Georgia’s Traffic Violation Point System

How Georgia’s licensing demerit point system works, including how too many tickets can lead to license suspension.

Georgia issues fines and fees for traffic infractions but also keeps track of violations to identify dangerous and negligent drivers with a point system. This article covers Georgia's traffic violation point system, including the consequences of racking up too many points on your record.

How Does Georgia's Traffic Ticket Point System Work?

For each traffic violation conviction, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) adds a certain number of points to your driving record. The number of points depends on the seriousness of the violation (see chart below).

Georgia drivers who end up with too many points on their records face license suspension. However, points don't count forever, and there are ways to reduce your points by taking classes (explained below).

License Suspension for Traffic Violation Points in Georgia

The Georgia DDS generally sends out a notice when a driver has been assigned license points. A driver who accumulates 15 points within 24 months will receive a notice of suspension. The suspension period depends on the number of prior point-related suspensions in the last five years.

  • First offense. The driver's license will be suspended for one year on a first offense. However, the driver is eligible for early reinstatement after completing a certified defensive driving course and paying a $200 reinstatement fee.
  • Second offense. A second offense will result in a three-year suspension. Again, the driver is eligible for early reinstatement after completing a certified defensive driving course and paying a $300 reinstatement fee.
  • Third offense. A third point-related suspension in five years will result in a two-year suspension. However, the driver is not eligible for early reinstatement or a hardship license.

Removing Points From Your Georgia Driving Record

A driver's point total is reduced to zero after completing a point-related suspension. A driver can also erase up to seven points by completing a defensive driving course and submitting the certificate of completion to the Georgia DDS. A driver can get this reduction only once every five years.

If faced with a traffic violation charge, a driver can avoid a conviction and the associated points by paying a fee and completing a defensive driving course. However, this option is available only once every five years.

Points Values for Specific Violations in Georgia

Georgia assigns the following point values to moving violations.

Violation

Points assessed

Aggressive driving

6

Reckless driving

4

Unlawfully passing a school bus

6

Improper passing on hill or curve

4

Speeding 14 to 18 miles per hour over limit

2

Speeding 19 to 23 miles per hour over limit

3

Speeding 24 to 33 miles per hour over limit

4

Speeding 34 or more miles per hour over limit

6

Traffic control device violation

3

Open container violation

2

Failure to secure load resulting in an accident

2

Child restraint violation

1 (2 points for subsequent offense)

Unlawful cellphone use

1 (2 points for second offense, 3 for third)

Unlisted traffic violation

3

Some traffic tickets won't add any points to a person's driving record. For example, a violation of the state's basic speeding law (driving too fast for the current conditions but not necessarily faster than a posted speed limit) is currently a zero-point offense. Read more about Georgia's Super Speeder violations.

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