What Pennsylvania's Point System Does
Pennsylvania tracks violations on your driving record using a point system. Every traffic violation you're convicted of adds points to your record. When you accumulate too many points within a set time period, the state suspends your license. The more serious the violation, the more points it costs.
Points stay on your record for a specific number of years depending on the violation type. Some violations carry points for five years; others for ten. You don't lose points automatically when the time expires — the state removes them on the anniversary date of the conviction.
Pennsylvania's system is separate from insurance points. Your insurance company may track violations differently and charge you higher premiums based on their own rules, even if you haven't accumulated enough state points for a suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Accumulating six or more points within 12 months triggers a mandatory license suspension in Pennsylvania.
- Different violations carry different point values, ranging from two points for minor infractions to eight points for serious offenses like DUI.
- Points remain on your record for five or ten years depending on the violation, and the state removes them automatically on the anniversary of your conviction.
- You can request a hearing before the Department of Transportation if you believe a conviction was recorded incorrectly or if you want to present circumstances for consideration.
Point Values for Common Pennsylvania Violations
The number of points assigned depends on the specific violation. Minor infractions like speeding 1–5 mph over the limit cost two points. Speeding 6–10 mph over the limit costs three points. Speeding 11–15 mph over the limit costs four points, and speeding 16–25 mph over the limit costs six points.
More serious violations carry higher point values. Reckless driving costs six points. Careless driving costs three points. Improper passing costs four points. Driving without a valid license costs three points. Following too closely costs three points. Failure to yield the right of way costs four points.
The most severe violations carry eight points: driving under the influence (DUI), driving with a suspended or revoked license, and hit-and-run accidents. Homicide by vehicle also carries eight points.
| Violation Type | Points | Record Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1–5 mph over limit | 2 | 5 years |
| Speeding 6–10 mph over limit | 3 | 5 years |
| Speeding 11–15 mph over limit | 4 | 5 years |
| Speeding 16–25 mph over limit | 6 | 5 years |
| Reckless driving | 6 | 5 years |
| Careless driving | 3 | 5 years |
| Improper passing | 4 | 5 years |
| DUI | 8 | 10 years |
| Driving with suspended/revoked license | 8 | 10 years |
| Hit-and-run | 8 | 10 years |
When Your License Gets Suspended
Your license is suspended automatically when you reach six or more points within a 12-month period. Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation sends you a notice by mail before the suspension takes effect, usually giving you 10 days' notice. The notice includes the effective date of the suspension and instructions for requesting a hearing.
The length of the suspension depends on how many points triggered it. A first suspension for accumulating six to eight points typically lasts 30 days. A second suspension within five years lasts 60 days. A third or subsequent suspension within five years lasts 90 days. If you accumulate 11 or more points, the suspension is longer and may require you to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement.
You cannot drive during a suspension. Driving with a suspended license is a separate violation that carries eight points and can result in criminal charges.
How to Check Your Current Points
You can view your driving record and current point total through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by visiting a PennDOT Driver License Center in person. To check online, you'll need your driver license number and date of birth. The online system shows all violations on your record, the date of conviction, the points assigned, and when each violation will be removed.
You can also request a certified copy of your driving record by mail. Fill out the form available on the PennDOT website, include a check or money order for the fee (currently $5 for an online record or $10 for a certified copy), and mail it to the address provided. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days.
Checking your record regularly helps you understand where you stand before a suspension notice arrives. If you see an error — a violation you don't remember or a conviction you believe was dismissed — contact PennDOT when ready to request a correction.
Requesting a Hearing Before Suspension
If you receive a suspension notice, you have the right to request a hearing before the suspension takes effect. You must request the hearing within 10 days of receiving the notice. The hearing officer will review your record and the violations that triggered the suspension. You can present evidence that a conviction was recorded incorrectly or argue that circumstances warrant consideration.
A hearing does not erase points or prevent suspension if the violations are valid. Instead, it gives you a chance to challenge the accuracy of the record or present mitigating circumstances. For example, if you were convicted of a violation but the conviction was later overturned or dismissed, you can present that documentation at the hearing.
To request a hearing, follow the instructions on your suspension notice. You'll typically need to submit a written request to the address listed on the notice. Include your driver license number, the date of the notice, and a brief explanation of why you're requesting the hearing. PennDOT will schedule a hearing date and notify you by mail.
Removing Points From Your Record
Points are removed automatically on the anniversary of your conviction, based on the violation type. Most violations stay on your record for five years. DUI, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and hit-and-run accidents stay for ten years. You don't need to do anything — the state removes them automatically.
Pennsylvania does not offer a point reduction program or defensive driving course that lowers your point total. Some states allow drivers to take a course to reduce points, but Pennsylvania does not. However, if you're facing suspension, completing a driver improvement course before reinstatement may be required by PennDOT, depending on your suspension history.
If you believe a violation was recorded incorrectly or that a conviction was later dismissed or overturned, you can request that PennDOT remove it from your record. Submit a written request with documentation of the dismissal or correction to the PennDOT address on your driving record. Processing can take several weeks.
Reinstating Your License After Suspension
To reinstate your license after a suspension ends, visit a PennDOT Driver License Center with a valid form of identification. You'll pay a reinstatement fee (currently $35) and may be required to pass a vision test. If your suspension was for 11 or more points, you must complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement. PennDOT will provide a list of approved courses when you contact them about your suspension.
Your license is not automatically reinstated when the suspension period ends. You must take action to get it back. If you drive before completing reinstatement, you're driving with a suspended license, which is a separate violation.
After reinstatement, your points remain on your record for the full duration (five or ten years). Accumulating additional points can trigger another suspension if you reach six points again within 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get points removed by taking a defensive driving course?
No. Pennsylvania does not offer a point reduction program through defensive driving courses. However, if you're required to complete a driver improvement course as part of license reinstatement after suspension, that course is mandatory, not optional.
Do points from other states count on my Pennsylvania license?
Yes. Pennsylvania is part of the Driver License Compact, an agreement between states to share violation information. Violations you receive in other states are reported to Pennsylvania and added to your record with the same point values.
What happens if I get a violation while my license is suspended?
Driving with a suspended license is an eight-point violation in Pennsylvania. It's a separate crime from the original suspension and can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time in addition to further license penalties.
How long does a suspension stay on my record?
The suspension itself doesn't stay on your record the way a violation does. However, the violations that caused the suspension remain for five or ten years depending on the violation type. A future employer or insurance company can see that you were suspended.
Can I drive to work during a suspension?
No. Pennsylvania does not issue restricted licenses or work permits during a suspension. You cannot drive for any reason during the suspension period, even to your job.