When any Pennsylvania driving record reaches 11 or more points, the driver's license will automatically be suspended. 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 - One year
The points total that is allowed by PA is less if you are a young driver. The driving privilege of a person under the age of 18 will be suspended if that person accumulates six (6) or more points or is convicted of driving 26 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit.
For a driver under 18 years of age with this type of point total the first suspension will be for a period of 90 days. Any additional occurrences will result in a suspension of 120 days. This suspension is in addition to the requirements of the point system found below.
Before a driver obtains 11 or more points they will be advised that their point total is getting too high and that steps should be made to correct their driving habits.
When any driving record reaches 6 or more points for the first time, the driver will receive a written notice 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.
The driver has 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.
When any driving record is reduced below 6 points and then for a second time reaches 6 or more points, the driver will have to attend a Departmental Hearing. The driver will receive a written notice of the specific time and location of the required hearing. At the hearing, a hearing examiner will review the driver's record. After the hearing, the Department may recommend one or more:
- Order a 15 Day License Suspension,
- Order the Driver to Take a Special On-Road Driver's Examination, or
- Take No Action.
If a person's driving privilege is suspended or a special driver's exam is recommended, 2 points will be removed from the driving record if the driver passes the exam within 30 days or 2 points will be removed once the 15 day suspension has been served. No points are removed from the driving record if the Department does not initiate a sanction. Failure to attend this Departmental Hearing will result in a 60 day license suspension.
When any driving record is reduced below 6 points and for the third or subsequent time reaches 6 or more points, the driver will have to attend a Departmental hearing. The hearing examiner will review the driving record. The Department will then determine if a 30 day license suspension will be initiated. Failure to attend this Departmental hearing will result in the suspension of the driver's license until the driver attends the hearing.
For more information on how points are assessed in Pennsylvania, suspensions due to a high point total or to find out how many points you currently have on your driving record contact the Driver and Vehicle Services of PennDOT.
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