Georgia suspends your license after accumulating 15 points within 24 months, and most speeding tickets add 2 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving

A single speeding ticket will not suspend your license in Georgia. Instead, the state uses a point system: each traffic violation adds points to your driving record, and when those points reach 15 within a 24-month period, the Georgia Department of Driver Services automatically suspends your license for a set time. A speeding ticket typically costs you 2 points (for speeds 1–10 mph over the limit), 3 points (11–20 mph over), or 4 points (21+ mph over). This means you could theoretically receive four or five speeding tickets before hitting suspension — but only if they are spread across different 24-month windows or if you have no other violations.

The 24-month window is crucial. Points from violations that occurred more than 24 months ago do not count toward your suspension total. If you received a ticket 25 months ago, those points drop off the calculation. This is why the number of tickets that triggers suspension varies: it depends on when you received them and what other violations appear on your record.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia suspends your license when you accumulate 15 points within any 24-month period, not after a set number of tickets.
  • A speeding ticket adds 2 to 4 points depending on how much over the speed limit you were driving, so you could receive four or five speeding tickets before suspension if they are your only violations.
  • Points older than 24 months do not count toward suspension, so spacing violations across longer periods can prevent suspension.
  • Your first suspension lasts three months; a second suspension within five years lasts six months; a third suspension lasts 12 months.
  • You can request a hearing with the Department of Driver Services to contest the suspension if you believe the points were assessed incorrectly.

How Georgia's Point System Works

Georgia assigns points based on the specific violation and your speed over the limit. A speeding ticket for driving 1–10 mph over the limit costs 2 points. Driving 11–20 mph over adds 3 points. Driving 21 mph or more over the limit adds 4 points. Other violations carry different point values: reckless driving is 4 points, following too closely is 3 points, and improper lane change is 2 points.

The state tracks these points for exactly 24 months from the date of each violation. Once a violation reaches the 24-month mark, those points disappear from your record for suspension purposes. This means if you received a speeding ticket on January 15, 2023, the points from that ticket no longer count toward suspension after January 15, 2025. However, the violation itself remains on your driving history for insurance and employment purposes — the 24-month window applies only to suspension calculations.

When Your License Gets Suspended

The Georgia Department of Driver Services sends you a notice when your points reach 15 within 24 months. The suspension becomes effective 30 days after you receive the notice, giving you time to request a hearing if you want to contest it. You cannot drive during the suspension period, and driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can result in fines and jail time.

Your first suspension lasts three months. If you receive another suspension within five years of the first one ending, the second suspension lasts six months. A third suspension within that same five-year window lasts 12 months. After five years with no new suspensions, the clock resets and a future suspension would be treated as a first suspension again.

Other Violations That Add Points Quickly

Speeding is not the only violation that adds points. If you have received other tickets or citations, those points combine with your speeding tickets toward the 15-point threshold. Reckless driving adds 4 points — the same as a speeding ticket for 21+ mph over the limit. Improper passing is 3 points. Hit-and-run is 6 points. Driving under the influence is 4 points for a first offense.

This is why two drivers with the same number of speeding tickets can have very different outcomes. If Driver A has three speeding tickets (9 points) and Driver B has three speeding tickets plus one reckless driving charge (13 points), Driver B is much closer to suspension. A single additional violation could push Driver B over 15 points while Driver A would still have room.

How to Check Your Current Points

You can view your driving record and current point total through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website or by visiting a local DDS office in person. To check online, go to the DDS website, select "Driving Records," and follow the prompts to order your record. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The record costs a small fee and typically arrives within a few business days.

Knowing your current points helps you understand how close you are to suspension. If you have 12 points and receive a speeding ticket for 4 points, you would hit 16 points and trigger suspension. If you have 8 points, you have more room before suspension becomes a risk.

What Happens If You Receive a Suspension Notice

When the Department of Driver Services determines that you have reached 15 points, they mail you a suspension notice. This notice includes the effective date of the suspension (30 days after you receive it), the length of the suspension, and instructions for requesting a hearing. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the suspension, though you must do so before the effective date.

At a hearing, you can present evidence that points were assessed incorrectly — for example, if you believe a ticket was issued in error or if the speed recorded on the ticket does not match what you were actually driving. The hearing officer will review your record and the evidence you provide. If the hearing officer agrees that points should be removed, your total may drop below 15 and the suspension may be cancelled.

Reducing Points Through Defensive Driving

Georgia allows you to reduce your points by completing a defensive driving course. If you complete an approved course, you can have up to 7 points removed from your record. However, you can only use this reduction once every five years, and you cannot use it if you have already had a suspension in the past five years.

The course must be approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Many courses are offered online and take a few hours to complete. After you finish, you will receive a certificate that you can submit to the DDS. The point reduction typically takes effect within a few weeks of submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license back before the suspension ends?

No. Once a suspension is in effect, you must wait for the full period to end before you can reinstate your license. You cannot request early termination. However, you can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect to try to prevent it from happening in the first place.

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

Yes. Georgia counts violations from other states under its point system. If you received a speeding ticket in Florida or South Carolina, those points will be added to your Georgia record and count toward the 15-point threshold. The 24-month window still applies — points from out-of-state violations drop off after 24 months just like Georgia violations.

What if I pay a ticket but still think the points are wrong?

Paying the ticket does not prevent points from being added to your record. If you believe the points were assessed incorrectly, you can request a hearing with the Department of Driver Services even after you have paid. Bring documentation showing why the points should not explore — for example, proof that you were not the driver or that the speed recorded was inaccurate.

How long do speeding tickets stay on my record?

Speeding tickets remain on your driving record for three years in Georgia. However, for suspension purposes, only points from violations within the past 24 months count. After three years, the ticket no longer appears on your record at all, though insurance companies may still see it depending on their own reporting practices.

If I get suspended, do I need to pay a reinstatement fee?

Yes. After your suspension period ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Georgia Department of Driver Services before your license becomes active again. The fee amount varies but is typically between $200 and $300. You can pay this fee online or in person at a DDS office once your suspension period has ended.