Driver's License Points
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Points are part of Maryland’s system for tracking driving behavior. When a driver commits certain traffic violations, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) assigns points to the driver’s record. The points system helps promote traffic safety and encourages good driving habits.
This page explains what points are, how they’re earned, how you can check your point total, and possible consequences.
What are points?
Points are numerical values assigned to your driving record after certain traffic violations or convictions. Each moving violation has a point value — the more serious the violation, the more points it carries.
Points stay on your driving record for a determined time and are used to monitor your driving history.
How are points earned?
You get points added to your record when you are convicted of certain moving violations, such as:
- Speeding
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Improper passing
Each violation has a specific point value, and the points are added to your driving record once the conviction is recorded with the MVA.
Points are not penalties by themselves — they reflect your driving history.
To see how many points are associated with different infractions, you must visit the official Uniform Traffic Citations document for all violations.
Why does the MVA track points?
The point system helps the MVA:
- Identify drivers with repeated unsafe behavior
- Encourage safer driving through accountability
- Monitor driving performance over time
Points are one of several tools used to support overall driver safety.
How points affect your driving privileges
The number of points you accumulate within a two-year period determines what action the MVA takes:
- 3 to 4 points: You will receive a warning letter from the MVA.
- 5 to 7 points: You will be required to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program (DIP).
- 8 to 11 points: You will receive a Notice of Suspension.
- 12 or more points: You will receive a Notice of Revocation.
Points may also affect your auto insurance rates, as insurers review driving records to assess risk.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ on Driver’s License Points
You can view your current point total and driving history in your driving record. You can order, view, and print certified or non-certified driving records anytime through your myMVA account. Visit the Public Information & Records page for more information.
Points remain on your driving record for a certain period from the date of the conviction. This allows the MVA to evaluate recent driving behavior rather than distant history.
Over time, points may no longer count toward certain actions, but they remain part of your official driving record.
No. Points are added to your driving record only after a conviction is entered by the court and reported to the MVA. Receiving a citation does not automatically place points on your record.
Yes. Maryland may receive information about certain out-of-state traffic convictions. If applicable under Maryland law, points may be assessed based on the equivalent Maryland offense.
No. Parking violations and most non-moving violations do not result in points. Points are generally assessed for moving violations that involve the operation of a vehicle.
Paying a payable traffic citation is considered an admission of guilt. Once processed by the court, the conviction is reported to the MVA and points are added according to the violation.
If you choose to contest a citation in court, points are only added if you are found guilty.
Points are not removed upon request. They remain on your driving record according to Maryland law and established timeframes. Safe driving over time is the best way to prevent additional points from accumulating.
Commercial drivers are held to strict safety standards. Traffic violations—whether committed in a commercial or personal vehicle—can impact a CDL holder’s driving record. Certain violations may carry additional consequences under federal and state commercial driver regulations.
Each traffic violation has a specific point value set by Maryland law. You can:
- Review the Maryland Transportation Article - PDF
- Contact the MVA
- Request a copy of your driving record to see points already assessed. You can request your driving record online with myMVA.
Accumulated points alone do not automatically prevent renewal. However, your overall driving status must be in good standing at the time of renewal.
For information about license status and suspensions, visit the Receiving a Notice of Suspension or Revocation page.
Employers and insurance companies may request a copy of your driving record (with proper authorization). Your point total appears on your official driver record.
If you believe there is an error:
- Request a copy of your driving record. You can request your driving record online with myMVA.
- Review the conviction details.
- Contact the MVA with supporting documentation if a correction is needed.
Court records may be required to resolve discrepancies.
Related pages
- Public Information & Records: Information about how to request your full driving record online and by mail.
- Suspensions & Revocations: See how serious driving behavior may lead to license actions.
- Privacy & Security: Learn how the MVA safeguards your driving record information.
Questions? We can help.
Contact us if you have questions or need more information.