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A point is a mark the DMV adds to your driving record for a moving violation or at-fault crash. Most violations are 1 point; serious ones are 2 points. Reach 4 points in 12 months and the DMV presumes you are a negligent operator.
What is a DMV point?
A point is a mark the DMV adds to your driving record when you are convicted of a moving violation or found responsible for an at-fault crash. The point system is written into Vehicle Code 12810, which also sets the values. Points do not measure fines. They measure your record, and the DMV uses the total to decide whether to act against your license.
Under VC 12810, a conviction for only one violation arising from one occasion of arrest or citation is counted.
Which violations add one point, and which add more?
The statute sorts violations into two groups.
| Violation | Code | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Other traffic convictions involving the safe operation of a vehicle on the highway | VC 12810(f) | 1 point |
| An accident the DMV deems you responsible for | VC 12810(g) | 1 point |
| Speeding: basic speed law | VC 22350 | 1 point |
| Speeding over the statewide maximum | VC 22349 | 1 point |
| Red light or red arrow; right turn on red | VC 21453(a), (b), (c) | 1 point |
| Pedestrian signal rule | VC 21453(d) | 0 points |
| Speeding over 100 mph | VC 22348(b) | 2 points |
| DUI, reckless driving, driving while suspended | VC 12810(a)–(e) | 2 points |
The point values for the cited codes come from the Judicial Council's 2026 schedule; the structure comes from the statute. This guide did not read the sections that set point counts for some other violation types, so it does not list them.
How many points before the DMV acts?
The DMV describes two levels. At Level II it sends a notice of intent to suspend; at Level III it puts you on one-year probation with a six-month suspension, effective 34 days after the order is mailed.
| Period | Level II points | Level III points |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | 3 | 4 |
| 24 months | 5 | 6 |
| 36 months | 7 | 8 |
Under VC 12810.5(a), you are presumed to be a negligent operator when your record reaches any of these.
| Period | Points |
|---|---|
| 12 months | 4 or more points |
| 24 months | 6 or more points |
| 36 months | 8 or more points |
A negligent operator is a driver whose point count meets the statute's presumption. What the DMV does next, and how to ask for a hearing, is covered on the negligent operator page. The deadline to request a hearing is stated on the DMV's notice.
Are the rules different for commercial drivers?
Yes. For class A and B drivers, VC 12810.5(b) sets a different count at a hearing. This guide could not confirm those thresholds, so it lists none. Each point for a violation in a vehicle that needs a class A or B license is valued at 1.5 times. Read the CDL ticket page for how this fits together with traffic school.
How long does a point count?
The DMV Driver Handbook says traffic convictions and collisions stay on your record for 36 months or longer, depending on the type of conviction. One related number is easy to misread. The Judicial Council's schedule uses a 36-month window for adding to a base fine when you have prior convictions with points, and says it was chosen to match the point system in VC 12810 and 12810.5. That is a rule about fines, not a DMV retention period. Request your driver record to see what the DMV shows for your own convictions.
How do points affect insurance?
The DMV does not set your premium; your insurer does. This guide gives no dollar figure for the effect, because we found no official source for one.
Your rate depends on your insurer, your record and your policy. Ask your insurer or an independent agent for a quote before you choose between paying and traffic school, and compare it with the cost in the ticket cost calculator.
Can you keep a conviction confidential?
Traffic school is the main route. Under VC 41501, a court may hold a conviction confidential after you complete traffic violator school. The court must tell you that only one conviction within 18 months will be held confidential, and you pay the full bail plus fees. Ask your court how the result shows on your DMV record.
Contesting the ticket is the other route, but no result is promised. Our guide to traffic school or fighting the ticket lays out each route.
Frequently asked questions
How long do points stay on your record in California?
This guide could not confirm a retention period from the DMV, so it states no number. Sources conflict, and the DMV sets the rule. Request your own driver record from the DMV to see what it shows. Insurers run their own checks and may look back a different length of time than the DMV does.
How many points is a speeding ticket?
On the Judicial Council's 2026 schedule, speeding in each band carries 1 point, including the basic speed law and the statewide maximums. Speeding over 100 mph under VC 22348(b) carries 2 points. Only one violation from a single occasion of arrest or citation counts under VC 12810.
Does a red light ticket add a point?
Yes. The 2026 schedule lists 1 point for a steady red light or red arrow under 21453(a) and (c), and for a right turn on red under 21453(b). The pedestrian signal rule in 21453(d) is listed at 0 points. A camera ticket's point count could not be confirmed here.
Can I check my points?
You can request your driver record from the DMV, which shows what is on it. Start at the DMV website with your license number ready, follow the steps it lists, and compare the record with the thresholds here. Check the DMV site for the current request process and any fee.
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the California Ticket Guide editorial team