YOUR BEST DEFENSE
Points for Moving Violations
Driver improvement points are specified in the law. The court has no option since the points are imposed by the DMV. A motorist may accumulate no more than 11 points in an 18 month period before DMV will take administrative action against the motorist’s license. DMV points can only be saved by pleading to a reduced charge which carries fewer points. An attorney is usually required for a negotiated plea. Note: many insurance companies will increase a motorist’s automobile insurance premiums if they accumulate too many points for various violations such as speeding.

A person who accumulates 6 points in 18 months will be charged an additional $100 fee per year for 3 years by the DMV, plus $25 for each point in excess of 6. Completion of the defensive driving school will remove up to 4 DMV points, but will have no effect on the driver improvement assessment.
MOVING VIOLATIONS | POINTS | |
Speeding (mph over posted limit) | 1 to 10 | 3 |
11 to 20 | 4 | |
21 to 30 | 6 | |
31 to 40 | 8 | |
More than 40 | 11 | |
Reckless Driving | 5 | |
Failure to stop for a School Bus | 5 | |
Following too closely (tailgating) | 4 | |
Inadequate Brakes | 4 | |
(while driving employer’s vehicle) | 2 | |
Failing to Yield Right-Of-Way | 3 | |
Violation Involving Traffic Signal, Yield or Stop Sign | 3 | |
Railroad Crossing Violation | 3 | |
Improper Passing or Lane Use | 3 | |
Leaving scene of an incident involving property damage or injury to an animal | 3 | |
Safety restraint violation involving person under 16 | 3 | |
Any other moving violation | 2 |