WHAT ARE “POINTS” AND HOW DO THEY AFFECT MY DRIVING “PRIVILEGE?
Many states have a point system that assigns a point value to each traffic ticket. More serious tickets have higher point values. For example, failure to stop at a stop sign might be 1 point, while speeding on the highway could cost you 3 points. Most states will look at your record over a period of time. Some states restrict the number of tickets you can receive in a year. Exceeding the point limit, or the maximum number of tickets, will result in a suspension or revocation. If you are found guilty of too many tickets in a certain time period, your driving “privilege” (i.e. license) can be suspended. If the Department of Revenue suspends or revokes your license, and you drive anyway, you may also receive a ticket for driving while suspended or revoked. This is a very serious charge, and can sometimes be charged as a felony depending on your driver record.
