Virginia Beach Point System

Virginia has some of the toughest traffic laws in the nation, and the Virginia Beach point system is no exception. Like many states, Virginia uses a point system to keep track of traffic offenders. To do this, the DMV assigns each traffic violation a specific point value based on the severity of the offense. When a driver is found guilty of a particular offense, the appropriate points are applied to his or her driving record and, after reaching a certain number of points, his or her driver’s license may be suspended or revoked.

While most minor traffic offenses do not immediately threaten your driving privileges, each violation adds three, four, or six points to your driving record. In Virginia, receiving 18 points within a one-year period, or 24 points within two years, can be grounds for a license suspension.

As the least severe traffic offenses, Virginia’s three point violations are also some of the most common. Improper passing, driving on the sidewalk, running a red light, and failing to use lights will add three points to your driving record, and remain on your record for three years. Although speeding 1 to 9 miles above the posted speed limit and impeding traffic are also three point violations, these offenses will remain on your record for five years.

In terms of severity, Virginia’s four point violations fall somewhere in the middle. Speeding 10 to 19 miles above the posted speed limit, failing to yield right-of-way, unsafe passing, and following too closely are all examples of such offenses. Like three point violations, most four point offenses will remain on your driving record for three years. However, speeding and aggressive driving will show up on your record for five years.

Six-point violations are the most serious of all traffic offenses, and include manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, refusing a breath test, and driving on a suspended license. Most reckless driving charges also fall into this category—such as racing, driving more than 80mph, passing an emergency vehicle, passing a school bus, and speeding 20 miles or more above the posted speed limit. Unless the offense is classified as a misdemeanor, all six-point offenses will remain on your driving record for 11 years.

If you recently received a traffic ticket in Virginia, it is important to understand how the offense will affect your driving points. In some cases, just one minor violation can push your points over the edge, and lead to your license suspension or revocation. Fortunately, attorney Michael C. Tillotson can help. Mr. Tillotson knows the ins and outs of Virginia’s point system, and in many cases, can use this knowledge to reduce or eliminate the number of points added to your driving record. Contact Michael C. Tillotson today for a free consultation.