California Driver's License Point System

California Driver Violation Point System

In California, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a point system to monitor driver behavior and identify unsafe drivers. Driver license points are also know in California as Negligent Operator Points. Points are added to your driving record when you're convicted of a moving violation. Accumulating too many points within a specific time period can result in higher insurance premiums, probation, or even license suspension.

How Points Are Assigned for Traffic Violations

Different traffic violations carry different point values. The table below outlines common infractions and how many points they add to your driving record:

What Happens If You Accumulate Too Many Points?

Drivers who accumulate too many points within a short time frame may be classified by the DMV as a Negligent Operator, which will lead to license suspension. Non-Commercial Driver License thresholds are:

4 points in 12 months
6 points in 24 months
8 points in 36 months

If you reach these limits, the DMV will place you on probation for a one year period that also includes a suspension of your license for 6 months.

Points Calculation for Commercial Driver License (CDL)

If you hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL) in California, the DMV applies stricter rules to your driving record when you're operating a commercial vehicle. When a violation occurs while operating a vehicle that requires a Class A or B license, the DMV assigns 1.5 times the standard point value to that conviction. For example, a 1-point violation (like speeding or running a red light) becomes 1.5 points.

How to Prevent Increase in Insurance Rates

If you've received a traffic citation, attending a California DMV-approved traffic school can mask the ticket from your record and prevent the point from being publicly visible to your insurance company.

Traffic school may be used once every 18 months for qualifying 1 point infractions. It's an effective way to keep your insurance rates low. However, points will still stay on your dirivng record for the license suspension purpose.

Out-of-State Violations

Even if you receive a traffic ticket outside of California, it can still affect your California driving record. CA DMV assesses convictions that California drivers receive in other US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Out-of-State collisions may be reported to California DMV through the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS), National Driver Register or out-of-state law enforcement agencies.

Note: Understanding how the Driver's License Point System works is key to maintaining your driving privileges. If you've received a ticket and qualify for a traffic school, you can complete it 100% online at your pace and on your schedule.