How Long Does It Take for Points to Come Off Your Driving Record in Pennsylvania?

March 5, 2024 | Car Accidents

How Long Does It Take for Points to Come Off Your Driving Record in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, your driving record keeps track of issues using a point system. If you break traffic rules, you get points added to your record. Getting six or more points can make your insurance cost more. It can also put you at risk of losing your license. 

If you receive a traffic ticket that might add points, it is crucial to understand how the system works and consult a personal injury attorney in Harrisburg for help. 

How Many Points Do I Get Per Violation?

When you make mistakes on the road, points get added to your driving record. The amount of points you receive depends on the violation. 

Here’s how points can add up for different traffic violations:

  • Two Points – For smaller mistakes like not following directions from someone controlling traffic, not sticking to license restrictions, or going over the speed limit by six to 10 miles per hour 
  • Three Points – Given for violations like not following traffic signals, passing in a risky way near tunnels or bridges, tailgating, ignoring stop signs, making illegal U-turns, or driving carelessly 
  • Four Points – Added for more serious actions like not stopping at a railroad crossing or leaving the scene of a car accident with property damage.

For speeding in a work zone, points and penalties get steeper. A driver can receive three points plus a 15-day license suspension for speeding 11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit. Four points may be given, and a 15-day suspension for going 16 to 25 miles per hour too fast. 

A driver could also receive five Points and a 15-day suspension for speeding by 26 to 30 miles per hour in a work zone. The same 5 Points plus a suspension apply for going over 31 miles per hour in a work zone.

Collecting too many points can lead to your driver’s license being suspended.

First Time Getting Six Points

When you first hit six points on your driving record, you have to take a written special point exam. 

The written test focuses on:

  • How to drive safely
  • The penalties PennDOT can impose
  • Important safety topics

Passing this test within 30 days keeps your driving rights safe and knocks two points off your record. But if you don’t pass or take the test in time, your license gets suspended. You’ll be stuck without it until you can pass the test.

What if I Accrue Six Points Multiple Times?

Hitting 6 points on your driving record for a second time puts you in a more challenging spot. Once your points drop below six and then climb back up, you’re called in for an administrative hearing. At this hearing, a review of your driving habits is conducted. 

After the hearing, the Department may suggest a license suspension or a special on-road driving test. 

If you face a suspension or need to take a test, passing the test within 30 days or completing your suspension period will shave two points off your record. Skipping this hearing, though, leads to a license suspension.

For those reaching six points a third time, the process intensifies. You’ll need to attend another hearing, where the focus is on whether to suspend your license for 30 days. Not attending this hearing means your license gets suspended until you comply. 

How Are Points Removed From My Record?

Points are taken off your driving record in a straightforward way. For every 12 months you drive without any violations, three points are removed from your record. If you manage to get your record down to zero points and keep it there for a full year, any new points you get will be treated as if it’s the first time you’re accumulating points. This system encourages safe driving habits by gradually forgiving past mistakes as long as you maintain a clean driving record moving forward.

If you need help with your case, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963