What happens if you get 6 points on your license in GA?

Driving is a privilege that comes with significant responsibility. In Georgia, as in most states, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) uses a points system to monitor and penalize traffic violations. Accumulating points on your driving record can have serious consequences, including higher insurance premiums, license suspension, and even long-term impacts on your driving privileges. If you find yourself with 6 points on your Georgia driver’s license, it’s essential to understand what that means, what the potential consequences are, and what steps you can take to protect your driving record and your future.

Understanding the Georgia Points System

Georgia’s points system is designed to identify and penalize drivers who commit traffic violations. Each violation carries a specific point value, depending on the severity of the offense. For example, minor infractions like failing to signal might result in 2 points, while more serious offenses like reckless driving or unlawfully passing a school bus can result in 4 or 6 points. The points are added to your driving record whenever you are convicted of a moving violation.

Here are some common violations and their point values in Georgia:

• Speeding (15-18 mph over limit): 2 points

• Speeding (19-23 mph over limit): 3 points

• Speeding (24-33 mph over limit): 4 points

• Speeding (34+ mph over limit): 6 points

• Reckless driving: 4 points

• Aggressive driving: 6 points

• Unlawfully passing a school bus: 6 points

• Failure to obey a traffic-control device: 3 points

• Improper passing on hill/curve: 4 points

The points remain on your record for two years from the date of the offense. If you accumulate too many points within a certain period, you risk having your license suspended.

What Happens When You Accumulate 6 Points?

For Drivers Age 21 and Older

If you are an adult driver (age 21 or older) and you reach 6 points on your license, you are not immediately subject to a license suspension. Georgia law states that your license will be suspended if you accumulate 15 points within a 24-month period. However, reaching 6 points is a significant warning sign. It means you are nearly halfway to the suspension threshold, and any additional violations could push you closer to losing your driving privileges.

While your license remains valid at 6 points, there are still consequences:

• Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies regularly check driving records. Accumulating 6 points can lead to higher insurance rates, as you are now considered a higher-risk driver.

• Employment Impact: If your job requires driving, employers may review your driving record. Multiple points can jeopardize your employment or limit job opportunities.

• Court-Ordered Penalties: Some judges may impose additional penalties, such as mandatory defensive driving courses, even if your license is not suspended.

For Drivers Under Age 21

Georgia has stricter rules for drivers under 21. If you are under 21 and are convicted of a single offense worth 4 points or more (such as reckless driving or passing a school bus), your license will be suspended automatically, even if it is your first offense. Accumulating 6 points as a young driver almost certainly means you have already faced or are facing a suspension.

CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Holders

Commercial drivers are held to even higher standards. Certain violations that may not result in suspension for a regular driver can lead to disqualification of a CDL. Accumulating points can jeopardize your livelihood if you drive for a living.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record?

Points from traffic violations remain on your Georgia driving record for two years from the date of the offense. After two years, the points for that specific violation are removed. However, the violation itself may remain on your record for a longer period, and insurance companies may consider your entire driving history when setting rates.

How to Reduce Points on Your License

If you are concerned about the impact of 6 points on your record, Georgia law allows you to reduce the number of points through proactive measures:

• Defensive Driving Course: You can take a certified defensive driving (driver improvement) course to remove up to 7 points from your record once every five years. After completing the course, you must submit your certificate to the DDS to receive the reduction.

• Safe Driving: The best way to avoid accumulating more points is to drive safely and obey all traffic laws. Avoid risky behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive maneuvers.

What to Do If You Have 6 Points

1. Check Your Driving Record: Regularly review your driving record through the Georgia DDS website to ensure accuracy and to monitor your points.

2. Consider a Defensive Driving Course: If you are at 6 points, taking a defensive driving course can bring you back to a safer level and may also help reduce your insurance premiums.

3. Consult a Traffic Attorney: If you are facing additional violations or believe you have been unfairly cited, consulting with a traffic attorney can help you understand your options and potentially contest tickets in court.

4. Inform Your Insurance Company: Some insurance companies offer discounts for completing defensive driving courses, so notify your insurer if you complete one.

5. Drive Cautiously: Avoid further violations at all costs. Even minor infractions can add up quickly and put your license at risk.

The Importance of Responsible Driving

Accumulating points on your license is more than just a bureaucratic issue; it is a reflection of your driving habits. Reaching 6 points should be a wake-up call to reassess how you approach driving. Safe, responsible driving not only protects your license but also keeps you, your passengers, and others on the road safe.

Conclusion

If you reach 6 points on your Georgia driver’s license, your license will not be suspended immediately if you are 21 or older, but you are at significant risk. Your insurance rates may rise, and you are just a few violations away from a suspension. For drivers under 21, the consequences are even more severe, with a single 4-point violation resulting in suspension. The best course of action is to take a defensive driving course, drive safely, and avoid further violations. By understanding the points system and taking proactive steps, you can protect your driving privileges and maintain a clean record.