The Points System
DMV uses a point system to rate drivers. You receive demerit points for unsafe driving and safe driving points for good driving.
Demerit Points
Demerit points are assigned when you are convicted of a traffic violation. The demerit points associated with a conviction remain valid for two years from the date you commit the offense.
Demerit points can add up. Each time you commit a traffic offense, DMV adds additional demerit points to your record. This can add up to big trouble for some drivers.
Different violations carry different point assignments, depending on the seriousness of the offense. For more information, refer to Moving Violations and Point Assessments.
Safe Points
One safe driving point is assigned for each full calendar year that you hold a valid Virginia driver's license and drive without any violations or suspensions. A driver may accumulate a maximum of five safe driving points.
You may earn five safe driving points by completing a driver improvement clinic.
Annual safe driving points are awarded in early April of each year for the previous calendar year.
IMPORTANT: If you are required by the court to attend a driver improvement clinic, the court will determine if you are to be awarded safe driving points. You must present documentation from the court to the driver improvement clinic that you attend before DMV can award points. Safe driving points will not be awarded if the clinic does not receive this documentation.