I have more points on my license than I should. How can I contest it?

Most states have license points systems for keeping track of your driving record. Points are accrued for every driving infraction, and if the total exceeds a specified number, your driver’s license may be suspended. Many types of points will drop off your driving record after a designated period of time, often three to five years.

There is no standard points system across state lines, so you need to understand the system in your state. Every driver should periodically obtain a copy of their driving record to make sure that the points registered there are correct. In fact, some officials admit that as much as twenty percent of driving records have some type of error. These errors usually fall into two categories:

• Dismissed charges that have never been removed

• Clerical errors

No matter what type of errors you find on your driving record, they can cause serious problems. Insurance rates will reflect a high point total on your record, and penalties for new violations may be higher if you already have prior convictions.

If you believe there are errors on your driving record, you should contact your local DMV to obtain a copy and determine if there are errors. Contact the DMV and tell them of your concerns. They should confirm the errors and correct them immediately. If you have problems getting errors corrected, a lawyer can help you fight to get them correct.