How Many Points Can You Have on Your License in Georgia?
Georgia adds 2 to 6 points to your license for certain traffic violations. When you accumulate 15 points, your license will be suspended. You can reduce points on your driver's license by taking a course.
Georgia has strict driving rules, such as prohibiting handheld phone use and requiring seatbelt use. Drivers must obey speed limits: 60 km/h in cities and 80-90 km/h on rural roads. If you violate any of these rules, you face point accumulation and license suspension.
This article will explain how the point accumulation system works, how to reduce points, and the suspension system. Let’s dive in.
How Point Accumulation Works in Georgia
Georgia’s driver’s license point system assigns points for certain traffic violations. Most violations carry between 2 and 6 points, although some violations, such as certain hands-free law offenses, may carry fewer points.
- Disregarding a traffic-control device or signal: 3 points
- Failure to obey a flashing signal: 3 points
- Improper passing of an active sanitation vehicle: 3 points
- Texting while driving: 1–3 points, depending on the conviction
- Aggressive driving: 6 points
- Following too closely: 3 points
- Failure to maintain a safe distance from a bicycle: 3 points
- Improper U-turn: 3 points
- Unsecured load resulting in an accident: 2 points
However, some people are exempt from receiving points on their license. If you were speeding less than 15 miles per hour and you are not a Georgia resident, points cannot be added.
What Is the Purpose of Point Accumulation?
According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, the State of Georgia records a high number of motor vehicle accidents and truck crashes, especially across state roadways.
The point system's main purpose is to identify and suspend drivers who drive carelessly and ignore traffic rules, endangering their lives and those of others on the road. Understanding how the point system works will help you maintain your driving privilege.
When Can Your License Be Suspended?
Common causes of license suspension include:
- Accumulating 15 or more points within 24 months
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Missing a traffic court date
- A driver under 18 lying about their age to buy an alcoholic drink
- Driving without auto insurance
- Habitual violation status
- Failing a chemical test administered by the State
Speeding is another major cause of accidents in that state, accounting for 1 in 3 traffic deaths. That is why the state must regulate speeding drivers. According to the Georgia Code, O.C.G.A. § 40, a speeding ticket over 35 mph adds 6 points, so a repeat offense that results in more than 15 points will suspend your license.
How to Reduce the Points on Your Driver’s License
Certain traffic convictions, including texting while driving and speeding, can add points to your Georgia driving record. You may request a points reduction by successfully completing a DDS-certified driver improvement, also called a defensive driving course.
The course is 6 hours long and can reduce up to 7 points from your Georgia driver's license record once every 5 years. After completing the course, you must submit the original certificate of completion to the Georgia Department of Driver Services either in person at a Customer Service Center or by mail.
A points reduction does not automatically resolve a license suspension that has already taken effect. Georgia DDS treats points reduction and license reinstatement as separate matters, so additional requirements may apply if the license has been suspended.
Key Takeaway
- Georgia drivers can have up to 14 points before reaching the 15-point suspension threshold.
- Traffic violations can add points to your Georgia driving record depending on the offense.
- Accumulating 15 or more points within 24 months can result in a license suspension.
- A DDS-certified Driver Improvement course can reduce up to 7 points once every 5 years.
- Reducing points does not automatically reinstate a license that has already been suspended.