West Virginia’s Traffic Violation Point System

In West Virginia, a traffic ticket generally results in fines and fees. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will also record and assess points for each conviction, including out-of-state convictions. West Virginia uses these points to identify high-risk drivers. License-related penalties result if a driver acquires too many points within a certain period of time.

How Does West Virginia's Traffic Violation Point System Work?

In West Virginia, most traffic violation convictions will result in points. The DMV assigns a certain number of points for each offense. Generally, more serious offenses result in a higher number of points than less serious violations (see chart below).

However, points don't stay on your record forever, and there are ways to proactively reduce the number of points on your record (discussed below).

License Suspension and Consequences of Getting Too Many Points in West Virginia

The West Virginia DMV will issue a notice of suspension once a driver accumulates 12 or more points. Points are removed two years after the date of conviction. The suspension is generally effective ten days after mailing of the notice. The period of suspension depends on the current number of points the driver has on his or her record.

• 12 to 13 points will result in a 30-day suspension
• 14 to 15 points will result in a 45-day suspension
• 16 to 17 points will result in a 60-day suspension
• 18 to 19 points will result in a 90-day suspension, and
• 20 or more points will result in license suspension until the driver's point total is reduced to less than 12 points.

Drivers have the option (once in every two years) to pay a $200 penalty in lieu of a point-related suspension.

Point Expiration and Getting Points Off Your Driving Record in West Virginia

As noted above, points will be removed two years from the date of conviction. But three points will also be removed if the driver voluntarily completes an approved defensive driving course. However, this option for removing points is available only once a year and only to drivers with less than 14 points.

Drivers who have received notice of suspension for 12 or 13 points can complete the defensive driving course—reducing their point total by three points—and avoid suspension altogether.

Point Values for Traffic Violations in West Virginia

Here are the points assigned to some of the most common traffic violations.

If more than one violation occurs in the same incident, only the violation with the highest value will be assessed for points.