For drivers, maintaining a clean driving record is essential—not only for safety but also to avoid license suspension, fines, and increased insurance premiums. In Ohio, drivers can accumulate points for traffic violations, and if these points add up, it can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension. However, the good news is that there are ways to manage points on your license, and one effective solution is to credit points through a remedial driving course.
Here’s everything you need to know about crediting points, why it matters, and how you can keep your driving record in good standing.
What Are Points on a Driving Record?
In Ohio and many other states, traffic violations add points to a driver’s record. These points serve as a measure of a driver’s history of infractions, with each violation contributing to the overall point total. For example, minor offenses such as speeding may add 2 points to your license, while more serious violations like reckless driving or DUI can add up to 6 points or more.
If drivers accumulate too many points within a specific period, they may face penalties, including fines, mandatory driving courses, or license suspension. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) monitors point accumulation closely, and the threshold for a potential suspension is 12 points within two years.
Why Crediting Points Is Important
Maintaining a low point total on your driving record is crucial for several reasons:
License Suspension Prevention
When points accumulate to 12 or more, drivers are at risk of having their license suspended. Crediting points helps reduce your total, allowing you to avoid the disruption and hassle that come with a suspended license.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies often monitor driving records closely. Drivers with a high number of points typically pay higher premiums due to the increased risk. Crediting points can lead to a cleaner record, which may help keep insurance rates manageable.
Maintaining Driving Privileges
For most drivers, having a valid license is essential for commuting, running errands, and managing daily life. By taking steps to credit points, drivers protect their ability to stay on the road without restrictions.
How to Credit Points on Your Driving Record
One of the most effective ways to credit points on your record in Ohio is by completing an approved Online Remedial Driving Course. This course, designed to improve driving skills and educate drivers on safe practices, offers a practical solution for those with points on their license. Improved Driving’s Online Remedial Driving Course is a state-approved program specifically designed to credit points for Ohio drivers. By completing this course, you can potentially lower your point total, meet state requirements, and avoid further penalties.
What to Expect from an Online Remedial Driving Course
An Online Remedial Driving Course offers a convenient, accessible way for drivers to credit points. Improved Driving’s course, for example, is entirely video-based and self-paced, making it easy for drivers to complete on their schedule.
Defensive Driving Techniques
Defensive driving is a critical skill for accident prevention. The course teaches techniques for anticipating hazards, staying alert, and responding calmly to potentially dangerous situations. Defensive driving skills are essential for maintaining safety on the road and avoiding further points.
Accident Prevention Strategies
Recognizing factors that lead to accidents, such as speeding, distracted driving, and tailgating, is a major focus of the course. Drivers learn strategies for reducing these risks, which can help them avoid violations in the future.
Current Traffic Laws
Ohio traffic laws are periodically updated, and the course ensures that participants stay informed. From speed limits to right-of-way rules, this knowledge helps drivers stay compliant with state regulations.
Building Safer Driving Habits
The course encourages the development of responsible habits, such as keeping a safe following distance, managing speed, and staying focused on the road. By cultivating these habits, drivers are less likely to incur points and more likely to keep a clean record.
Who Should Consider Crediting Points?
Any driver with points on their record can benefit from crediting points, but it’s especially important for:
Drivers Nearing Suspension
If your point total is close to the 12-point suspension threshold, taking an online remedial course can help lower your points and prevent suspension.
Drivers with High Insurance Premiums
A high point total can lead to increased insurance premiums. Crediting points may contribute to a cleaner record, which may help reduce your insurance costs over time.
Drivers Seeking Long-Term Safety
Crediting points and improving driving habits benefit not only your record but also your overall safety on the road. A remedial driving course is a valuable resource for developing skills that keep you and others safe.
How to Enroll
Enrolling in the Online Remedial Driving Course with Improved Driving is simple. Visit our website, create an account, and register for the course. Once you’re enrolled, you can begin working through the video modules at your own pace, with each section designed to engage and inform you. After completing the course, you’ll receive a certificate that can be submitted to the Ohio BMV. The BMV will process the credit points, helping to reduce your total and improve your record.
OTPD is Here for You!
For a convenient, efficient way to manage your driving record, check out the Online Two Point Driving Course. Based in Independence, Ohio, OTPDC provides the best-value driver improvement courses. Visit our website to learn more!
Jim Trakas is a licensed instructor with the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Driver Training Program. He has a distinguished history of public service, including his role as a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives and current Councilperson at Large for the City of Independence.
As the founder and owner of the American Online Learning Center, Jim has been providing comprehensive behavioral corrective programming since 2014, helping individuals achieve meaningful personal growth and development.
Jim’s commitment to service extends to his military background, where he has earned several prestigious honors. He was awarded the Ohio Commendation Medal by the Ohio Army National Guard and the Pandemic Campaign Medal by the United States Public Health Service. Additionally, he is an Honor Graduate of the Ohio Military Reserve Training Academy’s Officer Candidate School and a two-time recipient of the Military Proficiency Award, as well as the Military Achievement Award.
