Georgia suspends commercial licenses at 15 points within 24 months

Georgia's point system for commercial driver's license (CDL) holders is stricter than the system for regular drivers. A commercial license suspension happens when you accumulate 15 points within a 24-month period, compared to 15 points within 24 months for non-commercial drivers — but the violations that add points are different and often carry higher point values.

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) tracks points from moving violations, at-fault accidents, and certain criminal convictions. Once you hit 15 points, your CDL is suspended when ready. The suspension lasts until you complete a defensive driving course and pay a reinstatement fee, then reapply through DDS.

Understanding which violations cost how many points matters because some single violations — like reckless driving or driving under the influence — can trigger suspension on their own or come close to it.

Key Takeaways

  • A commercial license suspension in Georgia occurs at 15 points accumulated within 24 months, the same threshold as non-commercial licenses but with different violation point values.
  • Serious violations like reckless driving (6 points), speeding more than 34 mph over the limit (6 points), and DUI (12 points) carry higher point penalties for CDL holders than regular drivers.
  • Points stay on your record for 24 months from the violation date, so violations older than that no longer count toward the 15-point suspension threshold.
  • After suspension, you must complete a defensive driving course, pay a reinstatement fee to DDS, and submit a new CDL process to restore your license.

Common violations and their point values for CDL holders

Georgia assigns points based on the type and severity of the violation. Some violations carry the same points for CDL and non-commercial drivers, but many carry higher values for commercial drivers because the stakes are higher — a commercial driver operates a larger vehicle and carries passengers or hazardous materials.

Speeding violations range from 2 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving. Speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit is 2 points; 11 to 19 mph over is 3 points; 20 to 34 mph over is 4 points; and 35 mph or more over the limit is 6 points. A single speeding ticket for 35+ mph over the limit puts you at 6 points — one-third of the way to suspension.

Reckless driving is 6 points. Improper lane change is 2 points. Failure to obey a traffic control device is 3 points. Following too closely is 4 points. At-fault accidents are typically 4 points each, though the exact value can depend on the circumstances.

DUI or driving under the influence is 12 points — nearly enough to suspend your license on a single violation. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points. Hit-and-run is 6 points. Fleeing or eluding police is 6 points.

How the 24-month rolling window works

Georgia uses a rolling 24-month period to count points. This means the state looks back 24 months from today and counts all violations within that window. Once a violation reaches 24 months old, it drops off the calculation — but it remains on your driving record permanently for other purposes like insurance or background checks.

If you received a violation on January 15, 2023, and today is January 16, 2025, that violation is no longer counted toward your point total because more than 24 months have passed. However, if you received a violation on January 15, 2024, it still counts today because it is within the 24-month window.

This rolling window means you can sometimes avoid suspension by waiting for older violations to age out. If you have 14 points and a violation from 23 months ago, you have roughly one month before that violation drops off and your point total falls below 15. However, if you receive another violation during that month, you will be suspended when ready.

Difference between CDL and regular driver point systems

Georgia treats commercial and non-commercial drivers differently because federal law requires stricter standards for CDL holders. The suspension threshold is the same — 15 points in 24 months — but the point values for individual violations often differ.

For example, speeding 35+ mph over the limit is 6 points for both CDL and non-commercial drivers. However, some violations carry higher points for CDL holders. Reckless driving is 6 points for CDL holders but 4 points for non-commercial drivers in many contexts. At-fault accidents are 4 points for both, but commercial drivers face additional scrutiny and may face federal disqualification for certain violations.

Additionally, CDL holders face federal disqualification rules that go beyond Georgia's point system. A single DUI, for instance, can result in a one-year federal disqualification of your CDL even if you have not accumulated 15 points. A second DUI within 10 years results in lifetime disqualification. These federal rules operate separately from Georgia's point system.

What happens when you reach 15 points

When your point total reaches 15 within the 24-month window, DDS automatically suspends your commercial license. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining the suspension and the steps to restore your license. The suspension is effective when ready upon notice, though you may have a brief window to request a hearing if you believe the points were assessed incorrectly.

During suspension, you cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle. Driving a commercial vehicle with a suspended CDL is a criminal offense in Georgia and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension period.

To restore your license, you must complete a defensive driving course approved by DDS, pay a reinstatement fee (typically $210 for a CDL suspension), and submit a new CDL process. The defensive driving course must be taken after the suspension begins — taking it before does not prevent the suspension. After you complete the course and pay the fee, you can reapply for your CDL at a DDS office.

How to check your current point total

You can check your driving record and current point total through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website or by visiting a DDS office in person. To check online, you will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online system shows all violations on your record within the past three years and the points assigned to each.

You can also request a certified copy of your driving record by mail or in person. This record is useful if you want to dispute a violation or if you need documentation for insurance or employment purposes.

If you believe a violation was recorded incorrectly or if you have questions about the points assigned, you can contact DDS directly or request a hearing to contest the violation. However, contesting a violation requires evidence that the violation was not valid — for example, a dismissal from traffic court or a written statement from the officer who issued the citation.

Options if you are close to suspension

If you are approaching 15 points, you have limited options within Georgia's system. You cannot reduce points through a defensive driving course unless you are already suspended. However, you can monitor your point total and plan around violations that are about to age out.

If you receive a new violation while close to suspension, you can contest it in traffic court. If the violation is dismissed or reduced, the points may be reduced or eliminated. This is your best opportunity to avoid suspension before it happens.

Some violations can be reduced to non-moving violations in traffic court, which carry no points. For example, a speeding ticket might be reduced to a parking violation or a non-moving violation. This requires negotiating with the prosecutor or judge in the county where you received the ticket.

Once suspended, your only path forward is to complete the defensive driving course, pay the reinstatement fee, and reapply for your CDL. There is no way to avoid these steps or to have points removed before suspension occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get points removed from my record before I reach 15?

No. Georgia does not allow drivers to remove points through defensive driving courses or any other method before suspension occurs. Points remain on your record for 24 months from the violation date, then drop off automatically. Your only option to avoid suspension is to contest a violation in traffic court and have it dismissed or reduced.

Does a defensive driving course prevent suspension?

No. A defensive driving course is required only after your license is already suspended. Taking the course before suspension does not reduce your points or prevent suspension. You must complete the course as part of the reinstatement process after suspension.

What if I get a DUI as a CDL holder?

A DUI results in 12 points toward Georgia's suspension threshold, but it also triggers a one-year federal disqualification of your CDL under federal law. This means even if you restore your Georgia license after suspension, your CDL remains disqualified federally for one year. A second DUI within 10 years results in lifetime federal disqualification.

How long does suspension last?

The suspension lasts until you complete a defensive driving course and pay the reinstatement fee to DDS. There is no minimum waiting period. Once you finish the course and pay the fee, you can reapply for your CDL when ready. The entire process typically takes one to two weeks if you complete the course quickly.

Can I drive a non-commercial vehicle if my CDL is suspended?

A CDL suspension suspends only your commercial driving privileges. You can still drive a regular passenger vehicle with your regular driver's license, provided your regular license is not also suspended for other reasons. However, you cannot operate any commercial vehicle during the suspension period.