Will I lose my license if convicted of a traffic offense?

- You may. Some traffic offenses carry an automatic license suspension while others may result in points being assessed to your license.

 

What is Pennsylvania’s Points System?

- Each driving offense carries a point value. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) begins imposing penalties after 6 points have been accumulated. Your insurance company will raise your rates based on the accumulation of these points.

 

- What happens after a driver reaches 6 points for the first time?

The driver will receive a written notice to take a special written point examination that will address the driver’s knowledge of safe driving practices, departmental sanctions and related safety issues. The driver has 30 days to successfully pass the exam or else the license will be suspended until the exam is passed. If the exam is passed within the 30-day period, 2 points will be removed from the driving record.

 

Can points be removed?

- Yes. Three points are removed from a driving record for every 12 consecutive months a person drives (from the date of the last violation) without a violation, which results in points, license suspension or revocation. Once a driving record is reduced to zero and remains at zero points for 12 consecutive months, any further accumulation of points is treated as the first accumulation of points.

 

Will a traffic conviction affect my insurance rates?

- Yes. Many insurance companies will raise your rates if you are convicted of a traffic offense, have points assessed to your license or have your license suspended.