PennDOT keeps a driving record for every licensed driver, built from police and court reports. Points are added when you're found guilty of certain violations, and at 6 points PennDOT starts acting. You can get a copy of your record at www.dmv.pa.gov.
Know the rule
The point system exists to improve driving habits. PennDOT begins corrective action when a record reaches 6 or more points.
Handbook p. 83 ↗Reaching 6 or more points
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| First time | Written notice to take a special point exam |
| Second time (after dropping below 6) | You must attend a Departmental hearing |
| Further times | More hearings and/or suspensions |
Know the rule
Drivers under 18 are suspended for reaching 6 or more points or for a conviction of driving 26 mph or more over the limit: 90 days the first time and 120 days for each additional occurrence.
Handbook p. 83 ↗Removed for every 12 consecutive months with no suspension, revocation or point-carrying violation; after 12 months at zero, new points count as a first accumulation
Handbook p. 83 ↗Convictions that suspend or revoke your license (partial list)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- A felony involving a vehicle, or homicide by vehicle
- Reckless driving, or racing on highways
- Fleeing from a police officer
- Driving while your license is suspended or revoked
- Driving without lights to avoid identification
- Failing to stop after a crash you're involved in (hit-and-run)
- A second or later offense of driving without a valid license within 5 years
Know the rule
Also suspended: failing to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm out (60 days), failing to obey a railroad crossing gate or barrier (30 days), and violating the Move Over law.
Handbook p. 83 ↗Know the rule
You'll be mailed a notice with the sanction's start date. Return your license, permit or camera card by that date or state and local police will be told to pick it up.
Handbook p. 83 ↗Know the rule
Every sanction starts on the effective date in the notice; surrendering your license early does not start it early. All restoration requirements must be met before your privilege is restored.
Handbook p. 84 ↗Time to appeal a sanction to the Court of Common Pleas (Civil Division) in your county, from the notice's mailing date
Handbook p. 84 ↗Know the rule
After restoration your record shows 5 points, no matter how many you had, except after a 15-day suspension from a second-accumulation hearing or a suspension for failing to respond to a citation.
Handbook p. 84 ↗Know the rule
You must keep liability insurance on your registered vehicle at all times. If it was uninsured 31 days or longer, the registration is suspended 3 months, and your license too for 3 months if you drove it or let it be driven. Restoring requires proof of insurance and fees.
Handbook p. 84 ↗Put it into practice
You got 6 points two years ago, took the special point exam, and have since dropped below 6. Now you reach 6 again. This time you must attend a Departmental hearing.