California DMV Point System: How Many Points Suspend Your License and How to Fight It

The California DMV point system is designed to track and penalize unsafe driving behavior. Each traffic violation adds points to your driving record—typically, 1 point for minor offenses like speeding, and 2 points for more serious violations such as DUIs or reckless driving.

Accumulating too many points within a specific time frame can lead to license suspension: 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months. A suspension under this system lasts six months and is followed by a year of probation, so understanding the rules early can protect your ability to drive, work, and get to where you need to be.

To keep tabs on dangerous drivers, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) operates the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS). Under the NOTS, the DMV assigns points to traffic code violations that involve or affect safely operating a vehicle. These points are added to motorists’ driving records and can prompt action from the DMV.

Points are not just numbers on your record. They can prompt the DMV to take adverse action against your driving privileges. And anyone can request a copy of your driving record, meaning those points could be seen by your insurance company, employer, or even a property manager.

This guide explains how many points each violation carries, what happens as you approach the suspension threshold, how points work after a car accident, and what you can do to fight a suspension.

What is the CA DMV Point System?

Points are assigned for accidents and traffic tickets. The DMV will assign points to your record once it receives a notice of violation from the court or notice of an accident you were in some way responsible for from law enforcement. Non-moving violations such as parking tickets do not result in a point as long as they do not make it unsafe for the motorist to drive. The NOTS applies to drivers 18 and older, and point values for each violation range from 0 to 3. Out-of-state convictions can also add points: the DMV looks at whether the same violation, if committed in California, would carry points. Out-of-state collisions are not assigned points.

Some or all of your driving privileges may be revoked or suspended in California if:

• You receive 4 points or more within 12 months
• You receive 6 points or more within 24 months
• You receive 8 points or more within 36 months 

Different rules may apply if you hold a commercial license or a motorcycle endorsement, so confirm your own situation with the DMV or an attorney.

Common CA DMV Point Violations

For convicted traffic infractions, drivers will have points placed on their driver license record depending on the severity of the infraction. Note that if you are driving a commercial vehicle when you are cited, the points are worth 1.5 times the standard point amount.

Point values are set by California Vehicle Code (VC) 12810. Here is how common violations break down:

For a full list of violations, please visit the California DMV’s point schedule.

One-point examples

• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Making an unsafe lane change
• Having an at-fault accident

The California DMV will put one point on your driver’s license record if they find out about an out-of-state traffic ticket you received.

Two-point examples

• Reckless driving
• DUI
• Driving while suspended or revoked
• Driving over 100 mph
• Evading law enforcement
• Transporting explosives
• Hit and run collisions in which the result was damage to property or physical injury
• Operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license

Teen Drivers

If you are under 18 years old, the penalties for a traffic infraction are more severe. In California, a minor’s provisional license may be:

• Suspended if you receive:

• 3 points within 12 months.

• • A traffic conviction and fail to pay the required fines.
• Restricted for 30 days if you receive 2 points within 12 months.
• Suspended for 1 year for the use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Penalty is for individuals between the ages of 13 and 21 years old.

Do You Get DMV Points After a Car Accident?

Yes, and you do not have to be entirely at fault. If law enforcement reports indicate you contributed to or were responsible for a collision, the DMV can add a point to your record. Under California’s comparative negligence rules, two drivers can each share blame for a crash and each receive points.

Example: you roll through a stop sign while texting, and another driver speeds through the same intersection without stopping. You are both partly responsible, so both of you may receive points.

Points can also matter if you were the injured party. Another driver’s points are not proof of fault by themselves, but the traffic violation behind those points may help show that driver broke a safety law. California recognizes a legal concept called negligence per se, which can let an injured person point to a safety-law violation as evidence the other driver failed in their duty of care. Whether it applies depends on the facts of your case, so talk to an attorney.

The DMV can also act against a driver after an accident involving a fatality or serious injury, even if that driver had no points beforehand.

How Long Do Points Stay On My DMV Record?

The points stay on your records for different time periods depending on the seriousness of your violation.

Here are some examples of the length of time that points stay on your record:

• Most one-point traffic violation such as speeding or making an unsafe lane change will remain of record for 3 years.
• If you are involved at an accident and it is determined that you were at fault, the negative points remain of record for 3 years.
• Most serious convictions such as DUI conviction or hit and run will remain on your record for 10 years.

What Happens as You Approach the Suspension Threshold?

The DMV does not usually suspend a license without warning. NOTS works in four escalating levels:

• Level I, warning letter: you are getting close to a suspension threshold.
• Level II, notice of intent to suspend: the DMV has signaled it may take action.
• Level III, order of probation or suspension: if you reach 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months, the DMV can impose a six-month suspension and a one-year probation period.
• Level IV, violation of probation: a new violation or collision during probation can mean another six-month suspension, with probation extended by a year. A third violation of probation can lead to a one-year revocation.

Read every DMV notice carefully. They explain your rights and your deadlines.

How to Fight a DMV Suspension

A Level III or Level IV notice does not mean the decision is final.

• Request a NOTS hearing. You can ask for a hearing at a DMV office, where a hearing officer reviews your driving record and decides whether you should be treated as a negligent operator. The hearing can lead to the suspension being set aside, probation instead of suspension, or a restricted license. Your notice states the deadline to request a hearing, so do not miss it.
• Ask about a restricted license. In some cases the DMV may allow limited driving, such as traveling to and from work or school, instead of a full suspension.
• Check your record for errors. If points were added that do not belong on your record, you can ask the DMV to correct them.
• Consider legal help. An attorney can review your record, prepare you for the hearing, and work to limit the impact on your driving privileges.

