If you hold a driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you should know how even a minor traffic offense may impact your driving privileges.
Whether you receive a ticket for driving seven miles over the posted speed limit or you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, these events may result in demerit points being added to your driving record.
Two types of points on a driving record
As explained by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, your driving record may include two different types of points. The first type is a safe point. The second type is a demerit point.
You may earn safe points by completing an approved driver improvement clinic. You may also earn safe points by remaining violation-free for a single calendar year.
You may receive demerit points after being convicted of a traffic offense. Depending on the nature of the offense, you may receive three, four or six points at one time for a single violation. If you amass too many demerit points, your license may be revoked or suspended.
Reinstating your driving privileges
Reinstating your driving privileges may require that you apply for a new driver’s license. You may need to get a new photo, pass a written and a driving test, and pass a vision screening. There may be fees associated with reinstating your license.
More information about demerit points, driver improvement clinics and other factors that may be connected to the loss of your driving privileges may be available at the driver’s license suspension and revocation page of our Virginia traffic offenses and criminal defense website.