Your driving record holds significant weight in Pennsylvania. Every traffic violation you commit can add points to your license, and accumulating too many can result in suspension or increased insurance rates. Checking your point total is straightforward, but understanding what those points mean for your driving privileges requires more attention.
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.
Accessing Your Pennsylvania Driving Record
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 small fee for official driving record copies.
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 limit.
Once you accumulate six points on your license, PennDOT requires you to complete a written exam. If you reach six points a second time, you must attend a departmental hearing. The most serious consequence comes at 11 points, when PennDOT suspends your license for one year. Additional violations during this period can extend your suspension.
Points remain on your driving record for different lengths of time. Most violations stay on your record for three years from the conviction date. However, serious offenses like DUI remain for longer periods and carry more severe consequences beyond the point system.
When You Should Consider Legal Help
Traffic violations that add points to your license may seem minor at first, but they can 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 often 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.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
January 26, 2026
