Getting a traffic ticket is never a fun occurrence, but what are the true consequences of receiving one? Unfortunately, there is more to worry about than just a ticket and court fees. Once you have been given a ticket by an officer, the traffic violation is also added as “points” to your Ohio driving record.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor vehicles keeps track of your driving record and the points associated with your driver’s license. Any traffic violations you commit will be tracked in a point system that determines your penalties for the associated violations.

What Are License Points In Ohio?

The license point system in Ohio is fairly simple to follow. Depending on the violation, you will be cited with either a 2, 4, or 6-point violation. These points directly affect your driving record and determine your standing with the Ohio BMV.

There is a limit to the number of points you can get on your driving record. The max amount of points you can receive in 2 years is 12 points. If at the end of this 2-year period you accrue 12 points, you are likely to receive a license suspension.

How Does The License Points System Work In Ohio?

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles monitors the number of points you receive within 2 years. This 2-year period begins when you commit your first offense and eventually falls off of your driving record. If you receive several citations during this period, it can be used against you if you accumulate up to 12. Different offenses award different amounts of points. The more serious the offense, the more points you will be given.

At six points you will receive a warning that you are halfway to getting your license suspended. With this warning, the BMV will let you know what your offenses were and give you the requirements to get back in good standing. Luckily, you can take a remedial driving course to receive a 2 point credit.

Violations and their Point Values

Each violation has a different number of points assigned to it. The points system is based on a scale of violations ranging from 2 – 6 points per violation. Here are the most common violations within each point bracket for the State of Ohio.

Two Point Violations

  • Failure to stop at a stop sign
  • Driving under the speed limit
  • Speeding (less than 25ph over the speed limit)
  • Running a traffic light

Four Point Violations

  • Speeding (more than 25mph over the speed limit)
  • Reckless driving or endangerment of other persons or property

Six Point Violations

  • Street Racing
  • Failure to stop and identify at the scene of an accident
  • Driving a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Driving with a suspended license

How Long Points Stay On Your Ohio Driving Record?

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles monitors the number of points you receive within 2 years. These points are attached to your driver’s license and can affect your insurance rates. This 2-year period begins after you commit your first offense, however, you can take a driving course to receive a point credit and start fresh.

How To Check How Many Points Are Your License?

Checking on your driving record is simple; Go to the Ohio BMV’s website, enter your driver’s license number, as well as other identifying information. Once you’ve entered your information, you’re able to see what points you have accumulated in 2 years.

How Do You Remove Points From Your Ohio Driver’s License?

License points do not disappear automatically, and the only way to receive a point credit on your license is to take a remedial driving course. In this course, you will be re-learning about traffic violations, the point system, and other important information needed while operating a vehicle.

What is a Remedial Driving Course?

This driving course will cover many topics that you learned in your first driver’s education course! Learning about traffic violations, safety, and defensive driving will not only help you prevent future accidents but also credit 2 points from your license. If you commit an offense that is a 4 or 6-point offense, taking the course will only credit two points from that offense.

Am I Eligible For an Ohio Remedial Driving Course?

Everyone is eligible for their first driving course. Once you take the course to credit two points off your license, you must wait 3 years before you can take the course again. The course is available every 3 years but you are only able to take the test 5 times in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing License Points

How Many Points Is a Speeding Ticket?

The points given for a speeding ticket vary depending on how fast you were driving. If you are driving less than 25ph over the speed limit you will receive 2 points. If you are driving more than 25ph over the speed limit you earned yourself 4 points.

How Many Points Can I Get Before My License Is Suspended?

Although I would not challenge someone to reach the max amount of points – the most points you can get before your license is suspended is 12. You will receive a warning when you reach the halfway mark to remind you of the consequence of your actions. Thankfully, you get one chance every three years to receive a two point credit on your license.

Is It Possible To Remove More Than Two Points From My License?

It is not possible to remove more than 2 points from your license within two years. Every three years you can receive a 2 point credit if necessary, but you cannot take a driving class every time you get a speeding ticket. All other points have to stay on your license until their two-year expiration date.

How Do Points Affect My Insurance?

The amount of points you have on your license directly correlates with your insurance rate. It is possible that with just two points on your license your auto insurance rate can double! There are a lot more variables other than just the points that affect your insurance rate including age, gender, and the type of violation committed.

Too Many Points on Your License? Have to take a Remedial Course? Want to keep your License?

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