How Driver Points Work in Massachusetts
How the Massachusetts point system works, points for speeding, how long points last, and whether traffic school helps.
Short answer: Massachusetts tracks 'surchargeable incidents' (used for the Safe Driver Insurance Plan) rather than a classic DMV point system. M.G.L. c. 175, § 113B; M.G.L. c. 90, § 22F
| Point system | Massachusetts tracks 'surchargeable incidents' (used for the Safe Driver Insurance Plan) rather than a classic DMV point system. When the Merit Rating Board notifies the Registrar that a driver has had 3 surchargeable incidents within the past 24 months, the driver must complete a driver education program; if proof of completion is not provided within 90 days of the notice, the license is suspended. Separately, a driver is an 'habitual traffic offender' with three or more major convictions (such as OUI, reckless driving, or driving after suspension) or twelve or more reportable suspendable offenses within five years, which brings a four-year revocation. |
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| Traffic school | There is no traffic school that dismisses a ticket. A driver with 3 surchargeable incidents in 24 months must complete a Registrar-approved driver education program within 90 days of notice to avoid suspension. Source: M.G.L. c. 175, § 113B |
Where to get help in Massachusetts
More Massachusetts traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in Massachusetts
- DUI Laws in Massachusetts
- Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Massachusetts
- All Massachusetts traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
How does the driver point system work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts tracks 'surchargeable incidents' (used for the Safe Driver Insurance Plan) rather than a classic DMV point system. When the Merit Rating Board notifies the Registrar that a driver has had 3 surchargeable incidents within the past 24 months, the driver must complete a driver education program; if proof of completion is not provided within 90 days of the notice, the license is suspended. Separately, a driver is an 'habitual traffic offender' with three or more major convictions (such as OUI, reckless driving, or driving after suspension) or twelve or more reportable suspendable offenses within five years, which brings a four-year revocation.
Can traffic school remove a ticket or points in Massachusetts?
There is no traffic school that dismisses a ticket. A driver with 3 surchargeable incidents in 24 months must complete a Registrar-approved driver education program within 90 days of notice to avoid suspension.
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.