Do you get points on your license after a crash in Georgia? Here’s what state law says
Traffic accidents aren’t uncommon but the aftermath can be costly.
Along with injuries and repairs, drivers could have points added to their license.
Georgia’s system ranges from 1 to 6 points, and demerits stay on your license for two years from the date they were added, personal injury firm John Foy and Associates said.
Crashes might not mar your driving record, however.
“In many states, serious traffic violations like DUI and vehicular homicide lead to points on your license,” according to Atlanta-based Kaufman Law. “However, in Georgia, serious violations result in license suspensions, not points.”
Here’s what to know about Georgia’s point system:
Do you get points on your driver’s license after a crash in Georgia?
The short answer is, it depends.
In Georgia, drivers may accumulate points on their license after a crash if they’re convicted of certain traffic violations, according to the state’s Department of Driver Services. The number of points depends on the violation that led to the crash.
Common offenses that can put points on your license:
- Aggressive driving: 6 points
- Unlawful passing of a school bus: 6 points
- Reckless driving: 3 points
- Failure to obey a traffic signal: 3 points
- Driving 15 to 18 miles over the speed limit: 2 points
- Having an open container of alcohol while driving: 2 points
- Texting while driving: 1 point
Drivers with 15 points within a two-year period will have their license suspended, according to Georgia DDS.
The rules are more strict for drivers 21 and under, who risk losing their license with any 4-point violation, Kaufman Law said.
“Along with license suspension, drivers who injure others in accidents may face liability for bodily injury and property damage,” the firm said, adding that insurance costs will also likely increase “with the accumulation of points on your license.”
When are points not added?
According to Georgia DDS, points aren’t added to a driver’s record for:
- Speeding convictions less than 15 mph over the posted limit
- Convictions for driving “too fast for conditions”
- Non-Georgia residents
Can I remove points from my license?
Georgia drivers with points against them can request a reduction, the DDS website says. A maximum seven points can be removed from a license once every five years.
To qualify, a driver must complete a defensive driving class, officials said.
This story was originally published February 6, 2024 at 9:37 AM with the headline "Do you get points on your license after a crash in Georgia? Here’s what state law says."