Georgia suspends licenses for drivers under 18 when they accumulate 4 points within a 12-month period

If you're under 18 in Georgia, your license suspension threshold is lower than it is for adult drivers. While drivers 18 and older can accumulate up to 15 points before suspension, the state treats younger drivers more strictly: you face suspension at 4 points. This applies whether you hold a learner's permit, an instructional permit, or a Class D license.

The 12-month window resets, so points from violations more than a year old don't count toward your total. However, once you hit 4 points, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will suspend your license. The suspension length depends on whether this is your first suspension or a repeat offense.

Key Takeaways

  • Drivers under 18 in Georgia face license suspension at 4 points accumulated within 12 months, compared to 15 points for adults.
  • Common violations that add points include speeding, running a red light, improper lane changes, and at-fault accidents, each typically worth 2 to 4 points.
  • Your first suspension lasts 30 days; a second suspension within five years lasts 60 days; a third or more suspensions last 6 months.
  • Points stay on your record for three years from the violation date, even after your suspension ends.
  • You can request a hearing with DDS within 10 days of receiving your suspension notice if you believe the points were issued in error.

Which violations add points to your license

Not every traffic ticket results in points. Parking violations, for example, do not add points. But moving violations — anything involving your vehicle in motion — typically do. The number of points varies by violation type.

Common violations and their point values include: speeding (2 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit), running a red light or stop sign (3 points), improper lane change (2 points), following too closely (3 points), reckless driving (4 points), and at-fault accidents (3 to 4 points). A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) adds 4 points and triggers additional penalties beyond the point system.

If you receive a ticket, the officer will note the violation code on the citation. You can look up the point value on the Georgia DDS website or ask the court clerk handling your case. If you pay the fine or plead guilty, the points are added to your record within a few weeks.

How suspension length works for repeat offenses

Your first suspension at 4 points lasts 30 days. During this time, you cannot legally drive. After 30 days, your license is automatically reinstated — you do not need to request reinstatement or pay a fee.

If you accumulate 4 more points within five years of your first suspension, you face a second suspension lasting 60 days. A third suspension within five years lasts 6 months. Each suspension resets the clock: the 12-month point window starts fresh from the date your suspension ends.

Once your suspension ends, your license returns to active status, but the points from the violations that caused the suspension remain on your record for three years from the original violation date. This means you can still be close to another suspension even after your license is reinstated.

What happens when you receive a suspension notice

When you reach 4 points, the Georgia DDS mails you a suspension notice to the address on file with your license. The notice includes the suspension start date, the length of the suspension, and the violations that triggered it. Read this notice carefully — it also explains your right to request a hearing.

You have 10 days from the date on the notice to request a hearing if you believe the points were issued in error or if you want to dispute the violations. To request a hearing, contact the Georgia DDS in writing or through their website. A hearing officer will review your case, but the burden is on you to show that the violations or points were incorrect.

If you do not request a hearing, your suspension takes effect on the date listed in the notice. You must stop driving on that date. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can result in arrest, fines, and additional license suspension.

How to reduce points through a defensive driving course

Georgia allows drivers to reduce points by completing an approved defensive driving course. You can remove up to 7 points from your record by taking one course, but you can only use this option once every five years. The course must be approved by the Georgia DDS — not all driving schools offer approved courses, so verify before enrolling.

The course is typically offered online or in person and takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. You pay a fee directly to the course provider, which varies but usually ranges from $20 to $50. After you finish, the provider sends your completion certificate to the DDS, and the points are removed from your record within a few weeks.

Taking a defensive driving course does not erase violations from your record or lower your insurance rates — it only removes points from the DDS system. However, if you are close to suspension, completing a course before you reach 4 points can prevent suspension entirely.

Points and your insurance rates

Insurance companies use traffic violations to set your rates, and they do not always follow the DDS point system. An insurance company may increase your premium based on a single violation, even if it is only worth 2 points. Conversely, some violations may not affect your rate at all.

When you receive a ticket, contact your insurance company to ask whether the violation will affect your rate. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness or a safe driver discount that can offset a violation. If your rate increases significantly, you may want to shop for quotes from other insurers — rates vary widely for the same violation.

Removing points from your DDS record through a defensive driving course does not automatically lower your insurance rate. You would need to ask your insurer whether they offer a discount for completing an approved course, as policies vary by company.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Georgia counts violations from other states if you were convicted. The violation must have a Georgia equivalent to add points, and the point value follows Georgia's system, not the other state's. You should report any out-of-state conviction to the Georgia DDS.

What if I turn 18 while my license is suspended?

Your suspension continues until the end date listed in your notice, regardless of your age. Once the suspension ends and you turn 18, your license returns to standard adult status, and you would then need 15 points (not 4) to face another suspension.

Can I get a hardship license while suspended?

Georgia does not issue hardship licenses for point-based suspensions for drivers under 18. You must wait out the full suspension period. If your suspension is for a DUI or other serious offense, different rules may explore — contact the Georgia DDS to ask about your specific situation.

How do I check how many points I currently have?

You can check your driving record through the Georgia DDS website or by visiting a DDS office in person. You can also request a copy of your record by mail. Your record shows all violations from the past three years and your current point total.

If I pay a ticket, do the points still get added?

Yes. Paying a fine is the same as pleading guilty — the violation is recorded as a conviction, and points are added to your record. The only way to avoid points is to have the charge dismissed in court or to complete a defensive driving course before the violation is finalized.