How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in GA?

TL;DR: In Georgia, points from traffic violations stay on your driving record for two years (24 months). After that, they’re removed from the state’s point calculation system but may still appear on your driving history. Accumulating 15 or more points in 24 months can lead to license suspension.

Getting a traffic ticket in Georgia doesn’t just cost you a fine; it can also lead to points on your driving record, which may affect your insurance rates, driving privileges, and even your job if driving is part of your work.

Many drivers panic when they hear about “points,” but the truth is, not all points last forever. Understanding how long they stay on your license and how the point system works can help you avoid unnecessary penalties and keep your driving record clean.

How the Georgia Point System Works

The point system in Georgia is designed to track unsafe driving behavior and encourage safer habits behind the wheel. Each moving violation carries a specific point value, and accumulating too many points can result in a license suspension.

Here’s how the system generally works:

• Points are assessed for moving violations only (non-moving violations like parking tickets do not add points).
• The number of points varies depending on the severity of the offense.
• The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) keeps a record of all points and driving infractions.

For example:

• Speeding 15–18 mph over the limit = 2 points
• Speeding 19–23 mph over the limit = 3 points
• Speeding 24–33 mph over the limit = 4 points
• Speeding 34+ mph over the limit = 6 points
• Failure to obey a traffic signal = 3 points
• Reckless driving = 4 points
• Improper passing = 3 points

How Long Points Stay on Your License in Georgia

In Georgia, points stay on your driving record for two years (24 months) from the date of the violation. After that, they are automatically removed from the point calculation system used by DDS.

This doesn’t mean the violation disappears completely; your driving history can still show past violations for several years (usually up to 7 years), but they no longer count toward point totals or license suspension thresholds.

This two-year period is critical because if you accumulate too many points within that timeframe, you can face serious penalties, including suspension of your driver’s license.

How Many Points Lead to a License Suspension?

The Georgia Department of Driver Services uses your accumulated points within a two-year period to determine if a suspension is necessary.

Here’s the breakdown:

• 15 points in 24 months for adult drivers can lead to a license suspension.
• For drivers under 21, a single violation worth 4 or more points (like reckless driving or speeding 24+ mph over the limit) can trigger an automatic suspension.
• For drivers under 18, accumulating 4 points in 12 months can also result in suspension.

This stricter rule for younger drivers is designed to discourage high-risk driving behaviors and promote road safety.

How Insurance Companies View Points

Even after points “expire” for state calculation purposes, insurance companies often keep track of your violations for three to five years, depending on the type of offense.

For example:

• Minor speeding tickets may affect your rates for about 3 years.
• Major violations like reckless driving or DUI can impact insurance premiums for much longer.

So while the state may stop counting the points after 24 months, your insurance company may still use the violation history to determine your rates.

Can You Reduce Points on Your License in Georgia?

Yes, Georgia allows drivers to reduce up to 7 points from their record every 5 years by completing a defensive driving course approved by the state.

Here’s how it works:

• Enroll in and complete a DDS-certified defensive driving course.
• Submit your certificate to DDS.
• Up to 7 points can be removed from your driving record.

This can be a smart move for drivers who are close to the suspension threshold or want to improve their record for insurance purposes.

Expunging or Removing Violations Completely

While you can’t erase all violations from your driving history, some situations allow for limited expungement. If a ticket is dismissed, found to be in error, or successfully contested in court, the points may never appear on your record.

Also, after a violation ages off your record, it no longer impacts your point total, but it may still appear in your driving history for a few years.

Common Traffic Violations That Add Points

Some violations are more common than others. Knowing what can add points to your license may help you avoid unnecessary penalties. Common infractions include:

• Speeding (the most frequent)
• Following too closely
• Failure to yield
• Failure to obey traffic signals or signs
• Improper lane change or passing
• Reckless driving
• Aggressive driving

Being mindful of these can help keep your record clean and your insurance rates stable.

CDL Drivers and Point Accumulation

If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the point system works similarly but with stricter consequences. CDL drivers are held to a higher standard, and even minor violations can result in heavier penalties, potential job loss, or disqualification from driving commercially.

For example:

• Serious violations like reckless driving or excessive speeding can lead to CDL suspension.
• Certain violations that might not suspend a regular license can still disqualify a CDL holder.

How to Check Your Driving Record in Georgia

To stay on top of your points and prevent surprises, it’s a good idea to check your driving record regularly. You can do this online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website.

A driving record report will show:

• Current active points
• Past violations and their dates
• Any suspensions or restrictions
• License status

This helps you plan ahead, take defensive driving courses if needed, and avoid crossing the suspension threshold.

Final Thoughts

In Georgia, points from traffic violations stay on your license for two years, but their impact can last longer, especially when it comes to insurance and employment. Accumulating too many points within that period can lead to suspension, higher insurance premiums, and a tarnished driving record.

Staying informed, driving safely, and taking steps like defensive driving courses can help keep your record clean and your driving privileges intact.

If you’ve received a traffic ticket and are worried about points on your license, don’t wait for them to stack up. Consult a personal injury attorney or explore your legal options to fight the ticket, reduce penalties, or keep your record clean. Contact us for free case evaluation.