In Pennsylvania, a driver’s license is automatically suspended when a driving record reaches 11 or more points. PennDOT — the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation — begins taking corrective action earlier, at 6 or more points, which can trigger a mandatory written exam, departmental hearing, or license suspension depending on how many times the driver has accumulated 6 points. Drivers under the age of 18 face suspension at just 6 points. The suspension length increases with each prior suspension on record, starting at 5 days per point for a first suspension and increasing to 10 days per point for a second suspension.
If you are facing traffic violations or license suspension in Pennsylvania, the attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford can help you navigate the complexities of traffic violations and protect your driving privileges. With over 65 years of combined legal knowledge serving Montgomery and Bucks counties, our team works to develop strategies specifically designed for your unique situation.
How Many Points Does It Take to Suspend Your License in PA?
Pennsylvania suspends a driver’s license automatically once the driving record reaches 11 or more points under 75 Pa. C.S. § 1539. The suspension length is determined by how many prior suspensions the driver has on record. The suspension schedule is as follows.
- First suspension — 5 days for each point on the record at the time of suspension
- Second suspension — 10 days for each point on the record at the time of suspension
- Third suspension — 15 days for each point on the record at the time of suspension
- Fourth and subsequent suspensions — 1 year
For example, a driver with 11 points facing their first suspension would receive a 55-day suspension — 5 days × 11 points. After the driving privilege is restored, the driving record will show 5 points, regardless of how many points were on the record before the suspension.
What Happens When You Reach 6 Points in Pennsylvania?
PennDOT takes corrective action before a license is suspended. When a Pennsylvania driver’s record reaches 6 or more points for the first time, PennDOT sends a written notice requiring the driver to pass a special written exam within 30 days. Passing removes 2 points from the record. Failing results in license suspension until the exam is passed. The following actions apply based on how many times a driver has accumulated 6 points.
- First accumulation of 6 points — Written exam required within 30 days; passing removes 2 points; failing suspends the license until passed
- Second accumulation of 6 points — Mandatory departmental hearing; possible 15-day suspension or on-road exam; failing to appear results in automatic 60-day suspension
- Third or subsequent accumulation of 6 points — Mandatory departmental hearing; likely 30-day suspension with no points removed; failing to appear suspends license indefinitely
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Point System
Pennsylvania assigns points to your license based on the severity of traffic violations. Minor infractions like failing to obey a traffic signal add two points, while more serious violations carry higher point values. Speeding violations range from two to five points, depending on how far you exceeded the speed limit. Common violations and their point values include the following.
- Speeding 6–10 mph over the limit — 2 points
- Speeding 11–15 mph over the limit — 3 points and a 15-day suspension if in a work zone
- Speeding 16–25 mph over the limit — 4 points and a 15-day suspension if in a work zone
- Speeding 26–30 mph over the limit — 5 points and a 15-day suspension if in a work zone
- Failure to stop for a school bus — 60-day suspension
- Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage — 4 points
- Reckless driving — 6 points
How Many Points Can a Driver Under 18 Have Before Suspension in PA?
Drivers under 18 in Pennsylvania face stricter suspension thresholds than adult drivers. A minor’s driving privilege is automatically suspended upon accumulating 6 or more points — significantly lower than the 11-point threshold for adults. The first suspension for a minor is 90 days. Any additional occurrences result in a 120-day suspension. Minors are also subject to automatic suspension if convicted of driving 26 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, regardless of their point total.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Pennsylvania Driving Record?
Most traffic violation points remain on a Pennsylvania driving record for three years from the conviction date. However, 3 points are removed automatically for every 12 consecutive months in which a driver has not committed a violation that results in points and is not under suspension or revocation. No action is required — PennDOT applies the reduction automatically. If a driver’s record is reduced to zero points and remains at zero for 12 consecutive months, any future point accumulation is treated as a first-time occurrence, resetting the corrective action schedule. Serious offenses like DUI carry consequences beyond the point system and remain on record for longer periods.
How Do You Remove Points From Your Pennsylvania Driving Record?
Points are removed from a Pennsylvania driving record automatically at a rate of 3 points for every 12 consecutive months of violation-free driving. Attending a PennDOT-approved driver improvement course may also result in point reductions in certain circumstances. Additionally, passing a required written exam following a first accumulation of 6 points removes 2 points from the record immediately upon passing.
How to Check How Many Points Are on Your Pennsylvania Driver’s License
You can check your Pennsylvania driver’s license points through PennDOT’s online Driver and Vehicle Services portal. The system provides instant access to your complete driving record, including any points currently on your license. You will need your driver’s license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
Alternatively, you can request your driving record by mail or in person at any PennDOT driver’s license center. The process typically takes longer than the online method, but it provides the same comprehensive information about your driving history and point total. PennDOT charges a fee of $11 for official driving record copies.
When You Should Consider Legal Help
Traffic violations that add points to your license may seem minor at first, but they create lasting complications. Multiple violations within a short timeframe increase your risk of license suspension. Criminal defense attorneys can evaluate your situation and determine if challenging the violation makes sense for your circumstances.
Some traffic violations carry additional penalties beyond points. Reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, or excessive speeding can result in criminal charges. These situations require immediate legal attention to protect your rights and minimize potential consequences. An attorney may be able to negotiate reduced charges or alternative penalties that avoid adding points to your record.
License suspensions affect more than just your ability to drive. They can impact your employment, family obligations, and daily responsibilities. If you face suspension or have accumulated multiple points, legal representation can help you explore options like occupational licenses or challenging the underlying violations. Fighting traffic violations early proves more effective than dealing with suspension consequences later.
Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford for Pennsylvania Traffic Violation Defense
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, we bring decades of trial experience and a proven track record to every traffic violation case. Our attorneys have been recognized as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report every year since 2010, reflecting our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients in Montgomery and Bucks counties. We listen attentively to your needs and develop defense strategies tailored to your specific situation. Whether you need to challenge points on your license, contest a license suspension, or fight serious traffic violations, our team provides knowledgeable legal counsel from our offices in Newtown and Colmar, Pennsylvania. Contact us online today to discuss how we can help protect your driving privileges and your future.
