Accumulating points on your driver’s license can lead to higher insurance premiums, license suspension, and even job loss for commercial drivers. Fortunately, there are legal ways to reduce or remove points in most states.
What Are Driver’s License Points?
Points are added to your record for violations like speeding, running red lights, reckless driving, and DUI. The number of points depends on the severity of the offense.
Ways to Remove Points:
- Traffic School or Defensive Driving Course
Many states allow drivers to take approved courses to reduce points. Some even erase the violation from your record entirely. - Good Driving Over Time
Points may automatically expire after a certain number of years if you maintain a clean record. - Appealing the Violation
If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly, contest it in court. If dismissed, the points don’t appear on your record. - Requesting Leniency
Some DMV offices offer administrative reviews or allow first-time offenders to enter diversion programs.
State-Specific Options:
Each state has its own rules. For example:
- New Jersey: Up to 2 points can be removed every 5 years with a clean record
- California: Points typically drop off after 3 years
- Florida: Attending traffic school may prevent points altogether