California’s DMV uses a system called the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) — or simply the DMV point system — to track driving behavior and identify unsafe drivers. Each traffic violation adds points to your record, and too many can lead to higher insurance rates or even a suspended license.
If you’ve ever wondered how many points you can have, how long they stay, or what happens when you get one, this guide breaks it all down so you can keep your record clean and stay on the road.
California DMV Point System: How Many Points and For How Long?
In California, minor infractions incur one point while more serious ones will add two points to your record. Find out how many points your violation adds to your driving record — and how long they stay there.
1-Point Violations
Minor moving violations and collisions that indicate basic negligence but not reckless or criminal intent.
- Speeding (under 100 mph)
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Unsafe lane change or unsafe passing
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Improper turn or U-turn
- Failure to signal or obey traffic signs
- At-fault traffic collision (minor property damage or injury)
- Driving without a seatbelt (moving violation category)
- Cell phone or texting while driving (moving violation)
🕒 Stays on record: 3 years
Source: California DMV “Retention of Driver Record Information” (FFDL-15)
2-Point Violations
Serious or criminal driving offenses that show willful disregard for safety or involve major violations.
- Reckless driving (CVC 23103)
- DUI / DWI — driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (CVC 23152)
- Hit-and-run (CVC 20001–20002)
- Speed contest / exhibition of speed (CVC 23109)
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license (CVC 14601)
- Evading a police officer (CVC 2800.1–2800.2)
- Vehicular manslaughter or felony involving a vehicle
- Driving 100 mph or faster (CVC 22348(b))
- Operating a commercial vehicle unsafely or overweight
- Refusing a DUI chemical test (administrative offense)
🕒 Stays on record: 10 years
Source: California DMV, Vehicle Code §§ 12810, 1808, and DMV FFDL-15
The consequences are even harsher for commercial drivers. If you’re convicted of a violation while driving a vehicle that requires a Class A or Class B commercial vehicle license, the point value is multiplied by 1.5.
That means that one-point violations become worth 1.5, and two-point violations become worth three points.
Read: How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record?
Traffic school can help you keep a clean driving record, prevent insurance increases, and more!
How to Check How Many Points You Have On Your License
Want to know how many points you have on your license? Here are a few ways to check:
- Online: Go to the DMV website. Once logged in, go to “Driver’s License & ID” and select “Driver Record.” Pay $2 for an unofficial driving record.
- By Mail: Complete DMV Form INF 1125. Mail it, along with $5, to the address listed on the form.
- In Person: Visit a local DMV office. Bring your driver’s license and pay the $5 fee to receive a copy on the spot.
Read: California Driving Record: How to Check It
California DMV Driving Points: Potential Consequences
The information on your driving record isn’t publicly available, but potential employers, government agencies, insurance providers, and the courts have access to it. Here are some of the consequences of having points on your license.
Court and DMV Fines
Getting points on your license in California can lead to a combination of court fines and penalties imposed by the DMV. These include:
- Court fines
- Penalty assessments
- Negligent operator fines
- License reinstatement fees if your license is suspended
Higher Insurance Premiums
You may have to pay more for car insurance after committing a minor traffic violation.
Just one speeding ticket can raise your auto insurance rates by 25%. Two-point violations, such as reckless driving, can almost double your premiums.
Impacts on Employment
Points on your driving record can sometimes impact your employment. Some companies are reluctant to hire people who have been charged with DUIs. And some jobs – particularly those that involve driving – require a clean driving record.
Difficulty Securing Car Rentals
Car rental companies may deny services to those with too many points or poor driving records.
Issues with the Courts
The courts can access your California driving record. That means if you’re in court for other reasons, your driving record could become a factor the court considers in your case.
How Many Points Does It Take to Lose Your License in California?
California law requires the DMV to take certain actions against drivers who accumulate points. You’ll have your license suspended for six months if you accumulate:
- 4 points within 12 months
- 6 points within 24 months
- 8 points within 36 months
Fortunately, the DMV will issue a warning letter or a Notice of Intent before suspending your license. Once you receive it, it’s important to act quickly, either by attending a DMV hearing, attending traffic school, or paying any outstanding fines.
