Virginia Demerit Points: Complete Guide to the VA Point System

If you drive in Virginia, understanding Virginia demerit points is essential. Every traffic violation you receive adds points to your driving record, and accumulating too many can result in serious consequences like higher insurance rates or even losing your license. In this guide, we'll explain how Virginia demerit points work, what violations cost you the most points, and most importantly, how you can reduce them.

What Are Demerit Points in Virginia?

Demerit points are penalties assigned to your driving record by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) whenever you're convicted of a traffic violation. Think of them as a score that tracks your driving safety. The more points you accumulate, the closer you get to serious consequences like license suspension or mandatory driver education requirements.

Every traffic violation in Virginia carries a specific point value based on the severity of the offense. Minor infractions might add 3 points, while serious violations can add 6 points or more. The state uses this point system to identify unsafe drivers and encourage better driving habits.

How Does the Virginia Demerit Point System Work?

Virginia's demerit point system operates on a cumulative basis, meaning points stay on your driving record for a set period. Specifically, traffic violation points remain on your record for 2 years from the date of the violation. This doesn't mean you're stuck with them forever, but you need to drive safely during this window to avoid accumulating more points.

The system tracks your points in different time windows. If you accumulate 12 points within 12 months, the Virginia DMV will send you a mandatory advisory letter warning you about your driving record. This is a serious wake-up call. If you reach 18 points in 12 months, or 24 points in 24 months, your license will be suspended. A suspension means you cannot legally drive, which can impact your job, your ability to run errands, and your freedom.

The good news is that Virginia demerit points aren't permanent. You can reduce them, and there are legitimate ways to do so that we'll discuss later in this guide.

How Many Points Is a Speeding Ticket in Virginia?

Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations, and how many points is a speeding ticket in VA depends on how far over the speed limit you were driving. Virginia uses a graduated system where the severity of the speeding violation determines the points added to your record.

Here's the breakdown:

Speeding 1-9 mph over the limit = 3 demerit points

Speeding 10-19 mph over the limit = 4 demerit points

Speeding 20+ mph over the limit = 6 demerit points

Additionally, speeding in a school zone or residential area can result in higher fines and additional penalties. The point values apply regardless of where you're speeding, but the fines increase significantly in these areas. Many drivers don't realize how quickly points add up. Two speeding tickets just 10 mph over the limit puts you at 8 points, which is getting dangerously close to the 12-point mandatory letter threshold.

Virginia DMV Demerit Points Chart

To help you understand which violations cost the most points, here is a comprehensive breakdown of common Virginia DMV demerit points by violation type:

3-Point Violations

Speeding 1-9 mph over the limit, improper passing, illegal U-turn, driving on sidewalk, and running a red light are all 3-point violations. These are considered minor infractions but still add up quickly.

4-Point Violations

Speeding 10-19 mph over the limit, failure to yield, following too closely, and unsafe passing are all 4-point violations. These represent moderate driving infractions that show a pattern of risky behavior.

6-Point Violations

Speeding 20+ mph over the limit, DUI, reckless driving, passing a stopped school bus, driving on a suspended license, and refusing a breath test are all 6-point violations. These are the most serious offenses and carry the heaviest penalties beyond just demerit points.

How Many Points to Lose Your License in Virginia?

One of the biggest fears drivers have is losing their license, and with good reason. So how many points to lose license in VA? Understanding the thresholds is critical for protecting your driving privileges.

In Virginia, your license will be suspended if you accumulate 18 points in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months. These are the hard limits. Once you hit these numbers, your license is suspended, and you'll need to complete a driver improvement course and possibly pay reinstatement fees before you can drive legally again.

Before reaching suspension, you'll receive a warning. At 12 points in 12 months, Virginia DMV sends a mandatory advisory letter. This letter is your opportunity to take action and prevent suspension. Many drivers use this as a signal to enroll in a driver improvement course, which can help reduce points and show the DMV that you're taking your driving seriously.

How Do Safe Driving Points Work in Virginia?

Here's the encouraging part: Virginia rewards safe driving. How many safe driving points in Virginia can you earn? You can earn 1 safe driving point for each year that you don't receive any traffic violations. These safe driving points work in your favor by reducing your net point total on your driving record.

