Paul Sanchez
In Georgia, drivers are responsible for reporting accidents and abiding by traffic laws. Failure to do so or violating these laws may lead to points being added to your license. These points allow officials to monitor driving habits and identify reckless drivers. While insurance companies use their own points system, a violation on your record will impact your premium. Accumulating points can lead to higher insurance rates, license suspension, and even the requirement to purchase SR-22 insurance. To reduce points, drivers can complete defensive driving courses, demonstrating a commitment to safe driving. Understanding the point system in Georgia is crucial for drivers to make informed decisions and maintain a clean driving record.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of points for a violation | 2 to 6 points |
| Points for speeding ticket | 2 to 6 points |
| Points for not reporting accidents involving injury, death or property damage | 5 points |
| Points for driving 75 mph or faster on a two-lane road | 85 mph or faster on any road or highway |
| Points for an open container violation | 2 points |
| Impact on insurance premium | 20% to 100% increase |
| Impact on license | Suspension if 15 points in 24 months |
| Reduction in points | Up to 7 points every 5 years |
| Other consequences | SR-22 insurance, higher premiums, policy cancellation, denial of renewal |
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What You'll Learn
How points impact insurance rates
In Georgia, drivers are required to report most accidents involving injury, death, or property damage. A failure to do so can result in the Department of Motor Vehicles issuing 5 points to a driver's record. Points are also issued for speeding tickets, which can range from 2 to 6 points. The more serious the violation, the more points are added to a driver's license. If a driver accumulates 15 points within 24 months, their license will be suspended.
While insurance carriers in Georgia do not directly reference license points when deciding rates, a violation on a driver's record will impact their premium. Insurance companies use their own points system when calculating rates and deciding on coverage eligibility. The exact correlation between points and premiums may vary by company, but generally, the more points a driver has, the higher their premiums will be. For example, drivers with a single speeding ticket may pay an average of 20% more on car insurance, and two points can increase a driver's insurance costs by about 20% to 100%.
To reduce the impact of points on insurance rates, drivers can consider taking a defensive driving course to lower the number of points on their license. These courses demonstrate a commitment to safe driving and may be viewed positively by insurance providers. Additionally, shopping around and comparing rates from various companies can help drivers find the most cost-effective policy.
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How to check your points
To check the points on your license in Georgia, you can use the Georgia Department of Driver Services website or the DDS 2 GO Mobile App. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Using the Georgia Department of Driver Services Website:
- Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website.
- Create a secure online account on the website, if you don't already have one.
- Log in to your account and enter your driver's license number.
- Request to view your driving record, which will include information such as your name, address, license status, and points.
- Pay the required fee to obtain your driving record. It costs $6 for a copy of your driving record, and $8 for a seven-year copy.
Using the DDS 2 GO Mobile App:
- Download the DDS 2 GO Mobile App on your phone.
- Log in to your account and explore the app's features.
- Request to view your driving record. The app allows you to view two years of your driving history for free.
- If you need a longer record, you can request a 3-year or 7-year non-certified or certified MVR report within the app.
- Provide payment information for the requested report. Payments via the app require a valid credit card.
Requesting a Certified Copy by Mail:
- Visit the Georgia DDS website and find the Motor Vehicle Request Form (Form DDS-18).
- Fill out the form with the required information, including your full name, date of birth, and Georgia driver's license number.
- Provide payment for the request. The DDS accepts payments by mail, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, check, cashier's check, or money order.
- Mail the completed form and payment to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
- Receive your certified driving record by mail.
It is important to check your points periodically and ensure the accuracy of your driving record. Additionally, you can explore options for point reduction, such as completing defensive driving courses or paying fines.
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How to reduce points
Accumulating points on your license in Georgia can lead to a license suspension and higher insurance rates. To reduce the number of points on your license, you can take the following steps:
Complete a Defensive Driving Course
Taking a certified Defensive Driving Course can help remove points from your license and lower your insurance rates. These courses demonstrate a commitment to safe driving and are viewed positively by insurance providers. In Georgia, completing a 6-hour certified Driver Improvement (defensive driving) course and submitting the certificate of completion to the Department of Driver Services (DDS) can reduce up to 7 points from your driving record once every five years.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
Keeping a clean driving record is essential for minimising the impact of points on your insurance rates. Each traffic violation in Georgia carries a designated number of points, and these points remain on your record for two years from the date of conviction. By avoiding new violations, you can reduce the number of points on your record and potentially lower your insurance premiums over time.
Shop for Insurance Providers
Different insurance companies in Georgia assess risk differently, and some providers may offer more favourable rates for drivers with points. After receiving a violation, it is beneficial to review your insurance policy and shop around for providers who offer programs or adjustments to help manage costs.
Pay Fines and Complete Traffic School Courses
If you are facing a license suspension, you may be required to pay fines and complete traffic school courses to reinstate your license. While this won't directly reduce the points on your license, it will help you regain your driving privileges and potentially avoid further points by improving your driving skills.