More serious traffic violations, even if they occur once, can trigger a Notice of Intent to suspend. These include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Reckless driving
- Hit and run offenses
Here’s what to expect in terms of California DMV actions in response to points:
| NOTS Level | Point Count Window | DMV Action | What It Means | Timing & Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I – Warning Letter | 2 in 12 mo • 4 in 24 mo • 6 in 36 mo | Warning letter | Indicates a trend toward negligent operation; no suspension yet. | Letter mailed — avoid new points to prevent escalation. |
| Level II – Notice of Intent to Suspend | 3 in 12 mo • 5 in 24 mo • 7 in 36 mo | Intent-to-Suspend notice | Formal warning that suspension is imminent; may follow a major violation. | You can request a NOTS hearing before further action. |
| Level III – Order of Probation / Suspension | 4 in 12 mo • 6 in 24 mo • 8 in 36 mo | 6-month suspension + 1-year probation | Your license is suspended and probation imposed for repeated violations. | Takes effect about 34 days after notice unless reversed at hearing. |
| Level IV – Violation of Probation | Any new moving violation, FTA, FTP, or collision during probation | Extended suspension or new restrictions | Additional penalties for violating probation terms. | Handled case-by-case via DMV NOTS hearing process. |
Legal thresholds: California Vehicle Code §12810.5 (prima facie negligent operator); DMV NOTS program; minors (VC §12814.6); commercial multipliers (VC §12810.5(b)).
How to Remove Points From Your License
While there’s no way to remove the points received on your license, you can minimize their impact.
Here are your options.
Don’t Get Traffic Tickets
This option may seem obvious, but the best way to avoid points on your license is not to get traffic tickets in the first place.
Stay up-to-date on the rules of the road and changes to California’s vehicle code. You might even consider taking a defensive driving course to brush up on your knowledge and make sure you’re following all traffic laws.
Fight the Ticket
If you do get a ticket, you may be able to fight, or contest it. What matters most is to gather enough evidence to get the citation dismissed in court.
Consider hiring a traffic lawyer to help you out. Traffic attorneys can collect supporting evidence and bring legal arguments in your favor to get your ticket dismissed. If you win the case, you won’t receive any penalty points.
Read: How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in California
Go to Traffic School
When you’re convicted of a traffic violation, you can ask the judge to grant you permission to attend traffic school. This won’t remove the points you got, but it will hide one point from insurance companies. You’ll still have to pay fines and fees for your ticket, but you may be able to keep your insurance rates from increasing.
Best Online Traffic School is a DMV-licensed traffic school that you can finish online in less than three hours. We serve all California counties, including San Mateo, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Sacramento, and make traffic school fun and easy. (Just check out our reviews.)
Request a NOTS Hearing
If you’ve accumulated enough points for the DMV to take action (e.g., suspend your license), you can request a NOTS hearing to defend yourself.
At a NOTS hearing, the DMV will consider:
- Your overall driving record
- If you have any pending traffic violations or collisions not shown on your record
- Your driving history
- Whether any of your violations involved alcohol
- Any personal circumstances that may have impacted your driving actions
- Physical and mental conditions that may affect your driving abilities
Some conditions that most commonly cause the DMV to adjust its actions include:
- Plans for improvement. If you can show specific actions you’ll take to improve your driving, the DMV may reduce the penalties against you.
- Hardship. If you are the sole provider for your family and don’t have access to alternative transportation, the DMV may consider a restricted license rather than suspending your driving privileges altogether.
- Physical or mental condition. If your hearing uncovers any physical or mental conditions that impact your ability to drive safely, you may have your driving privileges suspended or revoked indefinitely.
FAQs About the California DMV Driving Point System
Still need some information? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Does traffic school remove points in California?
Under California law, completing a traffic course won’t remove points from your record. However, it will mask one point, hiding it from insurance providers.
What happens if you get 3 points in California?
If you get three demerit points within 12 months, the DMV will issue a Notice of Intent to suspend your license.
What you can do is request a hearing no later than two weeks after receiving the notice. This will allow you to defend yourself and, hopefully, prevent your license from being suspended.
How many points do you get for an at-fault accident in California?
If you’re found at fault for an accident in the Golden State, you’ll likely get one penalty point.
However, you may receive more points if you were driving under the influence or made a major mistake (e.g., driving against the traffic) at the time of the event.
How long until CA driving points drop off your record?
How long it takes for points to drop off your record in California depends on the offense. According to the California DMV’s Retention of Driver Record Information:
– Most traffic violations (1-point or “ordinary” moving violations) are reported for 3 years from the date of the conviction.
– Serious violations designated as 2-point (e.g. DUI, hit-and-run, reckless driving) are reported for 10 years from the date of conviction.
– Collisions are reported for 3 years (unless there is a commercial / hazardous-materials indicator)
If you commit a minor traffic offense that adds 1 point, you can expect it to no longer count toward DMV actions after about 3 years (36 months).
If you commit a serious offense worth 2 points, that violation will remain on record for 10 years.
How many points can you have on your driving record in CA?
There’s no maximum number of points you can have, but the DMV’s Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) sets strict point limits within specific time windows. Once you hit those limits, the DMV will presume you’re a negligent operator and can suspend your license. For most drivers, the limit is 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months. Reaching these thresholds triggers a presumption that you’re a negligent operator, leading to a 6-month license suspension and 1 year of probation. Drivers under 18 face stricter rules — just 2 points in 12 months can result in a 30-day restriction, and 3 points can cause a suspension.