USVI Driver Point System

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

USVI uses a simplified driver point system to track moving-violation convictions. Each violation carries a point value that is added to the driver's running 12-month total. 12 or more points within any 12-month period triggers an administrative suspension. The system is less granular than mainland point systems but follows the same general logic.

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, improper backing, equipment violations).
3 points — speeding 1 to 10 mph over, improper turn, following too closely.
4 points — speeding 11 to 20 mph over, failure to yield, disregarding a stop sign or signal.
6 points — speeding 21+ mph over, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a property-damage accident.
8 points — racing, aggressive driving, leaving the scene of an injury accident.
12 points — DUI conviction (also triggers separate revocation), vehicular homicide, fraudulent license use.

The point chart is set by territorial regulation and may be updated periodically.

The 12-point suspension trigger

Accumulating 12 or more points in any 12-month period triggers an administrative review by the USVI BMV. The BMV may:

Send a warning letter requesting voluntary attendance at a defensive driving course.
Place the driver on probation for 6 to 12 months.
Schedule a hearing to consider suspension.
Suspend the license administratively if the violations are serious or if the driver has been previously warned.

The review considers the severity of the violations, the time gaps between them, the driver's age, and any prior administrative history. The BMV's decision is appealable to the USVI Superior Court.

Major violation suspensions

Independent of the 12-point framework, certain major violations trigger statutory suspensions on the first conviction:

DUI — 90-day revocation for a first offense; longer for refusals or repeats. See USVI DUI laws.
Reckless driving — discretionary suspension up to 90 days.
Vehicular homicide — mandatory suspension at conviction, often paired with revocation.
Hit-and-run involving injury — mandatory suspension.
Fraudulent license use or alteration — mandatory suspension.
Racing or exhibition of speed — discretionary suspension.

Defensive driving and dismissal

USVI courts allow certain traffic violations to be dismissed by completing an approved defensive driving course. Eligibility depends on the court of jurisdiction and the nature of the violation:

Most territorial courts allow dismissal for non-aggravated speeding (under 20 mph over) and minor moving violations.
Drivers can typically use the course once every 12 months.
The course is offered online and in classroom format on St. Thomas and St. Croix, typically 4 to 6 hours.
CDL holders cannot use defensive driving to dismiss violations under federal CDL rules.

See traffic tickets for the dismissal sequence and citation-clearing options.

How insurance carriers see your record

USVI 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 (12 points plus revocation) typically adds 75% to 150% for 3 to 5 years and requires SR-22 — see USVI car insurance.

How long convictions stay on your record

USVI retains entries on a sliding schedule:

Most moving violations: 3 to 5 years from the conviction date.
DUI convictions: lifetime — USVI does not remove DUI convictions from the driver record.
Suspension and revocation actions: 5 to 7 years from the lift date.
Major violations: typically permanent.

To monitor your record, pull a copy at least annually using the driving records process.

Out-of-territory violations

USVI maintains driver-record reciprocity with the U.S. mainland states through the National Driver Register, so convictions in mainland states are reported to USVI and added to the USVI record. A USVI driver convicted of speeding in Florida or Puerto Rico will see USVI points assessed at the equivalent in-territory value. CDL violations are subject to the broader federal Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) reporting.