Request a Points Reduction
Georgia drivers can request a points reduction from the Department of Driver Services once every five years. To qualify for a reduction, you must complete a certified Driver Improvement course and present the original certificate of completion to a DDS Customer Service Center or by mail. This process can reduce up to 7 points from your license.
By following these steps, Georgia drivers can actively work to reduce the number of points on their licenses and mitigate the negative consequences on their insurance rates and driving privileges.
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How to reinstate your license after suspension
In Georgia, accumulating points on your license can lead to a license suspension, which can significantly impact your daily life. While the presence of points on your license does not directly influence insurance rates, the violations that led to these points certainly do. Insurance companies use their own points system, and the more violations you have, the higher your insurance premium will be.
Now, let's discuss the steps to reinstate your license after suspension in Georgia:
Step 1: Understand the Cause of Suspension
Before seeking reinstatement, it's important to understand why your license was suspended. Common reasons for license suspension in Georgia include accumulating 15 points within 24 months, failing to appear in court, not paying traffic citations, or failing to provide valid proof of insurance. Understanding the cause of the suspension will help you determine the next steps and any specific requirements you need to fulfil.
Step 2: Address the Issue
Depending on the cause of the suspension, you may need to take certain actions before reinstatement. For example, if your license was suspended due to unpaid child support, you must come into compliance with your child support obligations. If your license was suspended due to a court order, you may need to reschedule a court date or appear in court for a hearing. In some cases, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course or a certified Driver Improvement course to demonstrate a commitment to safe driving.
Step 3: Check Reinstatement Requirements
Reinstatement requirements can vary depending on the type of suspension and the circumstances of the conviction(s). Multiple offenses can also impact the requirements and fees you need to pay. The best way to understand your specific requirements is to check online. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) provides online services where you can view your license status and get step-by-step instructions on reinstating your license.
Step 4: Pay Reinstatement Fees
In most cases, you will be required to pay a reinstatement fee to get your license back. The fee amount can vary depending on the nature of the suspension and other factors. Georgia offers a discount on reinstatement fees when paying by mail or, in some cases, when paying online. If you cannot afford the reinstatement fee, you may ask the Court to waive it by explaining your circumstances. Alternatively, you can complete a DDS "pauper's affidavit" form to see if you qualify for a waiver.
Step 5: Obtain SR-22 Insurance (If Necessary)
If your license suspension was related to driving violations, you may need to purchase an SR-22 insurance certificate before reinstatement. SR-22 insurance, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR), confirms that you meet the minimum liability requirements. You will need to find an insurance carrier that offers SR-22 insurance and send the document to the state of Georgia.
Step 6: Visit the Department of Driver Services (DDS)
Once you have addressed the cause of the suspension, fulfilled the requirements, and paid any necessary fees, you can visit the DDS to get your license back. You can confirm the status of your license online and ensure that it is marked as "Valid" before driving again.
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How to find the best insurance rates with points
In Georgia, having points on your license can impact the cost of your insurance. While license points are not insurance points, any violation on your record will likely increase your premium as insurance companies see you as a higher risk. The more points you accrue, the more your insurance premium will increase.
To find the best insurance rates with points on your license, there are several steps you can take:
- Shop around: Compare quotes from different insurance companies, as they vary in how much they increase premiums for various violations. Smaller insurers may offer better rates than national companies.
- Take a defensive driving course: Completing a course can demonstrate a commitment to safe driving, which may be viewed positively by insurance providers and help mitigate the impact of points on your record.
- Look for insurance reduction programs: Taking advantage of programs that reduce points on your record can help lower your insurance costs.
- Improve your credit score: Having good credit is one way to get cheaper insurance.
- Consider your vehicle: Insurance companies generally charge more for vehicles with higher theft rates, greater repair costs, or lower safety ratings.
- Review your policy: After a violation, review your policy to see if there are any programs or adjustments that can help manage the cost impact of points.
- Contact your state's insurance department: If you have many points and are repeatedly rejected by private insurers, consider joining your state's assigned risk pool.
It is important to note that the impact of points on your insurance rates may vary depending on the state you live in and the type of violation. Additionally, repeated offenses may result in higher rates as they indicate a failure to reform.
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Frequently asked questions
In Georgia, the points system allows officials to keep track of reckless drivers. Points are assigned for various infractions, including speeding and more serious offences like reckless driving and driving under the influence (DUI). The more serious the violation, the more points are added to your license.
Although insurance carriers in Georgia don’t reference license points directly when deciding rates, a violation on your record will impact your premium. The more points you accrue, the more your insurance premium will increase. Insurance companies use their own points system when calculating rates and deciding coverage eligibility.
You can reduce your points by completing a defensive driving course, which can also help lower your insurance rates. Points can also be removed by driving safely. In Georgia, drivers can reduce up to seven points from their license every five years.
