Top How it Works

Georgia tracks incompetent drivers―or those with bad habits― through the use of a point system, as do many other states. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and if you prove to be a bad, dangerous, or reckless driver, your license can be suspended for six months or more, canceled, or revoked.

Your license will be suspended if you accumulate 15 points within a 24-month period, or if you commit one or more of several different serious violations. Drivers under 21 years old can have their license suspended for being convicted of just one four-point offense.

Suspension, cancellation, or revocation of your license will cause your automobile insurance rates to rise, or possibly even cause your insurance company to cancel your policy.

Further, to get your license back after a suspension, you may be required to complete a defensive driving program approved by the Department of Driver Services and pay a reinstatement fee of $210 ($200 processed by mail rather than in person).

Top Points per Violation

Points are issued and accumulated in a variety of ways. Below is a sampling of common offenses and the number of points they can earn you:

• Reckless driving: 4 points

• Unlawfully passing a school bus: 6 points

• Improper passing on a hill or curve: 4 points

• Speeding (miles per hour over the speed limit):

• 15-19 MPH: 2 points

• 19-24 MPH: 3 points

• 24-34 MPH: 4 points

• 34 MPH or more: 6 points

• Disobedience of any traffic-control device or traffic officer: 3 points

• Possessing an open container of an alcoholic beverage while driving: 2 points

• Failure to secure a load: 2 points

• All other moving violations: 3 points

• Child restraint (first offense): 1 point

• Child restraint (second and subsequent offense): 2 points

• Aggressive driving: 6 points (license suspension for drivers under 21)

• HOV lane violation (fourth and subsequent offense): 1 point

Top How to Get Your License Back

After the appointed time period has lapsed for your license suspension, you can request it to be reinstated different ways.

You can visit a customer service center that offers full reinstatement. Not all driver's license offices offer this service, so you may need to have a licensed driver take you to a nearby county to have yours done. Check the list to find the closest facility.

You can also write a letter of request to have it reinstated. Send your full name, address, driver's license number, date of birth, and signature to the following address:

• Georgia Department of Driver Services

• P.O. Box 80447

• Conyers, GA 30013

For further details about getting your license back, you may call the Department of Driver Services at (678) 413-8400 if you're calling from the metro Atlanta area. From outside metro Atlanta, call toll-free (866) 754-3687.

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