Virginia suspends your license when you reach 18 points within a 12-month period

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles uses a point system to track driving violations. Each type of violation carries a set number of points. When your total reaches 18 points in any 12-month rolling period, the DMV will suspend your license automatically. This is not a warning or a fine — it is a mandatory suspension that takes effect by mail.

The 12-month window is a rolling calculation, not a calendar year. If you receive 10 points in March and 8 more points in December of the same year, you hit 18 points and trigger suspension. If you receive 10 points in March and 8 points in April of the following year, those are counted in separate 12-month windows and do not combine.

You will receive a notice from the DMV stating the suspension date, usually 10 to 14 days after the violation is reported to the state. The suspension becomes effective on the date shown in the notice, and you cannot drive legally until the suspension period ends or you request a hearing to contest it.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia suspends your license automatically when you accumulate 18 or more points within any 12-month rolling period.
  • Common violations carry between 3 and 6 points; reckless driving carries 6 points, and speeding 1 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit.
  • The DMV mails a suspension notice 10 to 14 days after your point total reaches 18, and the suspension takes effect on the date stated in that notice.
  • You can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect, but you must do so within the timeframe stated in the DMV notice.
  • Suspension length ranges from 30 days to one year, depending on whether this is your first suspension and how many points you have accumulated.

How points are assigned for different violations

Virginia assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Speeding violations carry the fewest points: 1 point for exceeding the limit by 1 to 9 mph, 3 points for 10 to 19 mph over, and 6 points for 20 mph or more over the limit. Reckless driving, regardless of the specific charge, is always 6 points. Improper lane changes, following too closely, and failure to yield are each 3 points.

More serious violations carry higher point values. Driving under the influence (DUI) is 10 points. Hit-and-run is 10 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points. Fleeing from police is 10 points. A single serious violation can put you close to the 18-point threshold, especially if you already have points on your record.

Not all violations result in points. Parking tickets, equipment violations (like a broken taillight), and some administrative violations do not add points to your driving record. However, if you are convicted of a moving violation in traffic court, points will be assessed.

Suspension length depends on your history

Your first suspension lasts a minimum of 30 days. If you accumulate 18 to 23 points in a 12-month period, you will be suspended for 30 days. If you reach 24 to 29 points, the suspension is 60 days. If you reach 30 or more points, the suspension is 90 days.

A second suspension within a three-year period is longer. If you are suspended again and you were previously suspended within the last three years, your new suspension is at least 60 days for 18 to 23 points, 90 days for 24 to 29 points, and one year for 30 or more points.

A third or subsequent suspension within a three-year period results in a one-year suspension regardless of your point total. Once you have been suspended twice in three years, any further suspension is automatic for a full year.

How to request a hearing before suspension takes effect

The DMV notice you receive will include a important date to request a hearing. You typically have 10 to 14 days from the date of the notice to submit your request. You must request the hearing in writing and mail it to the address shown on the notice, or you can request it online through the Virginia DMV website if that option is available at the time you receive your notice.

A hearing gives you the chance to contest the suspension before it begins. You can argue that the points were assessed in error, that the conviction was improper, or that there are circumstances the DMV should consider. However, the hearing officer will not reduce the points themselves — they can only determine whether the suspension should take effect as scheduled.

If you request a hearing, the suspension is delayed until after the hearing is held. If you do not request a hearing by the important date, the suspension takes effect on the date stated in the notice, and you will have to wait out the full suspension period before you can drive again.

Points that expire and how to reduce your total

Points do not stay on your record forever. Virginia removes points after a certain period if you do not receive any new violations. Points expire after 11 years from the date of conviction. However, this does not mean you can ignore points for 11 years — if you accumulate 18 points before they expire, your license will be suspended regardless.

Virginia does not offer a point reduction program for safe driving. You cannot take a defensive driving course to reduce points already on your record. The only way to lower your point total is to wait for old violations to age off your record after 11 years, or to have a conviction overturned or dismissed in court.

If you are convicted of a violation and later have that conviction overturned on appeal or dismissed, you can request that the DMV remove the associated points. You will need to provide documentation of the dismissal or reversal to the DMV in writing.

What happens during a suspension

During a suspension, you cannot legally drive. Driving with a suspended license is itself a violation and carries 6 points, which will be added to your record when you are caught. If you are stopped while suspended, you face criminal charges, fines, and possible jail time depending on whether this is your first offense.

Your vehicle registration may also be suspended if your license is suspended. Some employers and insurance companies will be notified of the suspension. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV when the suspension period ends before you can legally drive again.

If you need to drive during a suspension for work or medical reasons, you can request a restricted license (also called a work permit) from the DMV. The availability and terms of a restricted license depend on the reason for your suspension and your specific circumstances. Not all suspensions may have access to for a restricted license.

Reinstatement after suspension ends

When your suspension period ends, your license does not automatically return. You must contact the DMV and pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $100 to $200 depending on the reason for suspension. You will need to provide proof that you have paid this fee before you can legally drive again.

Some suspensions also require you to complete a driver improvement clinic or other remedial course before reinstatement. The DMV notice will specify whether this applies to your suspension. You must complete the course and provide proof of completion to the DMV before your license is restored.

Once you have paid the reinstatement fee and met any other requirements, the DMV will mail you a new license or a notice confirming that your driving privilege has been restored. You should not drive until you receive this confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work during a suspension?

Not without a restricted license. You can request a work permit from the DMV if your suspension qualifies, but you must show that you have a legitimate need to drive for employment. The DMV will issue a restricted license that allows you to drive only to and from work and related activities. Not all suspensions may have access to for this option.

What if I get points while my license is already suspended?

Points continue to accumulate even while your license is suspended. If you receive a new violation and conviction during a suspension, those points are added to your record. This can result in a longer suspension or a new suspension when ready after the current one ends.

How do I check how many points I currently have?

You can check your driving record through the Virginia DMV website or by visiting a DMV office in person. You will need to provide your driver's license number and date of birth. Your record will show all violations and points from the past 11 years.

Can I appeal a suspension if I think the points were wrong?

Yes, you can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect. At the hearing, you can argue that the points were assessed incorrectly or that the conviction should not have resulted in points. However, you must request the hearing within the timeframe stated in the DMV notice, usually 10 to 14 days.

Do points from other states count toward Virginia suspension?

Virginia counts violations from other states if they are reported to Virginia through the Interstate Compact. Most states participate in this system, so violations in other states will appear on your Virginia record and count toward the 18-point threshold. Check your driving record to see if out-of-state violations are listed.