Pennsylvania’s Traffic Violation Point System

In Pennsylvania, a traffic ticket will normally result in fines. But the state also imposes license-related penalties on repeat offenders. Like many states, Pennsylvania keeps track of traffic violations with a driver's license point system. This article explains how Pennsylvania's traffic ticket point system works, including the consequences of accumulating too many points.

How Does Pennsylvania's Traffic Ticket Point System Work?

All traffic convictions are reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT then assigns a certain number of points to each violation. The number of points generally depends on the seriousness of the offense (see chart below).

Pennsylvania drivers who rack up too many points face consequences such as having to complete a driver improvement course and license suspension. The good news is that points don't stay on your record forever. Over time, the points on your record will start to drop off.

License Suspension and Course Requirements for Traffic Violation Points in Pennsylvania.

The consequences of the point accumulation depend on the number of points and how many prior license suspensions the driver has had within his or her lifetime.

Notices for All Point Assessments in Pennsylvania

Every time points are added to a driver's record, the DOT is supposed to send out a notice informing the driver of the point system and the penalties of future violations.

Pennsylvania Drivers With Six Points Must Complete a Driver Improvement Course and May Face License Suspension

A driver with six demerit points must complete a driver improvement course or a special examination.

For drivers who have previously acquired six points, got their points reduced below six points, and then again acquired six points, the DOT can order a maximum 15-day license suspension, an examination, or driver's improvement course. A driver with two or more prior suspensions can be suspended for up to 30 days.

Successful completion of the driver's course, examination, or suspension will result in two points being erased from the driver's record. Failure to complete any of the requirements or pass an examination can result in a 60-day suspension or license cancellation.

Pennsylvania Drivers With 11 Points Face License Suspension

The DOT will suspend the license of any driver who reaches 11 or more points. The suspension period depends on the number of points accumulated and the number of prior suspensions.

• No prior suspensions. The driver faces five days of suspension for each demerit point.
• One prior suspension. The driver faces ten days of suspension for each demerit point.
• Two prior suspensions. The driver faces 15 days of suspension for each demerit point.
• Three or more prior suspensions. The driver faces a one-year suspension.

After serving the suspension and being reinstated, the driver's point total will be reduced to five points.

Getting an Occupational License Following a Point Suspension in Pennsylvania

A suspended driver can petition the DOT for an occupational license. This license allows operation to and from work or school but only during authorized times. All required driving courses and examinations must be completed prior to the application.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your Pennsylvania Driving Record?

In addition to the conditions leading to point reduction discussed above, three points are generally removed from a driver's record for each consecutive 12 months without a violation.

Points Values for Traffic Violations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania assigns the following point values for each traffic violation listed below.

Violation	Points assessed
License restriction violation	2
Disobeying officer	2
Failure to stop at red light	3
Failure to yield to oncoming traffic	3
Improper passing	3
Following too closely	3
Failure to yield to driver at right at intersection	3
Failure to yield to oncoming driver when making left turn	3
Failure to stop at a stop sign	3
Failure to yield at yield sign	3
Failure to yield when crossing roadway	3
Failure to obey railroad signal	2
Failure to comply with crossing gate or barrier	4 points and a 30-day suspension
Failure to stop for school bus	5 points and a 60-day suspension
Driving too fast for conditions	2
Speeding 6 to 10 miles per hour over the limit	2
Speeding 11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit	3
Speeding 16 to 25 miles per hour over the limit	4
Speeding 26 or more miles per hour over the limit	5
Speeding in a school zone	3
Failure to yield to pedestrian on crosswalk	2
Failure to yield to pedestrian on sidewalk	3
Failure to yield to blind pedestrian	3
Careless driving	3
Leaving scene of an accident involving property damage	4