PennDOT maintains a driving record for every licensed driver in Pennsylvania. Points are added to a driving record when a person is found guilty of certain driving violations. Below is Pennsylvania’s Driver’s License Point System:
Vehicle Code | Description | No. of Points | |
---|---|---|---|
1512 | Violation of restriction on driver's license – wearing glasses etc. | 2 | |
1571 | Violation concerning license | 3 | |
3102 | Failure to obey authorized persons directing traffic | 2 | |
3112(a)(3)(i) or (ii) | Failure to stop for a red light | 3 | |
3114(a)(1) | Failure to stop for a flashing red light | 3 | |
3302 | Failure to yield half of roadway to oncoming vehicle | ||
3303 | Improper passing overtaken driver to maintain speed or passing driver to pull in at safe distance | 3 | |
3304 | Improper passing on the right | 3 | |
3305 | Improper passing on the left clear distance ahead | 3 | |
3306(a)(1) | Improper passing on a hill | 4 | |
3306(a)(2) | Improper passing at a railroad crossing or intersection | 3 | |
3306(a)(3) | Improper passing at a bridge or tunnel | 3 | |
3307 | Improper passing in a no-passing zone | 3 | |
3310 | Following too closely | 3 | |
3321 | Failure to yield to driver on the right at intersection | 3 | |
3322 | Failure to yield to oncoming driver when making left turn | 3 | |
3323(b) | Failure to stop for stop sign | 3 | |
3323(c) | Failure to yield at yield sign | 3 | |
3324 | Failure to yield when entering or crossing roadway between intersections | 3 | |
3332 | Improper turning around – illegal U-turns | 3 | |
3341(a) | Failure to obey signal indicating approach of train | 2 | |
3341(b) | Failure to comply with crossing gate or barrier | 30 day suspension and 4 | |
3342(b) or (e) | Failure to stop at railroad crossings | 4 | |
3344 | Failure to stop when entering from alley driveway or building | 3 | |
3345(a) | Failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights | 60 day suspension and 5 | |
3361 | Driving too fast for conditions | (if violation occurs in an active work zone and in conjunction with an accident 15-day suspension) and 2 | |
3362 | Exceeding maximum speed (Miles over Speed Limit) 6 to 10 | 2 | |
11 to 15 (if violation occurs in an active work zone | 15-day suspension) and 3 | ||
16 to 25 (if violation occurs in an active work zone | 15-day suspension) and 4 | ||
26 to 30 (if violation occurs in an active work zone | 15-day suspension) and 5 | ||
31 and Over Departmental Hearing and Sanctions provided under Section 1538(d)(if violation occurs in an active work zone | 15-day suspension) and 5 | ||
3365(b) | Exceeding special speed limit in school zone | 3 | |
3365(c) | Exceeding special speed limit for trucks on downgrades | 3 | |
3542(a) | Failure to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk | 2 | |
3547(a) | Failure to yield to pedestrian on sidewalk when entering from a driveway or alley | 3 | |
3549(a) | Failure to yield to blind pedestrians | 3 | |
3702 | Improper backing | 3 | |
3714(a) | Careless driving | 3 | |
3745 | Leaving scene of accident involving property damage only | 4 |
An accumulation of points may result is a driver’s license suspension:
Driving Under Suspension Lawyer in Chester, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Delaware, Lancaster, Berks and Bucks County Pennsylvania
First Accumulation of 6 Points
If your driving record reaches 6 or more points for the first time, PennDOT will require you to take a special written point examination. The examination will address:
- Knowledge of safe driving practices,
- Knowledge of departmental sanctions, and
- Knowledge of related safety issues.
You have 30 days to successfully pass the exam or else the license will be suspended until the exam is passed. If the exam is passed within the 30-day period, 2 points will be removed from the driving record.
Second Accumulation of 6 Points
If your driving record is reduced below 6 points and then for a second time reaches 6 or more points, PennDOT will require you to attend a Departmental Hearing. At the hearing, a hearing examiner will review the your driving record. After the hearing, the Department may recommend one or more:
- Order a 15 day license suspension,
- Order a special on-road driver’s examination, or
- Take no action.
If your driving privilege is suspended or a special driver’s exam is recommended, 2 points will be removed from your driving record if you pass the exam within 30 days or 2 points will be removed once the 15 day suspension has been served. No points will be removed from your driving record if PennDOT does not initiate a sanction.
Failure to attend this Departmental Hearing will result in a 60-day license suspension.
Third or More Accumulation of 6 Points
If your driving record is reduced below 6 points and for the third or subsequent time reaches 6 or more points, you will have to attend a Departmental Hearing. The hearing examiner will review your driving record. PennDOT will then determine if a 30-day license suspension will be initiated.
Failure to attend this Departmental Hearing will result in the suspension of your driver’s license until the you attend the hearing.
Excessive Speeding
If you are convicted for speeding 31 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, you will have to attend a Departmental Hearing. The hearing examiner will review the driving record. Upon the PennDOT’s review of the hearing, one or both of the following will be initiated:
- 15 day license suspension
- Special on-road driver’s examination
If a 15-day suspension is ordered, your driving record will show 5 points upon restoration. No points are removed if a special driver’s examination is initiated and completed.
Failure to attend this Departmental Hearing will result in a 60-day license suspension.
Accumulation of 11 Points or More
If your driving record reaches 11 or more points, PennDOT will suspend your driver’s license. The length of suspension depends on how many times the license was suspended in the past. The suspension schedule is as follows:
- First suspension – 5 days per point
- Second suspension – 10 days per point
- Third suspension – 15 days per point
- Subsequent suspensions – 1 year
Point Removal for Safe Driving
Three points are removed from your driving record for every 12 consecutive months you drive (from the date of the last violation) without a violation which results in points, license suspension or revocation. Once your driving record is reduced to zero and remains at zero points for 12 consecutive months, any further accumulation of points is treated as the first accumulation of points.
Pennsylvania’s point system is complicated, and there are many ways to avoid a driver’s license suspension. For a free initial consultation about the point system, please contact the Law Offices of Michelle A. Fioravanti at 484-876-1543 or contact us. As your license suspension lawyer, we will provide experienced and aggressive representation you can trust. Your license suspension case is important, and it will receive the personal attention it deserves.