Understanding the CA DMV Point System

According to DL, the California DMV assigns points to your driving record for traffic violations and at-fault accidents [1].

The DMV will assign points to your record once it receives a notice of violation from the court or notice of an accident you were in some way responsible for from law enforcement

Non-moving violations, such as parking tickets, generally do not result in points unless they directly impact driving safety. Points from out-of-state traffic violations also apply to your California record, but out-of-state accidents do not.

Consequences of Accumulating Points

Your driving privileges in California may be suspended or revoked if you accumulate:

4 points within 12 months
6 points within 24 months
8 points within 36 months

Common Violations and Point Assignments

The severity of the traffic infraction determines the number of points added to your record. Driving a commercial vehicle when cited increases the point value by 1.5 times the standard amount.

One-Point Violations:

Speeding
Running a red light
Unsafe lane changes
At-fault accidents
Out-of-state traffic tickets

Two-Point Violations:

Reckless driving
DUI
Driving on a suspended or revoked license
Driving over 100 mph
Evading law enforcement
Hit-and-run
Transporting explosives

Penalties for Teen Drivers
Drivers under 18 face stricter penalties for traffic violations in California. A minor’s provisional license may be:

Suspended for accumulating 3 points within 12 months.
Restricted for 30 days for accumulating 2 points within 12 months.
Suspended for 1 year for alcohol or drug-related offenses.

These penalties apply to individuals between the ages of 13 and 21.

Steps to Removing Points From Your California Driving Record

If you’re a first-time violator, you may be eligible to take a defensive driving course with the court’s approval to keep points off your record [2]. This can help prevent your insurance rates from rising and may protect your driving privileges if you receive another ticket in the future. Here’s how to proceed:

Step 1: Wait for Court Notification
The court will notify you if you are eligible to take a defensive driving course. Generally, you qualify if you have a valid driver’s license, weren’t driving a commercial vehicle, the offense was an infraction (not a misdemeanor), and you haven’t taken a similar course in the past 18 months.

Step 2: Enroll in a California-Approved Defensive Driving Course
You can choose to take the course either in-person or online. Opting for an online California defensive driving course allows you to complete the requirements at your own pace, providing flexibility and convenience.
Step 3: Complete the Course and Pass the Final Exam
After completing all the course lessons, you must pass the final exam. Successfully passing this exam marks the completion of the course.
Step 4: Submit the Course Completion Report to the DMV
Once you’ve completed the course, you must send the course completion report to the DMV to confirm that you’ve met the necessary requirements to keep the points off your driving record.

How to Get a Speeding Ticket Off Your Record in Six Steps

#1 Automatic Expungement by the MVA
The MVA may automatically expunge your California traffic ticket if you meet certain criteria:

You have not been convicted of another moving violation or crime involving a motor vehicle in the past three years.
Your license has never been suspended or revoked.
You have not been convicted or granted probation before judgment (PBJ) for serious offenses like DWI, DUI, or driving while impaired.

#2 Manual Expungement Request
In case you’re not qualified for automatic expungement, you may still stand a chance at getting your conviction expunged manually. You need to fill out a Request Form for Expungement and submit it to the Administrative Adjudication Division of the MVA. They will examine your case and take a decision on whether your record can be expunged or not.

#3 Attend Traffic Safety School
Enrolling in a DMV-approved Traffic Safety School can be a fast way to remove points from your license and may even lead to the dismissal of your ticket. While it won’t erase serious offenses like DUI or reckless driving, it can help eliminate points for minor violations like speeding.

#4 Maintain a Clean Record
To ensure that points are removed from your record, be cautious about your driving in the future. If you remain points-free for three years, your existing points will be cleared from your record.

#5 Attend All Court Dates
Always appear in court when required. Missing a court date can result in serious violations, like DUIs, remaining on your record for ten years, while other violations may stay for five years.

#6 Contest Questionable Tickets
Don’t hesitate to contest a traffic ticket, especially if you have a shaky driving history. Fighting a ticket can often lead to reduced penalties or even dismissal, making it worth the effort to challenge any questionable citations.

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References:
1. https://www.duquelaw.com/articles/understanding-the-california-dmv-point-system/
2. https://driversed.com/trending/how-get-points-my-license-california

How to Remove DMV Points in California: Step-by-Step Guide