California Driving Record: What You Need To Know About The Points System

FREE Sample Driving Records Search!

Want a FREE Sample Search From Our Top Rated Site?

First Name: *		Last Name: *
Middle Name:		City:
Country:		State: *
* Required fields

* We will NEVER rent, trade or release your information to any third party for any reason - ever.

California Driving Record: What You Need to Know About the Points System

A California driving record is primarily a record of points through which the state DMV keeps tabs on drivers. Points can affect both your business and legal transactions. Too many points can also make you a candidate to have your driving privileges revoked.

A California driving record is based on a points system, which the DMV uses to monitor drivers in the state. A California driver starts with zero points when he gets his license, which indicates a clear driving record. When the driver is convicted of charges on a ticket (e.g., speeding) or figures in an accident, points begin to appear in his California driving record.

California Driving Record: What the Points Mean

More points are, of course, allotted for more severe infractions or violations. Following are examples of incidents and their corresponding points.

These points tarnish your driving record and can impact your career, as when current or new employers request your driving record as part of a background check.

It can also affect your loan application or car insurance coverage in the form of higher premiums or the financial institution or insurer rejecting your business altogether.

A spotty driving record can also impact a pending court case, especially if involves the custody of a child. It can also jeopardize the approval of an application for adoption.

Moreover, as you pile on the points, you put yourself in danger of having the DMV revoke or suspend your license. In California, the DMV has been known to revoke the licenses of drivers who have accumulated 4 points in a yearlong period, or 6 points in 2 years, or 8 points in 3 years.

By the way, do not think that your record will be cleared of points that are more than one year old. This is a common misconception that has surprised many a driver who has had his license revoked.

But the California DMV is fair enough not to just suspend your license out of the blue. If you ever pile on half the number of points needed for your license to be revoked, you will get a written warning from the California DMV. In fact, as long as you incur a point, the DMV will notify you.

When your California driving record accumulates all but one point before your license is revoked, the California DMV will mail you a “Notice of Intent to Suspend.” You will also be notified of the actual suspension via mail.

Useful California Driving Record Links:

To learn more about the Points System in your Californina Driving Record, check out RecordsSiteReviews’ Driving Records section and get enlightened.