Georgia suspends a teen driver's license at 15 points if they're under 18

In Georgia, a driver under 18 loses their license when they accumulate 15 points within a 24-month period. This is lower than the threshold for adult drivers, who face suspension at 15 points over a longer window or at higher points depending on their age. The state treats teen drivers more strictly because they have less driving experience and statistically higher crash rates.

Points stay on your record for two years from the violation date. That means a speeding ticket from January 2023 stops counting toward suspension in January 2025. If you get another ticket before that date expires, both violations count together. Once you hit 15 points, the Georgia Department of Driver Services sends a suspension notice to your address on file — usually within 30 days of the violation being reported.

The suspension itself lasts a minimum of three months for a first offense. You cannot drive at all during that time, even with a parent or guardian in the car. Driving with a suspended license is a separate crime and carries its own penalties, including fines and possible jail time.

Key Takeaways

  • Teen drivers in Georgia face license suspension at 15 points accumulated within 24 months, which is the same threshold as adults but applies over a shorter time window.
  • Points from traffic violations stay on your record for exactly two years from the violation date, and violations older than that no longer count toward suspension.
  • A first suspension lasts at least three months, and you cannot drive during that period under any circumstances.
  • Common violations that add points include speeding (1 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit), reckless driving (6 points), and at-fault accidents (4 points).
  • You can reduce points through a defensive driving course, which removes up to 7 points if you have no other violations pending.

How points are assigned for common violations

Georgia's point system assigns different amounts based on the severity of the violation. Speeding carries 1 point for 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit, 2 points for 11 to 20 mph over, 3 points for 21 to 30 mph over, 4 points for 31 to 40 mph over, 5 points for 41 to 50 mph over, and 6 points for 50 mph or more over the limit. A single speeding ticket for 55 in a 35 can cost you 6 points when ready.

Other common violations include reckless driving (6 points), improper lane change (2 points), following too closely (3 points), and failure to obey a traffic signal (3 points). An at-fault accident adds 4 points, even if no ticket was issued. Driving without a valid license or permit adds 6 points. If you cause an accident that injures someone, the points are higher and may include felony charges depending on the severity.

Parking violations and equipment violations like a broken taillight do not add points — only moving violations do. A ticket for an expired registration or a cracked windshield will not move you closer to suspension, but a ticket for running a red light will.

What happens when you reach 15 points

Once the Georgia Department of Driver Services records your 15th point, they mail a suspension notice to your address. The notice includes the suspension start date, the length of the suspension, and instructions for how to reinstate your license. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — the suspension is effective on the date shown in the notice, even if you have not received it yet.

During the suspension, your physical license is still valid as an ID, but you cannot legally drive. If a police officer stops you while driving, you will be charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a misdemeanor in Georgia. A conviction can result in fines up to $1,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both. Your insurance company will also be notified, which can raise your rates or cause them to drop you entirely.

The suspension period is not the same as the points expiring. Even after your suspension ends and you get your license back, those points remain on your record for the full two years. If you get another violation before the two-year mark, it adds to your existing points.

How to reduce points before suspension

Georgia allows drivers to remove up to 7 points by completing a defensive driving course approved by the state. The course must be taken before you are suspended, and you can only use it once every five years. The course is usually offered online and takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. You pay a fee to the course provider — typically $20 to $50 — and receive a certificate to send to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

The points are not removed when ready. After you submit your certificate, the Department processes it and updates your record, which can take two to four weeks. If you are close to 15 points and take the course, make sure you complete it and submit the certificate before you accumulate enough points to trigger suspension.

You cannot use a defensive driving course if you already have a suspension notice in the mail or if you have other violations pending. The course is also not available if you have been convicted of certain serious violations like DUI or hit-and-run. Check with the Georgia Department of Driver Services before enrolling to confirm you are still within the window to use it.

Reinstating your license after suspension

To get your license back after a suspension, you must wait until the suspension period ends. For a first suspension, that is at least three months. You cannot shorten the suspension by paying a fine or taking another course — you straightforward have to wait.

Once the suspension period is over, you must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services office in person with your ID and proof of residence. You will pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $210 for a suspension due to points. Some offices also require you to pass a written test or vision test before they reissue your license. Call your local office ahead of time to confirm what documents and fees you need.

If you accumulate 15 points again within five years of your first suspension, the second suspension lasts six months. A third suspension within five years lasts one year. Each repeat offense carries longer suspension periods and higher reinstatement fees.

How teen drivers differ from adult drivers

Georgia's Graduated Driver Licensing system imposes additional restrictions on drivers under 18 beyond just the points threshold. Teen drivers cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless they are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. They also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. Violating these restrictions adds points and can lead to suspension even if you have not reached 15 points from other violations.

The 15-point threshold itself is the same for teens and adults, but teens accumulate points faster because they have fewer years of driving history and more violations per mile driven. A single reckless driving conviction can cost a teen 6 points — 40 percent of the way to suspension — in one traffic stop.

If you are under 18 and your license is suspended, you cannot request a hardship permit to drive to school or work like some adult drivers can. Your only option is to wait out the suspension period. This is why defensive driving courses and careful driving are especially important for teen drivers in Georgia.

What to do if you receive a ticket

When you get a traffic ticket in Georgia, the officer writes the violation on the ticket. You have the right to contest it in traffic court. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a court date and present your side to a judge. Many tickets are dismissed or reduced if the officer does not appear in court or if you can show the violation did not occur.

If you decide to pay the ticket, the violation is recorded and points are added to your record within 30 days. If you are close to 15 points, consider whether paying the ticket or fighting it in court makes sense for your situation. A conviction in court adds the same points as paying the ticket, but a dismissal adds zero points.

You can also ask the court about a conditional discharge or traffic school option, which some courts offer. These allow you to avoid a conviction if you complete the course and have no other violations during a set period. The rules vary by county, so ask the court clerk what options are available in your jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do points from out-of-state tickets count toward my Georgia suspension?

Yes. Georgia counts violations from other states if you were driving a vehicle registered in Georgia or if you hold a Georgia license. The points are converted to Georgia's point system and added to your record. If you get a speeding ticket in Florida, it will count toward your 15-point threshold in Georgia.

Can my parents or guardians help me avoid suspension?

No. Your parents cannot pay fines, take courses, or take action to reduce your points. Only you can complete a defensive driving course or contest a ticket in court. Your parents can help you understand the consequences and support you in making safer driving choices, but the legal responsibility is yours.

What happens to my insurance if my license is suspended?

Your insurance company will be notified of the suspension. Most companies will either cancel your policy or raise your rates significantly. Some insurers will not renew your policy at all. When your license is reinstated, you will likely pay higher premiums for three to five years because the suspension is a mark against your driving record.

Can I get my points reduced if I was not at fault in an accident?

No. In Georgia, an at-fault accident adds 4 points regardless of the circumstances. If you were not at fault, the other driver's insurance should cover the damage, but the points still explore to your record. The only way to reduce points is through a defensive driving course or by waiting for violations to age off after two years.

What if I turn 18 before my suspension ends?

Your suspension continues even after you turn 18. The suspension is tied to your license, not your age. Once you turn 18, the point threshold changes to match adult rules, but any active suspension stays in place until the suspension period ends.