The Pennsylvania Point System

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) keeps records on every driver licensed in the state. Points are added to a driver’s record when that individual is found guilty of a moving violation. A driver who has too many points on his or her record risks a suspended license. Any driver who has accumulated excessive points and fears a license suspension or other sanctions should contact a defense lawyer today.

Pennsylvania’s point system was designed to improve motorists’ habits and to ensure safe driving. PennDOT will take corrective actions if a driver accumulates six or more points. The following sections explain what happens when a driving record reaches six points or more.

Drivers who accumulate six or more points for the first time will be required to take a written point examination. The exam covers knowledge of safe driving practices, departmental sanctions, and related safety issues.

The driver must pass the exam within 30 days of receiving the notice, or the license will be suspended until the test is successfully completed. If the exam is passed within the 30-day period, two points will be removed from the driving record.

A driver who accumulates six points for a second time will be required to attend a departmental hearing. Failure to attend this hearing will trigger a 60 day license suspension. The driver will receive a written notice about the hearing. At the hearing, an examiner will review the driver’s record, and may order a 15-day license suspension, direct the driver to take a special on-road driver’s examination, or take no action.

If the driver’s license is suspended or an exam is recommended, two points will be removed from the driving record if the driver passes the exam within 30 days or once the 15-day suspension has been served. No points will be removed if the department takes no action against the driver

If a 15-day suspension is initiated, the driving record will show five points upon restoration. No points are removed if a special driver’s examination is initiated and completed.

A motorist who accrues six or more points for a third or subsequent time must attend a departmental hearing. The examiner will review the driving record and determine whether a 30-day license suspension is warranted. Failure to attend this departmental hearing will result in the suspension of the driver’s license until the driver attends the hearing.

The license of a driver who accumulates 11 or more points will automatically be suspended. The suspension length depends on how many times the license has been suspended in the past. The suspension schedule is as follows:

• First Suspension – 5 days per point
• Second Suspension – 10 days per point
• Third Suspension – 15 days per point
• Subsequent Suspensions – One year

Drivers under age 18 will see their licenses suspended if they accrue six or more points or are convicted of driving 26 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit. The first suspension will be for a period of 90 days. A second or subsequent violation will trigger a 120-day suspension. This punishment is in addition to the penalties of exceeding the point system meted out to drivers 18 or older.

For every 12 consecutive months a person drives from the date of the last citation without a violation which results in points, license suspension or revocation, three points will be removed. If the number of points falls to zero and remains there for 12 consecutive months, any further accumulation of points is treated as the first accumulation of points.

Drivers whose licenses are suspended because of excessive points will receive a written notice advising of the dates of suspension. The driver can appeal the action to the county Court of Common Pleas. The driver has only 30 days from the mailing date of the notice to appeal the decision. The most recent product license, permit and/or camera card must be returned to the Bureau of Driver Licensing by the effective date of the suspension listed on the notice or the state police, local police or other authorities that have been delegated by the department will be notified to pick up the license.

A driver whose license is suspended must also pay a restoration fee before the license will be returned. Once the driver’s privileges are restored, the record will show five points, regardless of the number of points which appeared on the record before the license was suspended (except in the case of a 15-day suspension resulting from a hearing for the second accumulation of six points).

Within 15 days of change of name or address, a driver is required by law to notify the Bureau of Driver Licensing in writing. Any questions about a driving record or the Pennsylvania Point System in general can be directed to one of the following numbers:

In State: 1-800-932-4600

Out-of-State: 1-717-391-6190

TDD in State: 1-800-228-0676

TDD Out-of-State: 1-717-391-6191

An experienced defense lawyer can increase the chance of success at a PennDot departmental hearing. Our defense attorneys are part of DrunkDrivingDefense.com, a nationwide network of top legal professionals dedicated to fighting for the rights of drivers. Contact an attorney today for a free consultation.

The following schedule indicates the violations and the number of points given for committing each violation: