If you're not responsible behind the wheel, the state of California may suspend your license. One way the state judges your driving is through points. Here is everything you need to know about the California DMV points system — and how you can keep yours clean to continue driving.
California DMV Points System 101
Most states have adopted a point system. In California, it's known as the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS).
Why Does It Exist?
The California point system was introduced in the early 1970s to make the state's roads safer. It flags bad drivers, punishes them, and sends a message to other drivers: be a responsible driver, or we might suspend your license.
How Does It Work?
Every driver 18 and over starts out with a clean record and 0 points. If they break traffic laws or are responsible for a collision, law enforcement will issue them points.
Those points range from 0 to 3, depending on the severity of the offense. Small infractions yield 0 or 1 point, while more negligent actions yield 2 or 3 points. Points stay on a driver's record for 3 to 10 years and they can quickly add up. Once drivers amass a certain amount of points in a given time period, they lose their license.
If you have a California driver's license, any violations you commit outside the Golden State will still end up on your record. Out-of-state law enforcement agencies communicate tickets and collisions to the California DMV.
According to this system, points are demerits. It's a lot like golf: the fewer points you have, the better.
How Many Points Will I Get For...?
Generally speaking, minor violations that don't pose a threat to other road users score 0 points (accompanied by a fix-it ticket). Then minor violations that could put others at risk score 1 point. Major traffic violations score 2 points, and most (but not all!) 3-point infractions apply to drivers with commercial licenses.
Let's take a look at how this plays out in real life.
Busted Lights
0 points (for license plate lights) or 1 point (for headlights and other important lights).
Speeding
1 point (for lower speeds) or 2 points (for going over 100 mph).
Running a Red Light
1 point.
Not Yielding for Pedestrians
1 point. It's one of the most common mistakes on the driving test.
Doing an Illegal Turn
1 point. This includes unsafe left turns.
Driving Under the Influence
2 points (for regular drivers) or 3 points (for commercial, professional drivers).
Running a Stop Sign
1 point.
Failing to Stop for a School Bus
1 point. Not stopping for school buses carries hefty fines in California.
Hit and Run
2 points. Know what to do after a car accident to avoid this serious charge.
How Do I Know How Many Points I Have?
You can request your driver's record online through the California DMV. There, you'll see traffic convictions for the past three, seven, or ten years — as well as the points you've accrued.
Keep in mind you're not the only one who can access your driver's record. Employers, insurance companies, and property managers can request access, too. Fortunately, there are ways of masking some violations (more on that later).
Punishment for Racking Up Points
The California DMV will suspend your license for 6 months (and put you on probation for a year) if you rack up:
4 points in 12 months
6 points in 24 months
8 points in 36 months
That means you won't be able to drive or apply for a new license for six months.
You'll get a letter at your address if you're getting close to hitting that suspension threshold. The DMV will issuea:
Level I warning letter if you get:
2 points within 12 months
4 points within 24 months
6 points within 36 months
Level II notice of intent to suspend if you get
3 points within 12 months
5 points within 24 months
7 points within 48 months
Is Insurance More Expensive When You Have Points?
Yes. Drivers who rack up a lot of points are negligent drivers, and insurance companies don't like that. Keeping your record clean is the best way to get auto insurance discounts.
Wipe Your Points with Traffic School
Fortunately, you can dismiss a ticket in California so those points don't end up on your record. It's a multi-step process and involves enrolling in traffic school. Don't worry, it's nothing like regular school. You can take classes online at your own pace, so they'll always work with your schedule. You'll learn defensive driving techniques and brush up on your California traffic law knowledge. Plus, you'll keep your auto insurance rates down and save money!
Updated 12/13/23