How does the Department of Motor Vehicles assign demerit points to traffic offenses?
Almost all traffic offenses carry demerit points which are assessed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Certain nonmoving offenses are excluded from the demerit system. The amount of points which a conviction carries depends upon the nature of the offense. The system assigns either 3, 4 or 6 points to each conviction. The Department of Motor Vehicles tracks the number of points an individual receives. Based upon the number of points and the amount of time in which the person accumulates the points, the DMV can take administrative action against the person licensed ranging from an advisory letter to suspension of the privilege to drive. Insurance companies also closely review each person’s driving record when determining the premium to charge for insurance. Even if you are not in jeopardy of administrative difficulties with DMV each traffic conviction will likely have some impact upon you.
