Driving Record

A point-free driving record can keep your insurance rates low and your driver’s license in good working order.

Your driving record is the key information used by insurance companies to determine the amount of risk they take by insuring you. This means that your driving record directly impacts the amount you pay in insurance premiums.

If the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) adds points to your record for moving violations, they can add up quickly. If you have six or more points, you risk having your license suspended and losing your mobility.

Your First Six Points

After you have the first six points on your record, you will have to take a written exam. If you pass the test, two points will be removed from your driving record. If you don’t pass the exam within 30 days, your license will be suspended until you are able to pass it. PennDOT will notify your insurance company. Those 18 or under may have their license suspended for 90 days.

Your Second Six Points

You will have to appear at a PennDOT hearing if you obtain a second six points.

At the hearing, the hearing officer will make one of these decisions:

• No penalties, but no points were taken off your record.
• A 15-day license suspension, wit h two points taken off your record.
• A requirement to take an on-road exam. Two points will be taken off your record if you pass. If you fail, your license will be suspended until you are able to pass.
• If you fail to appear for the hearing, your license will automatically be suspended for 60 days.

Your Third (or More) Six Points

You will have to appear at a PennDOT hearing if you accumulate your third or more six points. In most cases, the hearing officer will suspend your license for 30 days, with no points taken off your record. If you fail to appear, your license will automatically be suspended until you do.

Steps To Take If You Are Charged

Look over your citation. Make sure that the name, address, vehicle information, driver’s license number, and pertinent information are all correct. If they are not correct, contact the court to verify the information. Just because your name is misspelled or your date of birth is wrong on the citation, it doesn’t mean that you can avoid having to deal with the ticket.

You have 10 days to respond to the citation. If you ignore it, you may have to pay additional fines and your driver’s license can be suspended.

If you have been charged with a traffic offense, it is smart to consider hiring a traffic lawyer who can help you fight your ticket and help you avoid having to pay more over the long-term in insurance costs and other fees.