What to know about points on a driver’s license

Many drivers may think that license points are nothing to worry about. However, these points can have serious consequences.

According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, people earn license points after a conviction for a traffic violation. If people are at fault for a collision, they may also receive these points. These points go on a person’s driving record and may sometimes cause the insurance premium to go up.

Offenses that result in license points

Several different offenses may cause people to receive points on their driver’s licenses. People may receive between 1 and 12 points, depending on the severity of the offense. People may earn one point if they drove 10 miles over the speed limit in a 45 mph zone, for example. The following violations usually result in two license points:

• Driving more than 10 miles above the speed limit in a 55 mph zone
• Passing illegally
• Maneuvering the car down the wrong side of the road
• Tailgating

More serious traffic violations include aggressive driving and driving on a suspended license. These offenses may both add eight points to someone’s driving record. If people drive while intoxicated, they may receive 12 points on their license.

Consequences of license points

Many people may think that it is harmless to have a few points on their driving record. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, people may experience consequences if they have too many points on their record. If people earn 12 points in 3 years, officials may suspend their license. After people regain their driving privileges, they risk a subsequent suspension if they accumulate eight points in the next three years.

Points usually do not stay on a person’s record permanently. Most of the time, the Department of Motor Vehicles erases these points after people get their license back.