Virginia Criminal Traffic Lawyer Explains How DMV Points Work
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) point system is used to track and monitor driving infractions committed by motorists in the state. Each time a driver commits a traffic violation, they may be assessed points on their driving record, and if they accumulate too many points within a specified period, they may face penalties such as license suspension or revocation.
If you are charged with a motor vehicle related crime it is essential to understand the Virginia DMV point system and how crimes can affect points. In this article, we will take a closer look at how the Virginia DMV point system works, the offenses that can result in points being added to a driver's record, and how crimes can affect points.
How the Virginia DMV Point System Works
You receive 1 DMV point on your license each full calendar year that you hold a valid Virginia Driver's License and drive without any violations or suspensions. You can have a maximum of 5 points saved up. You start at 0 when you receive a Virginia driver's license. These points can have an effect on the price of your insurance.
The Virginia DMV point system assigns points to drivers' records for various traffic offenses. The number of points that are assessed depends on the severity of the infraction. For instance, a more serious offense will result in more points being added to a driver's record than a less severe one.
The Virginia DMV point system allows a driver to lose 12 points within a specified period before suffering consequences. If a driver accumulates 12 points within 12 months (or 18 points in 24 months) you will be required to complete a driver improvement clinic. If you accumulate 18 points within 12 months (or 24 points within 24 months) your license will be suspended for 90 days and won't be reinstated till you do the driver improvement clinic.
You can get points back by doing driver improvement, but there is a limit to the number of points you can earn doing this. And a limit to how often you can use the course to get your points back.
Offenses That Can Result in Points
There are numerous traffic offenses that can result in points being added to a driver's record. Some of the most common ones include:
Reckless driving: Reckless driving is one of the most severe traffic offenses in Virginia. It is defined as driving a vehicle in a manner that endangers life, limb, or property. Reckless driving convictions can result in six demerit points being added to a driver's record.
Speeding: Speeding is another common traffic offense that can result in points. The number of points assessed for speeding depends on the speed at which the driver was traveling. For example, a driver traveling at 1-9 mph over the speed limit may receive three demerit points, while a driver traveling at 20 mph or more over the speed limit may receive six demerit points.
Running a red light: Running a red light is a serious traffic offense that can result in four demerit points being added to a driver's record.
Driving without a license: Driving without a license is a criminal offense in Virginia and can result in six demerit points being added to a driver's record.
Driving on a suspended or revoked license: Driving on a suspended or revoked license is also a criminal offense and can result in six demerit points being added to a driver's record.
Crimes That Affect Points
In addition to traffic offenses, crimes can also affect the number of points that are added to a driver's record. Some examples of crimes that can result in points being added to a driver's record include:
DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense that can result in six demerit points being added to a driver's record. However, it's important to note that a DUI conviction can result in additional penalties, such as fines, jail time, and license suspension or revocation.
Hit and run: Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense that can result in six demerit points being added to a driver's record.