The really hefty fines generally won’t be given if it is your first offense for driving without a license or if your license is only slightly expired. While it is up to the discretion of the officer to determine your fine, it is generally the case that you will be let go with a warning if the license is only slightly expired.
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Collecting points may help you win games, but when it comes to driving, having too many can cause you to lose.
Read below for more information on the DMV point system in Georgia and its effects on your license.
Georgia Point System Basics
If driving were a game, it would be scored like golf—the more points you get, the worse you're doing.
Each time you are convicted of or plead guilty to a moving violation in Georgia, the state assigns a certain number of points to your driver's license. The number of points each ticket is worth depends on the severity of the violation.
![Driver Driver](/uploads/1/2/6/5/126513158/579624560.jpg)
One thing that doesn't change, however, is what happens when you acquire too many points. The GA Department of Driver Services (DDS) will suspend your license if you accrue 15 points over the course of 24 months.
Points on your license may hurt you in other ways, too. Earning too many can have a negative impact on your auto insurance rate.
Keep reading to see how many points you may be on the hook for when committing some common violations.
![Over Over](/uploads/1/2/6/5/126513158/760067725.png)
NOTE: Points added to a GA commercial driver's license may come with additional penalties.
Problematic PointsAuto insurance rate too high? You could see it go up even higher if you get too many points on your license.
Find out more about how tickets impact your insurance—and how to keep it as low as possible.
GA Point System Schedule
How many points your Georgia traffic ticket is worth ranges from 2 to 6 points, depending on the severity of the violation.
Some common offenses, and their corresponding points, in the Peach State include:
- Speeding 15 through 18 MPH over the posted speed limit--2 points.
- Having an open alcohol container in the car--2 points.
- Speeding 19 through 23 MPH over the posted limit--3 points.
- Not obeying a police officer--3 points.
- Speeding 24 through 33 MPH over the posted speed limit--4 points.
- Reckless driving--4 points.
- Speeding 34 MPH or faster over the posted limit--6 points.
- Aggressive driving--6 points.
If you didn't see your violation listed above, you can check out the full point schedule posted by the GA Department of Driver Services.
DMV.ORG TIP: Keep ScoreDon't get blindsided by a license suspension! Make sure you know exactly how many points are on your driver's license when you order your Georgia driving record.
Reducing Driving Record Points
Nervous about how many points you've racked up? Don't worry—there's a way to undo some of that damage.
If you successfully complete a defensive driving class in Georgia, the GA DDS will reduce up to 7 points. Note that this can only be applied once every 5 years.
You may ONLY apply for a reduction with your defensive driving course completion certificate in-person at a Georgia DDS office OR by mail at:
Department of Driver Services
P.O. Box 80447
Conyers, GA 30013
P.O. Box 80447
Conyers, GA 30013
Contact your local DDS office if you have any more questions about how long points remain on your Georgia driver's license.
Among all the occasions you don't want to forget in life - your wedding anniversary, your mother's birthday, payday - your driver's license expiration date ranks...well, it ranks somewhere up there.
After all, while forgetting the first few events leads to the silent treatment and awkward family gatherings, forgetting to renew your license can bring:
- Financial repercussions. You might have to pay late fees or, depending on how long it's been expired, the cost to apply all over again.
- The vision, written, and driving exams. If you have to reapply for your driver's license, most likely you'll have to pass these exams again.
- Traffic tickets. Cops aren't happy when they find drivers without valid licenses.
License Renewal Grace Periods
Fortunately, some states are more forgiving than others in regards to an expired license. These states offer grace periods in which a driver can renew an expired license without repercussions, or even drive with it.
Grace period 'benefits' vary by state. In Alabama, for example, drivers enjoy a generous 60-day grace period after which the license expires, extending it for another 60 days, making it still legal for drivers to get behind the wheel.
Hawaii offers a 90-day grace period but without driving privileges; the license immediately becomes invalid after the expiration date passes. Drivers can renew a Hawaiian drivers license within this 90-day time frame without the penalty of late fees, or what the Hawaii DMV terms 'reactivation fees.'
Yet, Louisiana drivers have only a 10-day grace period in which to renew an expired license before a $15 delinquent fee kicks in.
Before it's actually time to renew your license, check your state's license renewal requirements for information on grace periods; if you need further assistance, contact your DMV.
Has your license ever expire before you were able to renew it? What grace period - or penalties - did your state offer?