After a motorist is convicted of a traffic violation, the court reports the conviction to the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV assigns points to the driver's record for each traffic violation depending on the severity of the offense. A driver with too many points can face suspension, probation, or license revocation.
The District of Columbia assigns the following point values to moving violations. Both in-district and out-of-district violations are counted. Violations that are resolved via a diversion or payment program can also result in a point assessment.
|
Violation |
Points Assessed |
|
4 |
|
|
Unlisted violation |
2 |
|
Unlisted violation contributing to accident |
3 |
|
Speeding 11 to 15 miles per hour over limit |
3 |
|
Speeding 16 to 20 miles per hour over limit |
4 |
|
Speeding 21 or more miles per hour over limit |
5 |
|
8 |
|
|
Hit and run (injuries) |
12 |
|
6 |
|
|
Aggravated reckless driving |
12 |
|
12 |
|
|
Using license of another person |
12 |
|
12 |
|
|
Felony involving motor vehicle |
12 |
|
Misdemeanor involving motor vehicle |
6 |
|
Failing to give right-of-way to emergency vehicle |
6 |
|
12 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
Failing to stop for school bus signals |
4 |
|
Fleeing or eluding an officer |
12 |
|
Expired license (less than 90 days) |
2 |
|
Failure to give right-of-way to pedestrian or cyclist |
3 (6 if results in collision) |
|
Overtaking vehicle at crosswalk |
3 |
|
2 (3 for repeat offense) |
A driver with at least eight points in two years is subject to license-related penalties. At eight or nine points, license suspension isn't mandatory, but at the discretion of the DMV. For drivers who accumulate ten points, the DMV is required to issue a 90-day suspension.
When a driver reaches 12 points, the DMV will issue a driver's license revocation notice. The minimum revocation period is six months. A driver who has a prior point revocation can be revoked for one year. The minimum revocation is two years for drivers with two prior point suspensions.
The suspension or revocation will generally take effect ten days after the notice is sent but can be stayed if the driver files an objection and requests a hearing. The administrative hearing officer is allowed to review the record and make corrections. The hearing officer can also order probation depending on the circumstances. Probation requirements might include license restrictions and completion of a defensive driving course. But by completing the conditions of the probation, the driver can avoid suspension or revocation.
The hearing officer can also issue an occupational license for drivers who can show that the loss of driving privileges would amount to extreme hardship. This license can be used to drive to work or school but is usually limited to certain hours and routes. Drivers with 16 or more points are not eligible for the occupational license. Committing a traffic violation with an occupational license will result in immediate revocation and doubling of the initial suspension or revocation period.
All points are deleted two years after the date of the assessment. Drivers will also accumulate safe driving points for going 12 months without traffic violations. One safe driving point is issued annually, and drivers can accrue up to five points credits.