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 tracks driving violations as demerit points. Each violation adds a set number of points to your record. When your total hits 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 any 12-month period, 24 points within any 24-month period, or 36 points within any 36-month period. If you hit any one of these, your license goes into suspension. The suspension lasts until you complete a driver improvement clinic and pay a reinstatement fee, which is currently $100 (though this amount can change).

Key Takeaways

  • Reaching 18 points in 12 months triggers an automatic suspension; you cannot avoid it by paying fines or waiting.
  • Different violations carry different point values — a speeding ticket is 3 to 6 points, reckless driving is 6 points, and hit-and-run is 12 points.
  • Points stay on your record for 12 months from the violation date, so an old ticket stops counting toward suspension once a year has passed.
  • Completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic removes 5 points from your record and is often required before reinstatement after suspension.
  • You can check your current point total on the Virginia DMV website or by calling their customer service line.

How points are assigned to common Virginia violations

Virginia assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Speeding carries 3 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit you were — 1 to 9 mph over is 3 points, 10 to 19 mph over is 4 points, and 20 mph or more over is 6 points. Reckless driving is always 6 points. Improper lane change, failure to yield, and following too closely are each 3 points.

More serious violations carry higher points. Hit-and-run is 12 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 12 points. Driving under the influence (DUI) is 10 points. Aggressive driving is 6 points. Failure to stop for a school bus is 10 points. If you accumulate points from multiple tickets over a short period, they add together toward the suspension threshold.

When points drop off your record

Points remain on your Virginia driving record for exactly 12 months from the date of the violation, not from the date you paid the fine or went to court. Once 12 months have passed, that violation no longer counts toward your point total. This is why the suspension thresholds are measured in rolling 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month windows — older violations gradually stop counting.

If you received a ticket on January 15, 2024, those points stop counting on January 15, 2025. If you are close to suspension and have an old ticket approaching its 12-month mark, you may be able to avoid suspension by waiting a few weeks. However, if you receive new violations before the old ones drop off, the points will stack and you may cross a threshold.

How to check your current point total

You can view your driving record and point total through the Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online record is updated regularly and shows each violation, the date it occurred, and the points assigned. This is the most direct way to see where you stand.

You can also call the Virginia DMV customer service line at 1-888-337-4269 to ask about your point total. Have your license number ready. Some local DMV offices will print a copy of your record in person, though calling or checking online is faster. Your insurance company may also tell you your point total when you call for a quote, since they use the same DMV record.

What happens when you reach the suspension threshold

The Virginia DMV sends you a notice by mail when your points trigger a suspension. The notice tells you the suspension start date, how long it will last, and what you must do to get your license back. You cannot drive during the suspension period — doing so is a separate criminal offense and can result in jail time and additional fines.

To have your license reinstated, you must complete a driver improvement clinic approved by Virginia. These are classroom courses, usually four to eight hours long, that teach safe driving practices. The clinic removes 5 points from your record. You must also pay the $100 reinstatement fee to the DMV. Some clinics can be completed online, though Virginia requires at least some in-person instruction for first-time suspensions. After you complete the clinic and pay the fee, you can explore for reinstatement.

How to avoid suspension before you reach the threshold

If you are approaching 18 points, you can take a driver improvement clinic voluntarily before suspension occurs. Completing the clinic removes 5 points from your record and can keep you below the suspension threshold. You can do this only once every 12 months, so it is a one-time tool if you are in danger.

The other way to avoid suspension is to contest a ticket in court. If you can show the violation did not occur or that the officer made an error, the ticket is dismissed and no points are added. This requires going to traffic court and presenting your case or hiring an attorney. Many people choose to pay the fine instead, which is faster but adds the points to your record.

Suspension length and what comes after

The length of your suspension depends on how far over the point threshold you went. A first suspension is typically 30 days. If you accumulate points again and trigger a second suspension within three years, the second suspension is usually 60 days. A third suspension within three years can be 90 days or longer. The notice you receive will specify your suspension length.

After your suspension ends and you complete reinstatement, your license is restored but your driving record is not erased. The violations and points remain on your record for 12 months from the violation date. If you receive new violations during that time, they add to your total and you could face suspension again. Some people find themselves in a cycle of suspension and reinstatement if they continue to receive tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work during a suspension if I have no other way to get there?

No. Virginia does not issue hardship licenses or work permits for point-based suspensions. You cannot drive for any reason during the suspension period, even if losing your license costs you your job. You must use public transportation, carpool, or take time off work until your suspension ends and you are reinstated.

If I get a ticket while suspended, what happens?

Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal charge in Virginia, not just a traffic violation. A first offense is a Class 3 misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $500 and jail time. A second offense within 10 years is a Class 2 misdemeanor with higher penalties. You should not drive during suspension under any circumstances.

Does paying a ticket faster make the points go away sooner?

No. Points remain on your record for 12 months from the violation date, regardless of when you pay the fine or go to court. Paying when ready does not remove points early. The only way to remove points before the 12-month period ends is to complete a driver improvement clinic, which removes 5 points and can be done once per 12 months.

Will my insurance rates go up if I have points on my record?

Yes. Insurance companies use Virginia DMV records to set rates. Points on your record signal higher risk, and most insurers will increase your premium. Some insurers increase rates more than others, and some may drop you if you accumulate too many points. It is worth shopping around after receiving a ticket, as different companies price point-based risk differently.

Can I remove points by taking a defensive driving course instead of a driver improvement clinic?

Virginia's driver improvement clinic is the official program that removes points. Some online defensive driving courses exist, but they do not remove points from your DMV record. The only way to remove points is to complete a Virginia-approved driver improvement clinic. Make sure any course you take is specifically approved by the Virginia DMV for point removal.