PENNDOT maintains a driving record for every licensed driver in Pennsylvania. Points are added to a driving record when a driver is found guilty of certain driving (moving) violations.
The purpose of the point system is to help to improve driving habits and to ensure safe driving. PENNDOT begins to take corrective actions when a driving record reaches 6 or more points. The following schedule indicates the violations and the number of points given for committing each violation:
Description
# of Points
Violation of restriction on driver's license - wearing glasses, etc.
2
Violation concerning license
3
Failure to obey policeman or authorized person
2
Failure to stop for a red light
3
Failure to stop for a flashing red light
3
Failure to yield half of roadway to oncoming vehicle
3
Improper passing, overtaken driver to maintain speed: passing driver to pull in at safe distance
3
Improper passing on the right
3
Improper passing on the left, clear distance ahead
3
Improper passing on a hill
4
Improper passing at a railroad crossing or intersection
3
Improper passing at a bridge or tunnel
3
Improper passing in no-passing zone
3
Following to closely
3
Failure to yield to driver on the right at intersection
3
Failure to yield to oncoming driver when making left turn
3
Failure to stop for a stop sign
3
Failure to yield at yield sign
3
Failure to yield when entering or crossing roadway between intersections
3
Improper turning around - illegal U-turns
3
Failure to obey signal indicating approach of train
2
Failure to comply with crossing gate or barrier
30 day suspension + 4
Failure to stop at railroad crossings
4
Failure to stop when entering from an alley, driveway or building
3
Failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights
60 day suspension + 5
Driving too fast for conditions
2
Driving too fast for conditions if violation occurs in an active work zone and in conjunction with an accident
15 day suspension + 2
Exceeding maximum speed limit 6-10
2
Exceeding maximum speed limit 6-10 if violation occurs in an active work zone
15 day suspension + 2
Exceeding maximum speed limit 11-15
3
Exceeding maximum speed limit 11-15 if violation occurs in an active work zone
15 day suspension + 3
Exceeding maximum speed limit 16-25
4
Exceeding maximum speed limit 16-25 if violation occurs in an active work zone
15 day suspension + 4
Exceeding maximum speed limit 26-30
5
Exceeding maximum speed limit 26-30 if violation occurs in an active work zone
15 day suspension + 5
Exceeding maximum speed limit 31 and over departmental hearing
5
Exceeding maximum speed limit 31 and over departmental hearing if violation occurs in an active work zone
15 day suspension + 5
Exceeding special speed limit in school zone
3
Exceeding special speed limit for trucks on downgrades
3
Failure to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk
2
Failure to yield to pedestrian on sidewalk when entering from a driveway or alley
3
Failure to yield to blind pedestrians
3
Improper backing
3
Careless Driving
3
Leaving scene of accident involving property damage only
4
Accumulating 6 Points Under the Age of 18
The driving privilege of a person under the age of 18 will be suspended if that person accumulates six (6) or more points or is convicted of driving 26 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit. The first suspension will be for a period of 90 days. Any additional occurrences will result in a suspension of 120 days. This suspension is in addition to the requirements of the point system above.
First Accumulation of 6 Points
When any driving record reaches 6 or more points for the first time, the driver will receive a written notice to take a special written point examination. The examination will address:
Knowledge of safe driving practices Knowledge of departmental sanctions Knowledge of related safety issues
The driver has 30 days to successfully pass the exam or else the license will be suspended until the exam is passed. If the exam is passed within the 30 day period, 2 points will be removed from the driving record.
Second Accumulation of 6 Points
When any driving record is reduced below six points and then for a second time reaches 6 or more points, the driver will have to attend a Departmental hearing. The driver will receive a written notice of the specific time and location of the required hearing. At the hearing, a hearing examiner will review the driver's record. After the hearing, the Department may recommend one or more:
Order a 15 day license suspension Order the driver to take a special on-road driver's examination Take no action
If a person's driving privilege is suspended or a special driver's exam is recommended, 2 points will be removed from the driving record if the driver passes the exam within 30 days or 2 points will be removed once the 15 day suspension has been served. No points are removed from the driving record if the department does not initiate a sanction.
Failure to attend this departmental hearing will result in a 60 day license suspension.
Third or More Accumulation of 6 Points
When any driving record is reduced below 6 points and for the third or subsequent time reaches 6 or more points, the driver will have to attend a Departmental hearing. The hearing examiner will review the driving record. The Department will then determine if a 30 day license suspension will be initiated.
Failure to attend this departmental hearing will result in the suspension of the driver's license until the driver attends the hearing.
Excessive Speeding
When a driver is convicted for speeding 31 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, the driver will have to attend a Departmental hearing. The driver will receive a written notice of the specific time and location of the required hearing. The hearing examiner will review the driving record. Upon the Department's review of the hearing file, one or both of the following will be initiated:
Order a 15 day license suspension Special on-road driver's examination
If a 15 day suspension is initiated, the driving record will show 5 points upon restoration. No points are removed if a special driver's examination is initiated and completed.
Failure to attend this departmental hearing will result in a 60 day license suspension.
Accumulation of 11 Points or More
When any driving record reaches 11 or more points, the drivers license will be automatically suspended. The length of suspension depends on how many times the license was suspended in the past. The suspension schedule is as follows:
First suspension - 5 days per point Second suspension - 10 days per point Third suspension - 15 days per point Subsequent suspensions - One year
Points Removal for Safe Driving
Three (3) points are removed from a driving record for every 12 consecutive months a person drives (from the date of the last violation) without a violation which results in points, license suspension or revocation. Once a driving record is reduced to zero and remains at zero points for 12 consecutive months, any further accumulation of points is treated as the first accumulation of points.
License Suspension and Restoration
If a persons' driving privilege is to be suspended, a written notice will be mailed to the driver listing the date when the suspension will begin. The driver may appeal the suspension to his or her county's Court of Common Pleas. The appeal must be made within 30 days after the mailing date of the notice. The most recent product (ie, license, permit(s) and or camera card) must be returned to the Bureau of Driver Licensing by the effective date of suspension listed on the notice or the State Police, local police or other authorities that have been delegated by the Department will be notified to pick up the license. In addition to serving the suspension or revocation, the appropriate restoration fee must be paid before the license will be returned. After the driving privilege is restored, the driving record will show 5 points, regardless of the number of points which appeared on the record before the license was suspended (except in the case of a 15 day suspension resulting from a hearing for the second accumulation of points).
This information is generic and may or may not apply to this particular city, county, state or your individual circumstances. State laws vary and are continuously changing. This information does not necessarily reflect the laws in Pennsylvania. It is not intended to be a source of legal advice or a substitute for qualified legal counsel. Your access to and use of this web site is subject to additional terms and conditions found in our Terms of Use. Please read it now.
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Source: PA Dept. of Transportation PUB 472 (10-03)
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