The Pennsylvania Point System

PennDOT assigns points for moving violations to every driver licensed in the state. Drivers who accrue too many points on their records risk a license suspension. Any driver who is in danger of a license suspension or other sanctions should contact defense lawyer David M. Manilla. David belongs to DUI-DWI.com, a nationwide network of legal professionals dedicated to protecting the rights of drivers.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s point system was devised to improve motorists’ habits and to ensure safe driving. PennDOT takes actions when a driver accumulates six or more points.

A driver who accumulates six or more points for the first time must pass a written examination that covers knowledge of departmental sanctions, safe driving practices, and related safety issues.

The driver has just 30 days to pass the exam or the license will be suspended until the test is successfully completed. If the exam is passed within the 30-day period, two points will be removed from the driving record.

Drivers who accrue six points or more for a second time will receive a written notice to appear at a departmental hearing. A driver who fails to attend this hearing will receive a 60-day license suspension. At the hearing, an examiner will review the driver’s record, and can opt to order a 15-day license suspension, require the driver to take a driving test, or take no action.

Two points will be removed from the driving record when the driver passes the exam within 30 days or once the 15-day suspension has been served. No points will be removed if the department takes no action against the driver

When a 15-day suspension is ordered, the driver’s record will show five points upon restoration. No points are removed if a special driver’s examination is initiated and completed.

A driver who accumulates six points for a third time will be ordered to attend a departmental hearing. The examiner will review the driving record and determine whether a 30-day license suspension is warranted. Failure to attend this departmental hearing will result in the suspension of the driver’s license until the driver complies with the hearing order.

Drivers who accumulate 11 or more points will automatically have their licenses suspended. The length of the suspension hinges on how many times the license has been suspended in the past. The suspension schedule is as follows:

• First suspension – 5 days per point
• Second suspension – 10 days per point
• Third suspension – 15 days per point
• Subsequent suspensions – one year

A driver who is under age 18 who accumulates six points or is convicted of driving 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit will have his or her license suspended. The first suspension will be for 90 days. A second or subsequent violation will trigger a 120-day suspension. This punishment is in addition to the penalties of exceeding the point system meted out to drivers 18 or older.

Motorists who drive for 12 consecutive months without a violation which results in points, license suspension, or revocation will have three points removed. A driver who reduces the points to zero and remains there for 12 consecutive months will have the slate wiped clean, meaning that any additional points will be treated as a first-time accumulation.

Drivers who lose their licenses because of excessive points receive a written notice advising of the dates of suspension. The suspension can be appealed to the county Court of Common Pleas. If the decision isn’t appealed within 30 days of the mailing date of the notice, the opportunity will be lost. The most recent license, permit or camera card must be returned to the Bureau of Driver Licensing by the effective date of the suspension listed on the notice. If the identification isn’t returned, the state or local police will be notified to pick up the license.

A driver must pay a restoration fee to have a suspended license reinstated. Once the license is restored, the driver’s record will show five points, regardless of the number of points which appeared on the record before the license was suspended (except in the case of a 15-day suspension resulting from a hearing for the second accumulation of six points).

A driver is required by law to notify the Bureau of Driver Licensing in writing within 15 days of changing a name or address. Any questions about a driving record or the Pennsylvania Point System in general can be directed to one of the following numbers:

In State: 1-800-932-4600

Out-of-State: 1-717-391-6190

TDD in State: 1-800-228-0676

TDD Out-of-State: 1-717-391-6191

A skilled defense attorney can improve a driver’s chance of a favorable outcome at a PennDot departmental hearing. Defense lawyer David M. Manilla is a member of DUI-DWI.com, a national association of skilled legal professionals devoted to fighting for the rights of drivers. Contact David Manilla today for a free consultation.

The following schedule indicates the violations and the number of points given for committing each violation: