Virginia suspends your license when you accumulate 18 points within a 12-month period

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles tracks violations through a point system. Each traffic offense carries a set number of points. When your total reaches 18 points in any 12-month rolling window, the DMV will suspend your license automatically. The suspension lasts for a minimum of 30 days, though repeat suspensions carry longer periods.

The 12-month window is not a calendar year — it moves forward from the date of each violation. So if you receive a ticket on March 15, that violation counts toward your total through March 14 of the following year. A second violation on March 20 of that next year starts a new 12-month window from that date. This means you could theoretically have overlapping windows, and points from multiple violations could push you over 18 in a single month.

Virginia does not suspend your license for a single violation, no matter how serious. Even reckless driving, which carries 6 points, will not trigger a suspension by itself. The suspension happens only when the accumulated total crosses the threshold.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license suspends automatically when you reach 18 points within any 12-month period, and the DMV sends notice by mail.
  • Different violations carry different point values — speeding 1–9 mph over the limit is 3 points, while reckless driving is 6 points.
  • The 12-month window is rolling, not calendar-based, so violations from different months can combine to reach 18 points.
  • You can request a hearing with the DMV to contest the suspension, but you must do so within a specific timeframe after receiving notice.

Common violations and their point values in Virginia

Virginia assigns points based on the type and severity of the violation. Speeding violations make up a large portion of point accumulation. Driving 1 to 9 miles per hour over the posted limit is 3 points. Driving 10 to 19 mph over the limit is 4 points. Driving 20 mph or more over the limit is 6 points. These are the violations most drivers encounter.

Other common violations include improper passing (3 points), following too closely (4 points), and failing to yield the right of way (3 points). Reckless driving, which Virginia defines narrowly as driving with willful or wanton disregard for safety, carries 6 points. Driving under the influence (DUI) carries 6 points for a first offense, though the criminal penalties are separate and more severe.

Some violations carry no points at all. These include parking violations, equipment violations (like a broken taillight), and certain administrative violations. A broken headlight will not add to your point total, but speeding in a school zone will — school zone speeding is treated as a separate violation with the same point value as regular speeding in that speed range.

How the DMV notifies you and what happens next

The DMV does not call or email about point accumulation. You will receive a letter in the mail when your points reach 18. The letter will state the date your suspension takes effect, which is usually 10 days after the letter is mailed. The letter will also explain your right to request a hearing and the important date for doing so.

Once the suspension date arrives, your license is no longer valid for driving. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Virginia. A first offense carries a fine of $100 to $500 and possible jail time. The penalties increase for repeat offenses.

You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension and resume driving. You must take specific steps to have your license reinstated. After the suspension period ends (30 days minimum for a first suspension), you must visit a DMV office in person, pay a reinstatement fee, and pass a vision test. The reinstatement fee is $145 as of the most recent update, though fees can change.

Requesting a hearing to contest the suspension

You have the right to request a hearing with the DMV to challenge the suspension. The hearing is not a trial — the DMV is not reconsidering whether you committed the violations. Instead, the hearing allows you to present evidence that the point total is incorrect, that the violations were recorded under the wrong license, or that there are other factual errors in the DMV's records.

You must request the hearing in writing within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. Mail your request to the address listed on the letter, or deliver it in person to your local DMV office. Include your name, license number, and a brief explanation of why you believe the suspension is in error. Do not straightforward state that you disagree with the violations themselves — the hearing officer will not reconsider the traffic court decision.

If you request a hearing, the suspension is delayed until after the hearing takes place. This means you can continue driving while waiting for your hearing date. The DMV will send you a notice with the date, time, and location of the hearing, usually within 30 to 60 days of your request.

How to reduce points through driver improvement

Virginia allows you to remove up to 5 points from your record by completing an approved driver improvement course. You can take this course only once every 12 months, and only if you have not taken one in the past 12 months. The course is typically offered online or in person and takes 4 to 6 hours to complete.

The course does not erase violations or change your driving record. It straightforward removes points from your total for the purpose of calculating suspension may be able to access. If you are already suspended, completing a course will not reinstate your license — you must still serve the suspension period and pay the reinstatement fee.

The course costs between $20 and $50 depending on the provider. You must complete the course and submit proof to the DMV before the points are removed. The removal is not automatic — you have to take the initiative to enroll and finish.

Points that expire and how long they stay on your record

Points do not disappear after a set time, but they stop counting toward suspension once they age out of the 12-month window. A violation from 13 months ago no longer contributes to your current point total, even though it remains on your driving record.

Your full driving record, including all violations and points, stays with the DMV indefinitely for record-keeping purposes. However, for the purpose of calculating whether you will be suspended, only violations within the past 12 months matter. This is why the rolling 12-month window is important — it is the only period that affects your suspension risk.

If you receive a violation on the same date as an older violation, both are counted in the same 12-month window. For example, if you get a ticket on March 15, 2024, and another on March 15, 2025, both violations count toward your total on March 15, 2025. On March 16, 2025, the first violation drops out of the window.

What to do if you are already suspended

If your license is currently suspended, you cannot legally drive. Your first step is to wait out the minimum 30-day suspension period. During this time, you can use public transportation, ride-sharing services, or ask others to drive you.

Before the suspension ends, consider taking a driver improvement course if you have not taken one in the past 12 months. This will remove up to 5 points from your record, which may prevent another suspension if you receive additional violations after reinstatement.

When the suspension period ends, visit a DMV office with your license, proof of identity, and payment for the $145 reinstatement fee. You will also take a vision test. Once you pass and pay, your license is reinstated and you can drive again. If you do not reinstate within a certain period, the suspension can be extended or converted to a revocation, which is more serious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work during my suspension?

No. Virginia does not issue restricted licenses that allow you to drive for work or other essential purposes during a suspension. You must not drive at all during the suspension period. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense with its own penalties.

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

Yes, if you report them to Virginia or if Virginia learns about them through interstate reporting systems. Many states share violation information. You should report out-of-state violations to the Virginia DMV to may support your record is accurate and to avoid surprises.

What if I get a ticket while my license is suspended?

You will face charges for driving on a suspended license in addition to the charges for the new violation. The new violation will also add points to your record, which will count toward future suspension may be able to access once your current suspension is lifted.

Does paying a traffic fine remove points?

No. Paying the fine does not change the point value or remove points from your record. The only ways to remove points are to complete a driver improvement course (up to 5 points once per 12 months) or to wait for violations to age out of the 12-month window.

Can I get my suspension reduced if I have a good reason?

The DMV does not reduce suspension periods based on personal circumstances. The suspension is automatic once you reach 18 points. Your only option is to request a hearing to challenge whether the points are recorded correctly, not to ask for leniency.