and sometimes completing additional requirements such as a defensive driving course.

If you need to drive during a suspension — for work, medical appointments, or other essential reasons — you may be able to request a limited permit from the Department of Driver Services. The availability and terms of limited permits vary, so contact your local DDS office to learn whether you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I contest points that were added to my record?

Yes. If you believe points were added in error or if you successfully contest the underlying violation in court, you can request that the points be removed. Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services with documentation of your court outcome or evidence of the error. If the violation is dismissed or you are found not guilty, the points should be removed automatically, though you may need to follow up to may support it happened.

Do points from out-of-state violations count toward my Georgia suspension threshold?

Yes. Georgia counts violations from other states under its point system through the Interstate Compact on Driver's License Compact. A speeding ticket from Florida or South Carolina will add points to your Georgia record just as if you received it in Georgia. The point value assigned may differ slightly by state, but Georgia will convert it to its own point scale.

Will my points go away if I do not renew my license?

No. Points remain on your record based on the violation date, not your license status. If your license expires and you do not renew it, the points are still there. When you do renew, those points will still count toward your total. If you have enough points to trigger suspension, you may not be able to renew your license until the suspension is resolved.

How much does it cost to reinstate a suspended license?

The reinstatement fee for a point-based suspension is currently $210, though you should confirm the current fee with the Georgia Department of Driver Services since fees can change. Some suspensions may require additional fees or completion of courses before reinstatement is possible. Contact your local DDS office for the exact requirements for your situation.

Can I remove points by paying a fine instead of taking a defensive driving course?

No. Paying a fine for a violation does not remove points. The only way to remove points is to complete an approved defensive driving course or to wait for the three-year expiration period. Some violations can be dismissed through traffic court if you contest them successfully, which would also remove the associated points.