For example, if you have 10 demerit points from violations but you've gone one year without any violations, you'd have 1 safe driving point, bringing your net total to 9 points. The maximum safe driving points you can accumulate is 5 points, earned over 5 clean years of driving.

This system shows that Virginia's DMV understands safe driving behavior deserves recognition. If you're able to stay violation-free for several years, those safe driving points will significantly help your record.

How to Reduce Demerit Points in Virginia

The best way to reduce Virginia demerit points is to complete an approved driver improvement course. Virginia allows drivers to reduce up to 5 demerit points by completing a state-approved 8-hour course once every 12 months. This is a legal, straightforward way to improve your driving record.

When you complete a driver improvement course, you earn 5 safe driving points, which directly offset demerit points. So if you have 10 points from violations, completing a course brings you down to 5 net points. Plus, insurance companies often offer discounts to drivers who complete these courses, so you'll save money twice over.

You can also reduce points by driving safely and staying violation-free. Each year without a violation adds 1 safe driving point to your record, up to a maximum of 5. However, this takes longer than completing a driver improvement course, so many drivers prefer the immediate relief that comes with course completion.

One important note: you can only take a driver improvement course once per 12 months, even though violations stay on your record for 2 years. Plan strategically about when to take your course for maximum benefit.

How Demerit Points Affect Your Insurance

Your driving record is directly connected to your car insurance rates. Insurance companies pull your driving record regularly and adjust your premiums based on what they find. Demerit points on your record tell insurers that you're a higher-risk driver, which means you'll pay more for coverage.

The impact varies by insurance company and the type of violation, but expect rate increases anywhere from 10% to 50% or more after a violation. A speeding ticket might increase your rates by 15-25%, while serious violations like reckless driving or DUI can increase rates by 50% or more for several years.

This is another reason to take reducing your Virginia demerit points seriously. Not only do you avoid license suspension, but you also save hundreds of dollars on insurance premiums. Completing a driver improvement course often qualifies you for an insurance discount that can offset the cost of the course entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do demerit points stay on my Virginia driving record?

Traffic violation points remain on your record for 2 years from the date of the violation. However, traffic convictions may stay on your record for 3 to 11 years depending on the severity of the offense.

Can I remove points from my driving record?

You cannot remove points that were earned through violations. However, you can reduce your net point total by completing a driver improvement course (earning 5 safe driving points) or by driving violation-free and accumulating safe driving points naturally (up to 5 points over 5 years).

Will completing a driver improvement course remove points completely?

No, it won't remove violation points, but it reduces your net point total. If you have 8 demerit points and complete a course to earn 5 safe driving points, your net total becomes 3 points. The violation points stay on your record, but their impact is reduced.

What happens if I reach 12 points in Virginia?

You'll receive a mandatory advisory letter from Virginia DMV. This is a warning that you're at risk of license suspension if you accumulate more points. You should take immediate action, such as completing a driver improvement course.

Can I take a driver improvement course multiple times per year?

No. Virginia allows you to take an approved driver improvement course once every 12 months. Even if you have multiple violations, you can only complete one course per year for point reduction benefits.

Does my insurance company know about my demerit points?

Yes. Insurance companies regularly access your driving record and see all demerit points and violations. This is why your rates increase after violations, because your insurer has direct access to this information.

Reduce Your Virginia Demerit Points Today

Understanding how Virginia demerit points work is the first step to protecting your driving privileges and keeping your insurance rates low. Whether you're dealing with recent violations or want to prevent future problems, taking action now is the smartest choice.

The fastest and most effective way to reduce your points is to complete an approved driver improvement course. ABC Driving Improvement offers a state-approved 8-hour online course that you can complete on your own schedule from home. Our course is specifically designed for Virginia drivers and helps you earn 5 safe driving points that will reduce your net point total.

Don't wait until you receive a mandatory advisory letter or face license suspension. Enroll in ABC Driving Improvement's online driver course today and take control of your driving record. Your future self will thank you when you're paying lower insurance rates and driving with confidence.