DC DMV Point System
DC uses a numerical point system to track moving-violation convictions. Each violation carries a point value that is added to the driver's running 24-month total. 10 points triggers a mandatory hearing before DC DMV; 12 points triggers automatic license suspension. Points stay on the record for 24 months from the conviction date.
How points accumulate
Points are added to the record when the driver is convicted of a moving violation. The point value depends on the violation:
- 2 points — minor moving violations (failure to signal, failure to dim lights, improper backing).
- 3 points — speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit, improper turn, following too closely.
- 4 points — speeding 11 to 15 mph over, failure to yield right-of-way, disregarding a stop sign.
- 6 points — speeding 16 to 25 mph over, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a property-damage accident.
- 8 points — speeding 26+ mph over, aggressive driving.
- 10 points — DUI conviction (also triggers separate revocation), eluding police, leaving the scene of an injury accident.
- 12 points — vehicular homicide, fraudulent license use.
The point chart is published in DC DMV's Point System Schedule and may be updated by regulation.
The 10-point hearing trigger
When a driver accumulates 10 to 11 points in any 24-month period, DC DMV schedules a mandatory hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). The hearing examines the driver's record and considers whether to:
- Place the driver on probation for 6 to 12 months.
- Order remedial driver training.
- Suspend the license for a defined period.
- Issue a warning letter without further action.
Drivers may appear in person, by counsel, or submit a written response. The hearing officer's decision is appealable to the DC Superior Court.
The 12-point automatic suspension
Accumulating 12 or more points in any 24-month period triggers automatic license suspension. The suspension length scales with the point total:
- 12 points — 30-day suspension.
- 16 points — 90-day suspension.
- 20 points or more — 6-month or longer suspension and revocation hearing.
Reinstatement after a points-based suspension requires paying the DC DMV reinstatement fee, attending a Driver Improvement Program (DIP), and possibly retaking the knowledge test. See suspended license reinstatement.
Driver Improvement Program (DIP)
DC's Driver Improvement Program is a state-approved 8-hour course that addresses defensive driving, DC traffic law, and risk reduction. Drivers can voluntarily complete DIP to remove up to 3 points from their record (one time per 24 months). DC DMV also orders DIP attendance at certain hearing outcomes. The program is offered online and in classroom format by approved providers.
How points affect insurance
DC auto insurers see the underlying convictions and the running point total. A single 3-point speeding conviction usually adds 10% to 20% to the renewal premium for 3 years; a 6-point reckless conviction can add 30% to 60%. A DUI (10 points plus revocation) typically adds 75% to 150% for 3 to 5 years and requires SR-22 — see DC car insurance.
How long points stay on your record
Points stay on the running 24-month total for 24 months from the conviction date. After 24 months, the points "drop off" the running total but the conviction itself remains on the underlying driver record for 5 years (longer for major violations). Insurance carriers may continue to consider the underlying conviction even after the points have dropped off.
Out-of-DC violations
DC participates in the Driver License Compact (DLC), so convictions in other DLC states (most states) are reported to DC and added to the DC point total. A DC driver convicted of speeding in Maryland or Virginia will see DC points assessed at the equivalent in-DC value. CDL violations are subject to the broader federal Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) reporting.
Point reduction options
Aside from the DIP-based 3-point reduction every 24 months, the only other way to reduce a points total is to wait — points drop off automatically after 24 months. DC does not allow point dismissal through traffic court except by winning a contested ticket (a not-guilty verdict means no conviction and no points). See traffic tickets for the contest process.