Pennsylvania suspends your license when you reach 6 points within 12 months

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Transportation uses a point system to track driving violations. When your record accumulates 6 or more points in any 12-month period, PennDOT will suspend your license automatically. This is not a warning or a fine — it is a mandatory suspension that takes effect without a hearing unless you request one.

The suspension lasts a minimum of 30 days for a first offense, but the length depends on how many points you have and whether you have prior suspensions. A second suspension within five years is longer, and a third is longer still. Points stay on your record for one year from the date of the violation, which means a violation from 13 months ago no longer counts toward the 6-point threshold.

You do not have to wait for PennDOT to mail you a notice. If you know you are close to 6 points, you can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect. This hearing does not erase the points, but it gives you a chance to present evidence or challenge the violation itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Six points accumulated within 12 months triggers an automatic license suspension in Pennsylvania.
  • Points expire 12 months after the violation date, so violations older than that no longer count toward the suspension threshold.
  • A first suspension lasts at least 30 days; a second suspension within five years lasts at least 60 days; a third lasts at least 12 months.
  • You can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect to challenge the violations or present mitigating circumstances.
  • Paying a traffic fine does not remove points — points are separate from fines and stay on your record for the full 12 months.

How points are assigned for different violations

Not all traffic violations carry the same point value. Speeding, running a red light, and improper passing each carry different weights. The more serious the violation, the more points it adds to your record.

A violation 1 to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit is 2 points. Speeding 11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit is 3 points. Speeding 26 miles per hour or more over the limit is 5 points. Running a red light, failing to stop at a stop sign, or improper passing is 3 points each. Reckless driving is 6 points by itself — a single violation that reaches the suspension threshold alone.

Violations like driving with a suspended license, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence carry even higher point values and often result in longer suspensions regardless of the point total. A conviction for DUI adds 6 points and triggers a separate mandatory suspension under DUI law, not the point system.

How to check your current point total

You can view your driving record through PennDOT's online system or by mail. The online option is faster: go to the PennDOT website, select "Driver and Vehicle Services," and choose "Check Your Driving Record." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The record costs $5 and shows every violation on your record, the point value of each, and the date each violation occurred.

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request a record by mail. Send a completed form DL-43 (available on the PennDOT website) along with a check for $5 to PennDOT's Records Section. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days.

Your record will show the violation date, the point value, and the date the points expire. If you are within a few points of 6, you will see exactly how much room you have before a suspension takes effect. This is also the document you need if you want to request a hearing before suspension.

What happens when you reach 6 points

PennDOT does not call you or send a warning when you hit 6 points. Instead, you will receive a notice in the mail stating that your license is suspended effective a specific date — usually 10 to 14 days after the notice is mailed. The notice will tell you the suspension length and explain how to request a hearing if you want to challenge it.

Your license becomes invalid on the effective date. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Pennsylvania, punishable by fines and possible jail time. If you are stopped by police, you must surrender your license when ready.

The suspension remains in effect for the full duration even if points expire during that time. For example, if you are suspended for 30 days and a violation expires 20 days into the suspension, the suspension does not end early — you must serve the full 30 days.

Suspension length based on point history

Pennsylvania uses a tiered system for suspension length. Your first suspension lasts a minimum of 30 days. If you receive a second suspension within five years of the first, it lasts a minimum of 60 days. A third suspension within five years lasts a minimum of 12 months.

The clock for "within five years" starts from the date your first suspension ended, not from the date it began. If your first suspension ended on January 15, 2024, and you accumulate 6 points again on January 10, 2029, you are outside the five-year window and your next suspension is treated as a first suspension (30 days minimum).

PennDOT may also impose a longer suspension if the violations that caused the suspension are particularly serious — for example, if multiple violations involve reckless driving or if you have a history of violations. The notice you receive will state the exact length of your suspension.

How to request a hearing before suspension

You have the right to request a hearing before your suspension takes effect. This does not stop the suspension automatically, but it delays it while the hearing is scheduled and held. The hearing gives you a chance to present evidence that the violations were incorrect, that you have mitigating circumstances, or that the point calculation was wrong.

To request a hearing, you must send a written request to PennDOT within 15 days of the suspension notice date. Include your name, driver's license number, the date of the notice, and a brief statement of why you believe the suspension should not take effect. Mail it to the address listed on the notice.

A hearing officer will review the violations and listen to your side. You can bring documents, photographs, or witnesses. The hearing officer cannot erase points or change the point values assigned by law, but they can overturn a violation if it was issued in error or if you have evidence the violation did not occur. If the violations stand, the suspension will take effect after the hearing.

How points expire and what happens after suspension

Points expire exactly 12 months after the violation date, not 12 months after conviction or payment of the fine. Once a point expires, it no longer counts toward the 6-point threshold. If you have 5 points from violations dated more than 12 months ago and you receive a new 2-point violation, you now have 2 points on your active record — the older violations have dropped off.

After your suspension ends, your license is automatically reinstated. You do not need to reapply or pay a reinstatement fee in Pennsylvania. However, you must have a valid license to drive legally, so if your license expired during the suspension, you will need to renew it before driving.

The violations themselves remain on your driving record permanently for insurance and employment purposes, but they stop counting toward future suspensions once they reach the 12-month mark. If you accumulate 6 points again after your first suspension, you will face a second suspension with a longer duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive during the 15 days after I get a suspension notice if I request a hearing?

Yes. Requesting a hearing delays the suspension, so you can continue driving while the hearing is scheduled and held. However, if the hearing officer upholds the violations, the suspension takes effect when ready after the hearing. Do not assume the hearing will overturn the suspension.

Do points from out-of-state violations count toward Pennsylvania suspension?

Yes. If you are a Pennsylvania resident, violations in other states are reported to PennDOT and added to your Pennsylvania record with the same point values. The 12-month window and suspension thresholds explore to the combined total, not just Pennsylvania violations.

What if I pay the fine for a violation — does that remove the points?

No. Paying the fine and the points are separate. Paying the fine resolves the financial penalty, but the points remain on your record for 12 months from the violation date. Points cannot be removed by payment, traffic school, or any other action except waiting for them to expire.

If I get suspended, can I get a work license to drive for my job?

Pennsylvania does not issue work licenses or hardship licenses during a suspension. You cannot drive for any reason during the suspension period, including work. Some states offer this option, but Pennsylvania does not.

How long does a hearing take, and when will it be scheduled?

Hearings are typically scheduled 30 to 60 days after you request one. The hearing itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. PennDOT will mail you the hearing date and location. If you miss the hearing, the suspension takes effect automatically.