Key Takeaways:
- California uses a point system called the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) to rate drivers and the severity of various traffic offenses.
- Minor traffic violations, such as running a stop sign or tailgating, carry one demerit point.
- Reckless driving, DUIs, and other more serious offenses will result in a two-point penalty.
- The points are typically accompanied by fines and other penalties. As they add up, they can lead to license suspension or revocation.
- Even a one-point violation can increase your car insurance rates.
- Depending on your situation, you may be able to minimize the impact of the points you got, such as by attending traffic school.
How does the point system work in California? How many points can you get for common offenses like speeding or reckless driving? And if you’ve racked up a few points, what happens next?
Below, we’ll answer these questions (and others!) and show you how to manage or reduce the points on your license. Let’s dive in.
How the California DMV Points System Works
The DMV point system in California is called the Negligent Operator Treatment System, or NOTS. Its role is to monitor and track drivers’ behaviors and ensure road safety. It also allows the DMV to rate the severity of various traffic offenses.
Under this system, each traffic violation committed by non-commercial drivers carries one or two points. These points correspond to a series of warnings and penalties issued by the DMV.
NOTS applies to drivers who are 18 or older, as well as younger “provisional” drivers who violate provisional probation or suspension.
How Many Points You’ll Get for Common California DMV Point Violations
In California, a minor infraction like driving on the sidewalks may result in a $238 fee and one point on your record. By comparison, DUIs and other serious offenses will add two points to your license. You’ll also face more severe penalties, such as hefty fines and the possibility of license suspension or revocation.
For reference, here are some of the most common traffic offenses and the points associated with them.
| 1 Point Violations | 2 Point Violations |
|---|---|
| Disobeying a traffic officer | Driving with a suspended or revoked license |
| Failure to yield the right of way | Driving on the wrong side of the road |
| Illegal passing | Speeding over 100 mph |
| Following too closely (tailgating) | Hit-and-run collisions |
| Driving on a bike lane | DUI offenses |
| Driving too slowly | Reckless driving |
| Driving on the sidewalk | Engaging in speed contests |
| Red light camera tickets | Evading law enforcement |
| Cell phone use while driving | Transporting hazardous materials without a permit |
| Disobeying traffic signals | |
| Crossing a solid white line | |
| Crossing a divided highway | |
| Improper lane use | |
| Speeding in a construction zone | |
| Speeding on a bridge or through a tunnel | |
| Failure to fully stop at a stop sign | |
| Passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights |
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.
California DMV Driving Points: Potential Consequences
The information on your driving record isn’t publicly available, but some parties have access to it. These typically include potential employers, government agencies, insurance providers, and the courts. Therefore, a poor driving record can affect your interactions with these parties.
Here are a few potential consequences of accumulating points on your driving record.
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 a whopping 44.5%. Two-point violations, such as reckless driving, can almost double your premiums.
The amount your premiums will increase depends on your insurance company and the type of violation you are charged with. It may also vary based on your overall driving record and how many points you have.
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
However, the DMV will issue a warning letter or a Notice of Intent before suspending your license. This should leave you enough time to improve your record – or at least serve as a heads-up and prevent you from making further mistakes. Once you receive a Notice of Intent to Suspend, 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:
| DMV Action | How It’s Triggered |
|---|---|
| Warning Letter | 2 points within 12 months 4 points within 24 months 6 points within 36 months |
| Notice of Intent to Suspend | 3 points within 12 months 5 points within 24 months 7 points within 36 months A major conviction is added to your driving record |
| Order of Probation/Suspension | 4 points within 12 months 6 points within 24 months 8 points within 36 months |
| Violation of NOTS Probation | A violation/crash that occurs while your license is suspended Any 1 or 2-point conviction during your probation period Any failure to appear or failure to pay fines and fees during your probation period Any driver under the age of 18 who violates their provisional probation |
How to Check Points on Your License in California
Generally, it’s a good idea to check the points on your license at least once a year. All you need to do is request a copy of your driving record from the DMV.
If you request an electronic copy, you can download and print it immediately. Simply go to the California DMV website, create an account, and fill out a form. Then pay a $2 fee for an unofficial copy or an $8 fee for a certified record.
Alternatively, you can order your driving record by mail or visit a local DMV office. With the latter option, you’ll receive the document on the spot after paying a $5 fee.
For more information, see our guide on how to check your California driving record – and what to do if you spot any errors or inaccuracies.
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.
For example, you may show dash cam footage or bring witnesses who can confirm your version of events. In some cases, it’s possible to dispute the police officer’s conclusion or prove that your conduct was necessary to keep other road users safe.
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. Learn more in How Much Does a Traffic Lawyer Cost? (And Should You Hire One.)
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 fully licensed by the California DMV and available in all counties. What’s more, our course takes place online, so you can complete it at your own pace from any device. Some of our students finish and pass the course in as little as three hours!
We also have one of the most affordable online traffic schools in California (see how much traffic school costs), and you don’t have to pay until you pass the final exam.
Start traffic school for FREE today.
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.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in California?
Under the California DMV point system, reckless driving and other two-point violations stay on your record for up to 10 years. The majority of one-point violations, on the other hand, should fall off your license after three years.
How long the points will remain on your record depends on the nature of the offense.
- For instance, disobeying a traffic officer will result in one demerit point. Even if you don’t commit any other offenses, the point will stay on your license for 36 months.
- More serious violations, such as a hit-and-run or DUI, will result in two penalty points and remain on your record for up to 10 years, depending on the offense.
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.
