How Driver Points Work in Pennsylvania

Yes. PennDOT adds points for convictions of certain moving violations and takes action at 6 points. The first time a record reaches 6 points, the driver must pass a special written point exam or complete Driver Improvement School within 30 days, or the license is suspended until they do. A second or later accumulation of 6 points requires a Departmental hearing and Driver Improvement School and may lead to a suspension of up to 15 days (second time) or 30 days (third or later). At 11 points, the license is automatically suspended: 5 days per point for a first suspension, 10 days per point for a second, 15 days per point for a third, and one year for later ones. Drivers under 18 are suspended at 6 points or for driving 26+ mph over the limit (90 days first, 120 days after).

Speeding (75 Pa.C.S. § 3362): 6-10 mph over = 2 points; 11-15 = 3 points; 16-25 = 4 points; 26-30 = 5 points; 31 or more = 5 points plus a Departmental hearing and Driver Improvement School. In an active work zone, speeding 11 mph or more over also carries a 15-day suspension. Speeding in a school zone is 3 points; driving too fast for conditions is 2 points.

Three points are removed for every 12 consecutive months without a violation that results in points, a suspension, or a revocation (counted from the last violation or restoration date). Once a record reaches zero and stays there for 12 months, any new points are treated as a first accumulation. After a suspension is served and the license restored, the record shows 5 points regardless of the prior total (with some exceptions).

PennDOT's Driver Improvement School is only for drivers required to attend because of point accumulation or excessive speeding (31+ mph over); it is not a way to dismiss a ticket. On a first accumulation of 6 points, completing the school removes 4 points (passing the written point exam instead removes 2). On a second or later accumulation, 2 points are removed after the sanctions are completed. No points are removed for the school after an excessive-speeding hearing. The course is six hours and requires passing an exam with at least 80%, online or in person.