Most states in the U.S, including Virginia, use demerit point systems for drivers who violate traffic laws. With this system, the state places a specific number of points on your driver’s license for each traffic offense, depending on the severity of the offense and potential danger to other road users.
The more points you rack up during your driving escapades, the more severe the consequences. Driving under the influence constitutes a violation of traffic rules and, therefore, warrants points of its own.
So how many points is a DUI in Virginia? Generally, Virginia categorizes traffic violations into three levels of point value; 3-point, 4-point, and 6-point violations. And a DUI falls under a 6-point traffic violation, which stays on your driving record for eleven years.
Virginia Points Value System Explained
Virginia uses a demerit point system to assess motorists’ questionable driving habits. As mentioned earlier, all traffic violations in the state fall under a 3-, 4-, or 6-point evaluation, depending on which driving infraction you commit. Since driving under the influence is our topic, you should know that being guilty of a DUI will earn you the maximum 6-points. Together with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, speeding, driving with a suspended license, or street racing also attract a 6-point traffic violation.
Relatively serious offenses such as speeding, failure to stop when entering a highway, and following a car too closely will be punished with a 4-point traffic violation. Less severe offenses like improper U-turns, failure to obey traffic signals, and turning left in front of a red light, constitute a 3-point violation.
However, if you’re caught committing two of the mentioned offenses on a single occasion, the traffic violation with the higher charge sticks. For example, if you’re found making an improper U-turn while driving under the influence, the DUI charge goes on your charge sheet, and six points go on your driving record.
Consequences Of A 6-Point Violation
As you can imagine, accumulating demerit points on your driver’s license is nothing to be proud of. If anything, having 6-points due to a DUI charge is the least of your worries. In Virginia, a 6 point DUI violation comes with a 90-day suspension of your driver’s license. Apart from getting points, you may have to pay a fine and face jail time if erratic driving or a high blood alcohol concentration is part of the mix.
However, a driver whose license has been suspended is allowed to apply for a restricted license to drive to and from work or school. Such a license doesn’t restore all your driving privileges but comes with a few conditions denoting where and when you can drive.
If you add more points to your DUI charge and find yourself in the 8-point realm, you’ll receive a warning letter from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Gather up twelve points or two DUI charges within twelve months, and you’ll receive a letter asking you to attend a driver improvement clinic within 90 days; that’s if you’re not behind bars.
Can I Remove Points From My Driver’s License?
Virginia doesn’t take drunk driving lightly, but there are ways you can redeem yourself and remove points from your driver’s license. As opposed to accumulating demerit points owing to traffic violations, you can start collecting safe driving points. You’ll receive points if you don’t violate any traffic rules in a calendar year, so this calls for you to be on your best driving behavior.
You can consider taking a driver improvement class, which, by the way, is a great way to show remorse. Such a class will serve as a refresher course on the rules of the road. Once you complete and pass this course, 5 safe driving points are added to your license.
If you need more advice on keeping your driving record in tip-top condition, consider chatting up a Virginia defense attorney.
Conclusion
We live in a state where accumulating points for violating traffic laws is never a good thing, especially if you don’t have the right DUI lawyer working for you. Like many other states, Virginia uses a demerit point system to assess your road habits and award you fitting consequences should you skirt the wrong side of the driving laws. Driving under the influence is one traffic violation that places six points on your license, warrants a suspension, and taints your driving record for a good eleven years.