Pennsylvania and the Point System

Understanding license suspension

To encourage safe driving habits and deter moving violations, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintains a record for each driver licensed in the state.

Commonly called the point system[H1] , marks are added to that record if a driver is cited for moving violations.  Accumulation of excessive points results in graduated disciplinary measures designed to improve driver ability and responsibility.

Here are a few types of moving violations and their associated penalty points:

• Failure to stop at red light: three points
• Improper passing on a hill: four points
• Failure to stop at railroad crossings: four points

In addition to moving traffic violations, driving privileges can be suspended for the following reasons:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Conviction on drug charges
• Commission of a felony involving a vehicle
• Reckless driving
• Driving under a suspended license

When a driver accumulates six points, he or she receives notice of requirement to take a written driving examination within 30 days.  Upon successful completion of the test, two points are removed from a driving record.

Subsequent excessive point accumulation results in department hearings and license suspension. If you receive notice of license suspension, contact our office in Reading promptly. We represent drivers in Reading, Kutztown, and throughout Berks County seeking to appeal license suspension and revocation.

Time allowed for written appeal of suspension is only 30 days from the notice mailing date. So if you want to drive, make a point of getting legal help as quickly as possible.