How Driver Points Work in District of Columbia
How the District of Columbia point system works, points for speeding, how long points last, and whether traffic school helps.
Short answer: Yes. Points are assessed for moving violations (not parking or photo-enforcement tickets) when a driver is found liable at a hearing, pays the ticket (payment is an admission of liability), or fails to pay within the required 60 days. DC DMV Driver Point System Chart; DC DMV Driver Point System page
| Point system | Yes. Points are assessed for moving violations (not parking or photo-enforcement tickets) when a driver is found liable at a hearing, pays the ticket (payment is an admission of liability), or fails to pay within the required 60 days. Out-of-state moving violations are assessed using DC's point values. 10–11 points: license suspended for 90 days. 12 or more points: license revoked until the DMV reinstates it (at least 6 months after revocation). Some offenses, such as DUI, hit-and-run with injury and fleeing police, carry 12 points and automatic revocation. |
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| Points for speeding | 11–15 mph over the limit: 3 points; 16–20 mph over: 4 points; 21 mph or more over: 5 points. The chart does not list points for speeding 1–10 mph over. Source: DC DMV Driver Point System Chart |
| How long points last | Points stay on a DC driving record for two years. Source: DC DMV Driver Point System page |
| Traffic school | For a DC moving violation, a driver may ask a DMV hearing examiner, by contesting the ticket through adjudication by mail and specifically requesting a points waiver, for approval to take a DMV-approved online defensive driving course. Approval is discretionary. If approved, the decision reads 'Liable Traffic School Approved'; the driver must pay the fine within 15 days and finish the course within 30 days. The violation still appears on the record, but the points do not. Source: DC DMV Driver Point System page |
Where to get help in District of Columbia
More District of Columbia traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in District of Columbia
- DUI Laws in District of Columbia
- Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
How does the driver point system work in District of Columbia?
Yes. Points are assessed for moving violations (not parking or photo-enforcement tickets) when a driver is found liable at a hearing, pays the ticket (payment is an admission of liability), or fails to pay within the required 60 days. Out-of-state moving violations are assessed using DC's point values. 10–11 points: license suspended for 90 days. 12 or more points: license revoked until the DMV reinstates it (at least 6 months after revocation). Some offenses, such as DUI, hit-and-run with injury and fleeing police, carry 12 points and automatic revocation.
How many points is a speeding ticket in District of Columbia?
11–15 mph over the limit: 3 points; 16–20 mph over: 4 points; 21 mph or more over: 5 points.
How long do points stay on your license in District of Columbia?
Points stay on a DC driving record for two years.
Can traffic school remove a ticket or points in District of Columbia?
For a DC moving violation, a driver may ask a DMV hearing examiner, by contesting the ticket through adjudication by mail and specifically requesting a points waiver, for approval to take a DMV-approved online defensive driving course. Approval is discretionary. If approved, the decision reads 'Liable Traffic School Approved'; the driver must pay the fine within 15 days and finish the course within 30 days. The violation still appears on the record, but the points do not.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.