Virginia's driving record uses a demerit point system, and it works a little differently from its neighbors. This guide explains how many points common violations carry, how long they last, and how the state's safe driving points work in your favor.
Quick note: The Right Way is a private driving school, not the Virginia DMV or a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice. For your actual record and point balance, contact the Virginia DMV directly.
How demerit points are assigned
When you're convicted of a moving violation, the Virginia DMV assigns 3, 4, or 6 demerit points based on severity. For speeding specifically, per the Virginia DMV:
| Violation | Demerit points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 1-9 mph over the limit | 3 points |
| Speeding 10-19 mph over the limit | 4 points |
| Speeding 20 mph or more over the limit | 6 points |
| Reckless driving | 6 points |
These are general figures from the Virginia DMV - the DMV is the authority on what your record actually shows.
How long points last
Demerit points remain on your record for two years from the date of the offense. Importantly, the date the points come off is not the same as the date the conviction comes off - a conviction can stay on your Virginia record much longer (commonly three, five, or eleven years). For more, see how long demerit points stay on your record in Virginia.
Safe driving points work the other way
Virginia also rewards clean driving:
- You earn one safe driving point for each full calendar year with a valid license and no violations or suspensions.
- You can accumulate a maximum of +5 safe driving points.
- Voluntarily completing a DMV-approved driver improvement clinic may add safe driving points, as determined by the DMV.
See Virginia safe driving points & the driver improvement clinic for how that works.
When points trigger action
Accumulating enough demerit points in a set period can lead to a required driver improvement clinic, and higher totals can lead to a suspension. The exact thresholds depend on your license type and age, so the Virginia DMV is the place to confirm where you stand. Points and insurance are separate, too - see VA demerit points vs. insurance points.
How we fit in
The Right Way offers defensive driving / driver-improvement-style courses, taught by AAA-certified instructors. Whether a clinic adds safe points, satisfies a requirement, or affects your record is decided by the Virginia DMV - we can't promise a specific result.