How many points does it take to suspend your license in Virginia?

Convictions carry 3, 4 or 6 demerit points. Twelve points in 12 months or 18 in 24 months requires a clinic, and 18 in 12 months or 24 in 24 months brings a 90-day suspension.

Updated November 13, 2026

How long do points stay on your license in Virginia?

Demerit points remain valid for two years from the date you commit the offense.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in Virginia?

A conviction for speeding 1 to 9 mph over the limit stays on the DMV record for 5 years.

How long does a DUI stay on your record in Virginia?

A DUI conviction stays on the DMV record for 11 years.

Does a driving course take points off in Virginia?

Completing a driver improvement clinic earns five safe driving points, which offset demerit points.

How to check your points in Virginia

Your Virginia driving record lists each conviction and the points it carries. See the Virginia driving record page.

How Virginia compares with nearby states

State	Uses points	The rule
District of Columbia	Yes	A moving violation adds points, such as 3 to 5 for speeding 11 or more mph over; 10 to 11 points bring a 90-day suspension and 12 or more bring revocation.
Kentucky	Yes	A moving violation adds 3 to 6 points, and 12 points in two years (7 for drivers under 18) brings a hearing on driving privileges.
Maryland	Yes	Moving violations add points; 3 points brings a warning, 5 a driver improvement program, 8 a suspension notice, and 12 a revocation notice, all within 2 years.
North Carolina	Yes	Points are assessed for convictions by offense date, and 12 points within three years can bring a suspension, or 8 points within three years after reinstatement.
Tennessee	Yes	Violations add points, and 12 or more points within one year leads the state to issue a notice of proposed suspension with a right to a hearing.
West Virginia	Yes	Convictions add points, and 12 or more points brings a suspension of 30 days at 12 to 13 points, rising to 90 days at 18 to 19 points.

Rules checked November 13, 2026. Virginia DMV sets them and can change them. Your own record shows what applies to you. Sources: dmv.virginia.gov, law.lis.virginia.gov.

See your own Virginia record

Your record shows exactly what is on file for you.

Virginia driving record

How many points does it take to suspend your license?
Each state sets its own limit, such as 12 points in 12 months in Florida. See how many points suspend a license in your state.
How long do points stay on your license?
In most states that use points, they count against you for one to three years. See how long points stay on your license in your state.
How to get points off your license
Points come off with time, and in many states with an approved driving course. What works in each state, and what a course does not remove.
Check license points
Your driving record shows the points on your license and the tickets they came from. How to check your license points in any state.