Removing Points from Your California Driving Record

Most drivers want to know how to remove points from their record. The simple answer is time.

As long as you keep a clean driving record for a designated amount of time, your points will be cleared automatically. Violations that add one point to a driving record will be cleared after 39 months. Points for serious violation such as DUIs or hit and run incidents will stay on the violator’s record for at least ten years.

Failure to appear in court for any traffic violation no matter the severity will result in the points remaining on your driver’s record for five additional years. Failure to appear in court for a DUI will keep points on your record for an additional 10 years.

The best time to protect your record is before a conviction is entered. The two main options are contesting the ticket and traffic school.

Contesting the Ticket

If you do not contest a ticket, you can face a conviction and points. By appearing in court and presenting your case, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed or the penalty reduced. If you were in an accident, an attorney can advise you on how fighting the underlying citation fits with any injury claim.

Traffic School

For some traffic infractions in California, you may be able to attend a CA traffic school, also referred to as defensive driving, which can help you:

• Have a ticket dismissed
• Avoid adding points to your record
• Potentially earn an auto insurance discount

Make sure to check with the traffic school about specific details on how passing a course could help you clear your record.

In general, the process works like this:

1. Get permission from the court to attend traffic school.
2. Complete a DMV-approved course.
3. The school reports your completion, and the point is masked from your record.

Eligibility is decided by the court and depends on the violation, so check with the court and the school before enrolling.

Checking Your Driving Points

There are 3 methods to check how many points you have on your California driver’s license – in person, online or by mail.

(1) In person: you can make a request for your driver record in person at your local DMV office.  There is a $5 fee.  Your local DMV office accepts cash.

(2) Online: You can check online by registering as a certified online user with the California DMV and making a DMV Driver Record Request.  There is a $2 fee, and as stated on that page, “Please ensure that your printer is ready and able to print your Driver Record printout as you will only have one opportunity to print your record after your fee is paid.”

For more information about becoming a certified user with the DMV in order to request your DMV Driver Record online, see DMV FAQ regarding DMV Online Service Accounts.

(3) By mail: To request an official copy of your driver record by mail, fill out form INF1125 (PDF) and mail it to the DMV Headquarters address on the form along with a check or money order for the $5 fee.

FAQs About the California DMV Point System

How many points before your license gets suspended in California?

If you get 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months, the DMV may suspend or revoke your license.

Do points from tickets affect your insurance?

Yes. Insurance companies can see your driving record, and points often lead to higher premiums.

How long do points stay on your California driving record?

Most points stay on your record for 3 years, but serious violations like DUIs can remain for up to 10 years.

Can you fight DMV points in California?

Yes. You can contest the ticket in court or work with a traffic or personal injury lawyer if your case involves an accident. If the DMV is already moving to suspend your license, you can request a hearing.

Can I get DMV points if I was only partly at fault for an accident?

Yes. The DMV can add points if law enforcement reports show you contributed to the collision, even if another driver was also at fault.

Can I drive during a points suspension?

Generally no. A suspended license means you cannot drive. In some cases a hearing may result in a restricted license that allows limited driving, such as to work or school.

Does an out-of-state ticket add points to my California license?

It can. The DMV assesses points for out-of-state convictions based on whether the same violation would carry points in California.

Should You Speak with an Attorney?

If you or a loved one has received a ticket or been in accident that has added points to your record, call our Orange County personal injury lawyer now at 1-877-241-9554 to learn more about your options. A free consultation is just a phone call away.

Key Takeaways: California DMV Point System

• Points track unsafe driving: 1 point for minor violations (speeding, unsafe lane change) and 2 points for serious offenses (DUI, reckless driving).
• License suspension risk: 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months can trigger a six-month suspension and one year of probation.
• The DMV warns first: NOTS sends warning letters and notices of intent to suspend before an order of suspension.
• Partial fault still counts: you can receive points after an accident even if another driver shares the blame.
• You can fight a suspension: request a NOTS hearing, ask about a restricted license, and check your record for errors.
• Teen drivers face stricter penalties: as few as 3 points in 12 months can result in suspension.
• Points stay on record for years: 1-point violations last about 3 years, while serious offenses like DUI stay for 10 years.
• Traffic school can help: eligible drivers may attend to dismiss a ticket, prevent points, or lower insurance rates.
• Points affect more than driving: insurance companies and employers can view your record.
• Check your record easily: online, in person, or by mail through the DMV.
• Legal help matters: a traffic or car accident attorney can help fight tickets, reduce points, and protect your license.

About The Author

Brent A. Duque

Brent A. Duque is the Founder & President of Duque & Price, a Southern California personal injury law firm with offices in Newport Beach, Riverside, Los Angeles, and Temecula, California. He focuses on personal injury and wrongful death matters involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, premises liability, and catastrophic injuries. Licensed in California since 2005, Mr. Duque brings nearly two decades of litigation experience to his practice. He earned his law degree from Whittier Law School and studied political science and public administration at California State University Fullerton and California Polytechnic University Pomona.

View all posts by Brent A. Duque →