Virginia suspends your license when you reach 18 points in 12 months, 24 points in 24 months, or 36 points in 36 months

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles uses a demerit point system to track unsafe driving. Each traffic violation adds points to your record. When you hit certain thresholds within specific time windows, the DMV automatically suspends your license. The suspension is mandatory — there is no discretion once you cross the point limit.

The three suspension triggers are strict: 18 points within a single 12-month period, 24 points within 24 months, or 36 points within 36 months. This means you can accumulate points slowly over three years and still face suspension if you do not stay under 36. The clock resets only after the full time period passes, so a violation from month one of a 12-month window still counts toward the total in month 12.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia suspends your license automatically when you reach 18 points in 12 months, 24 points in 24 months, or 36 points in 36 months — whichever threshold you hit first.
  • Common violations carry 3 to 6 points; reckless driving and DUI carry much higher point values and can trigger suspension on their own.
  • Your suspension length depends on how many points caused it: 7 months for 18 points, 10 months for 24 points, or 12 months for 36 points.
  • You can request a hearing with the DMV to contest the suspension, but you must do so within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice.
  • Points stay on your record for 11 years in Virginia, so even old violations count toward future suspension thresholds.

How many points each common violation costs

Virginia assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Speeding violations are the most common and carry 3 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving. Speeding 1 to 9 miles per hour over the limit costs 3 points; 10 to 19 mph over costs 4 points; 20 to 29 mph over costs 5 points; and 30 mph or more over costs 6 points.

Reckless driving is treated far more seriously. Reckless driving by speed (exceeding 80 mph or more than 20 mph over the limit) carries 6 points. Reckless driving for other reasons — such as passing on a curve or racing — carries 6 points as well. A single reckless driving conviction can push you close to or over the 18-point threshold on its own.

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) carries 8 points. Hit-and-run carries 10 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license carries 6 points. Improper lane changes, failure to yield, and following too closely each carry 3 points. Unsafe passing carries 3 points.

How long your suspension lasts based on points

The suspension period is not the same for all point totals. If you accumulate 18 points in 12 months, your license is suspended for 7 months. If you reach 24 points in 24 months, your suspension is 10 months. If you reach 36 points in 36 months, your suspension is 12 months.

The suspension begins on the date the DMV mails you the suspension notice, not the date you receive it. You should assume suspension takes effect within a few days of the notice being sent. During the suspension period, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is itself a criminal offense in Virginia and carries additional points and potential jail time.

What happens when you receive a suspension notice

The DMV will mail you a notice of suspension once you cross a point threshold. The notice will state the reason for suspension, the effective date, and the length of the suspension. It will also explain your right to request a hearing.

You have 10 days from the date on the notice to request a hearing. The hearing is your chance to contest the suspension in front of a DMV hearing officer. You can argue that the points were assessed incorrectly, that a conviction was wrongful, or that there are circumstances the DMV should consider. However, the hearing officer can only overturn the suspension if there is a legal error — they cannot straightforward reduce your points because you ask them to.

If you do not request a hearing within 10 days, the suspension takes effect as written and you lose the right to challenge it. If you do request a hearing, the suspension is delayed until after the hearing is held.

How to request a hearing and what to bring

To request a hearing, you must contact the DMV in writing within 10 days of the suspension notice date. You can mail a letter to the DMV or submit a request through the Virginia DMV website. Include your driver's license number, the date of the notice, and a brief statement of why you believe the suspension is incorrect.

At the hearing, bring any documents that support your case: proof that a ticket was dismissed, evidence that you were not the driver, or documentation of any other relevant fact. If a conviction was based on a traffic ticket, bring a copy of the ticket and any court documents showing the outcome. If you believe points were assigned incorrectly, bring evidence of what the correct points should have been.

The hearing is typically held by phone or in person at a local DMV office. You will have the chance to explain your side and answer questions from the hearing officer. The officer will then decide whether to uphold, modify, or overturn the suspension.

How points stay on your record and affect future suspensions

Points remain on your Virginia driving record for 11 years from the date of conviction. This means a violation from 10 years ago still counts toward your current point total if you are approaching a suspension threshold. You cannot have points removed early, even if you have a clean record otherwise.

Because points accumulate over time, a driver with an old violation and a recent violation can reach a suspension threshold faster than someone with only recent violations. For example, if you received a 4-point speeding ticket 10 years ago and then receive a 6-point reckless driving ticket today, you now have 10 points in the last 12 months — still below 18, but much closer than the recent violation alone would suggest.

Options if your license is suspended

Once your suspension is in effect, you cannot legally drive. However, Virginia offers a restricted license in some cases. A restricted license allows you to drive only for specific purposes: to and from work, to and from school, to and from medical appointments, or to and from court-ordered programs like substance abuse treatment.

To obtain a restricted license, you must petition the court in the city or county where you live. You will need to show that the restriction is necessary for your employment, education, or health. The court has discretion to grant or deny the petition. If granted, the restricted license is valid only during the suspension period and only for the purposes the court approves.

After your suspension period ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV before your full driving privileges are restored. The fee varies but is typically between $100 and $200. You must also pass a written test on Virginia traffic laws before you can drive again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license back early if I complete a defensive driving course?

No. Virginia does not allow early reinstatement based on defensive driving courses. You must serve the full suspension period. However, completing a defensive driving course before the suspension ends can help you when you explore for reinstatement, and it may lower your insurance rates.

Do points from other states count toward Virginia suspension?

Virginia counts violations from other states if you were convicted in those states. The DMV receives reports through the Interstate Compact, which shares driving records between states. Points assigned by other states are converted to Virginia point values and added to your record.

What if I was not the driver but the ticket was issued in my name?

You can contest the ticket and the points at your DMV hearing. Bring proof that you were not driving — such as a witness statement, cell phone records showing your location, or other documentation. If you can show you were not the driver, the points should be removed.

How much does it cost to reinstate my license after suspension?

The reinstatement fee is typically $100 to $200, depending on the reason for suspension. You will also need to pay any outstanding fines or court costs related to the violations that caused the suspension. Contact your local DMV office for the exact fee in your case.

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a written note from my employer?

No. A note from your employer is not legal permission to drive. You must obtain a restricted license from the court. Driving on a suspended license without a court-ordered restriction is a criminal offense, even if your employer says it is necessary for your job.