There is a reason why Georgia`s most popular road sign is, “Drive like your mother is watching.” Getting pulled over for a traffic violation is an unwelcome reminder of where we might be too relaxed in our driving habits. How many points you may have on your license or how often the points on your license renew aren’t things that you probably want to think about, but knowing how to remove any points you have (or may get) can help keep your peace of mind while you`re out on the road.
What can you get points for?
Most drivers will admit that they`ve gotten a ticket before, and getting pulled over can be a needed reminder of the level of attention that safe driving requires.
Although each state`s laws vary in points per offense anywhere you go, points accumulated on your driving record can affect you no matter where you drive.
#1 – Excessive Speeding
Surprisingly, speeding is not the cause of most points. Though speeding can accumulate points on your record, in most states, this is not considered a serious offense.
In order to reach a value of two points on your record, you will have had to be caught driving between 15-20 miles per hour over the set speed limit. For speeding between 20-34 miles per hour above the limit, the points go up to four while getting clocked speeding 35 miles per hour or over will be considered as a serious offense and can accumulate up to six points.
#2 – Failing to Obey Traffic Rules
Though most of us can admit to catching ourselves going above the speed limit, like with most things driving practice makes perfect, and in this case, it can save your license. Practicing your driving can help you know the rules of the road and make sure you`re always driving the right way.
In Georgia, improper passing on a hill or curve can give a driver four points on their record. Texting while driving or improper use of any electronic device while operating a vehicle is up to two points, and failure to obey traffic signs could total three points.
The exact point numbers may vary based on the laws of your home state, but they all can be avoided completely with the practice of good driving habits.
#3 – Serious Offenses Mean More Points
Offenses that have higher point values are like the rules that you know you`re breaking while you`re in the middle of breaking them. For example, aggressive and reckless driving is looked at as a serious offense valued on the higher end between four to six points across the majority of states.
In addition, the unlawful passing of a school bus also is commonly valued as a six point offense.
These are valued higher because these driving actions put anyone on the road at risk. The more serious the offense means the more serious the penalty.
How to be Proactive about Points on Your License
So there`s a point system, but why should you care? Sometimes the inner teenager in us can get the best of our mindset, and that is especially true when we are driving. However, keeping your driving record clean can not only save you from future hassle, but it can also help you save on insurance rates. So why not be proactive?
Knowing that traffic school classes and defensive driving courses exist and taking them before even getting a ticket can give your record point credit which means any violations you possibly obtain later on are less likely to have a huge impact on your driving record.
Know Your State`s Point System
Looking at them as separate cases, the points don`t seem like much, but with the weight of each ticket accumulating to usually more than just one point on your license, the tipping point may come sooner than most realize.
In most states, a driver`s license may get suspended once an accumulation of 15 points is met within a 24 month period, and in some states the time period or point total is even less.
It is important to know what your state`s point system is and if they have a compact with other states such as Nebraska has with Wisconsin, Michigan, and Georgia. A compact between states means that even if you are not a resident of that state, if you get a ticket while visiting, it will be applied to your driving record as if you were home.
This is important to know because in some states, the points you accumulate can take up to ten years to be erased.
Taking the Initiative with Traffic School
After receiving a traffic violation, you can be ordered by a judge to take traffic courses to remove any points that could be added to your license. You can even request to take driving classes yourself.
Taking driver’s courses online is simple and can reap lots of benefits for more than just one instance. It is also hassle-free since nearly every DMV and most insurance companies offer these classes online.
If not court-ordered, you can easily find classes on your local DMV website, through your insurance provider. You can also do a search to find out what point reduction service programs are offered in your state.
Every state may not be the same, but each one has these programs in place for drivers to take advantage of and to keep up good driving practices.
Don`t Stress; Just Clean Your Mess
Getting a ticket is sometimes just a part of driving. However, it`s better to get a ticket than to get into an accident. Online driving courses you will probably find to be a much-needed refresher on the rules of the road, and traffic school may even show you new tricks that will keep you an alert driver.
You can reap the benefits of taking traffic classes from the comfort of your own computer. Whether you`re looking to save money on insurance, get a price reduction on an outstanding ticket, or gain point credit in advance, taking these classes help you keep yourself and others on the road safer.
Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. Danielle practices safe driving, and is always looking
