Virginia suspends your license when you reach 18 points within 12 months

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles uses a point system to track driving violations. Each type of violation carries a set number of points. When your total reaches 18 points in any 12-month period, the DMV will suspend your license for a set amount of time. The suspension is automatic — you do not have to be convicted in court for points to count against you, and you do not receive a warning at 17 points.

Points stay on your record for two years from the date of the violation, but only violations within the most recent 12 months count toward the 18-point threshold. This means a violation from 13 months ago drops off the active count, even though it remains visible on your driving record.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license suspends automatically when you accumulate 18 points within a 12-month period; you do not receive advance notice at 17 points.
  • Common violations carry different point values: speeding 1–6 points, reckless driving 6 points, hit-and-run 10 points, and driving under the influence 6 points.
  • The length of suspension depends on how many times you have been suspended before: first suspension is 30 days, second is 60 days, and third or more is one year.
  • Points remain on your record for two years, but only violations from the past 12 months count toward the 18-point suspension threshold.
  • You can request a hearing with the DMV before your suspension takes effect if you believe the points were recorded in error.

Point values for common Virginia violations

Different violations carry different point amounts. Speeding violations range from 1 point (1–9 mph over the limit) to 6 points (26+ mph over the limit). Reckless driving is 6 points. Improper passing is 3 points. Failure to obey a traffic signal is 3 points. Hit-and-run (property damage) is 10 points. Driving under the influence is 6 points. Driving with a suspended license is 6 points.

If you receive a summons or ticket, the violation and its point value will be listed on the document. You can also view your current point total by logging into your DMV account online or calling the DMV at 804-367-0538.

How long your license will be suspended

The length of suspension depends on whether you have been suspended before. Your first suspension lasts 30 days. Your second suspension lasts 60 days. Your third or any subsequent suspension lasts one year. These suspensions are separate from any court-ordered suspension you might receive as part of a criminal sentence.

The DMV will mail you a notice of suspension. The suspension begins on the date shown in the notice, not the date you receive it. You cannot drive during the suspension period, even with a restricted license, unless the DMV has issued you a restricted license for work or medical reasons (which requires a separate request).

What happens when you reach 18 points

The DMV sends you a notice by mail stating that your license will be suspended on a specific date. You have the right to request a hearing before that date takes effect. The hearing is held by a DMV hearing officer, not a judge, and you can present evidence that points were recorded in error or that circumstances warrant consideration.

If you do not request a hearing, or if the hearing officer upholds the suspension, your license becomes invalid on the date stated in the notice. Driving with a suspended license is itself a violation (6 points) and can result in criminal charges.

How to request a hearing before suspension

You must request a hearing in writing within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. Mail your request to the address shown on the notice, or submit it online through your DMV account if that option is available. Include your name, driver's license number, and a brief explanation of why you believe the suspension should not take effect.

The hearing officer will review your driving record and listen to your explanation. You can bring documents (such as proof that a ticket was dismissed or that points were recorded twice by mistake) or witnesses. The hearing officer will decide whether to uphold the suspension, reduce the points, or dismiss the suspension. You will receive a written decision by mail.

Removing points from your record

Points cannot be removed early, but they do expire. A violation drops off your active point count 12 months after the violation date, and it disappears from your record entirely after two years. Some violations can be dismissed or reduced if you contest them in traffic court and win, which would also remove those points.

Virginia does not offer a defensive driving course that reduces points on your record. However, completing an approved driver improvement course may help if you are trying to reinstate your license after a suspension, or if you are facing a second or third suspension and want to show the DMV that you are taking steps to improve your driving.

Reinstating your license after suspension

After your suspension period ends, you must reinstate your license before you can drive legally. You can reinstate online through your DMV account, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. There is a reinstatement fee (the amount varies; check the DMV website for current fees). You will also need to provide proof of financial responsibility (auto insurance) if your suspension was related to an accident or certain violations.

If you accumulate 18 points again within 12 months of your reinstatement, you will be suspended again. The second suspension lasts 60 days, and the third lasts one year. Each suspension makes it harder to keep your driving record clean, so addressing violations early — by contesting them in court if you believe they are unfair — can prevent a suspension from happening in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a warning before my license is suspended at 18 points?

No. The DMV sends a notice by mail, but suspension is automatic once you reach 18 points. You do not receive a warning at 17 points. The notice tells you the suspension date; you then have 10 days to request a hearing if you want to challenge it.

Can I drive to work during a suspension?

Not without a restricted license. You can request a restricted license from the DMV that allows you to drive only to work, school, or medical appointments, but you must submit a separate form and show that you have a genuine need. A standard suspension means no driving at all.

What if I get a ticket while suspended?

Driving with a suspended license is a separate violation worth 6 points and can result in criminal charges. It also makes reinstatement harder and may lead to additional fines or jail time. If your license is suspended, do not drive.

Do points from other states count toward Virginia's 18-point threshold?

Virginia counts violations from other states if you were driving a vehicle registered in Virginia or if Virginia has a record of the violation through the Interstate Compact. Check your DMV record online or call the DMV to see whether an out-of-state violation appears on your Virginia record.

Can I reduce my points by taking a driving course?

Virginia does not offer a course that reduces points on your record. However, completing a driver improvement course may help when you reinstate your license or if you are facing a second suspension and want to show the DMV you are committed to safer driving.