Points, tickets and licence suspension in Delaware

By the end of this topic you can

• You can say how many points common violations carry.
• You can explain how the DMV counts points over two years.
• You can describe what happens at 8, 12 and 14 points.
• You can explain the extra penalties for serious speeding and aggressive driving.

What you need to know and understand

• Speeding 1 to 9 mph over: 2 points; 10 to 14 over: 4 points; 15 or more over: 5 points.
• Running a stop sign or red light: 3 points. Reckless or aggressive driving: 6 points. Passing a stopped school bus: 6 points.
• Points count at full value for 12 months from the violation and half value for the next 12 months.
• 8 calculated points brings an advisory letter; 12 points requires a behavior course within 90 days.
• Suspensions start at 14 points (4 months) and rise to 12 months at 22 points.
• Speeding 25 mph or more over the limit brings a suspension; 50 mph over or 100 mph brings one year.
• Reinstatement costs $50 after a suspension and $200 after a revocation.

Points for common violations

• Speeding 1 to 9 mph over the limit: 2 points.
• Speeding 10 to 14 mph over: 4 points.
• Speeding 15 mph or more over: 5 points, and extra DMV action is possible at 20 mph or more over.
• Disregarding a stop sign or red light: 3 points.
• Reckless driving, aggressive driving, or passing a stopped school bus: 6 points.
• Most other moving violations: 2 points.

How the DMV acts on your total

For DMV action, points are worked out over a 24-month window: full value for the first year after the violation and half value in the second year. Your driving record itself shows full values, which insurers may see.

1. 8 points: advisory letter.
2. 12 points: complete an 8-hour behavior modification course within 90 days, or face a 2-month suspension.
3. 14 points: 4-month suspension, rising by 2 months at each further 2-point step.
4. 22 points: 12-month suspension.
5. Each suspension at 14 points or more also requires the behavior course before reinstatement.

Serious speeding, aggressive driving and second chances

At 20 to 24 mph over, you get an advisory letter. At 25 mph over, a one-month suspension, plus one more month for every extra 5 mph. Between 25 and 29 mph over you may choose the course instead; from 30 mph over the suspension is mandatory. Driving 50 mph or more over the limit, or 100 mph on a highway, means a one-year suspension.

Aggressive driving means three or more offenses such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes or speeding in one continuous episode. It brings a $100 to $300 fine for a first offense and a required course.

A first speeding ticket 1 to 14 mph over in three years can carry no points if paid by mail or online. An approved defensive driving course gives a 3-point credit against future DMV action for three years, though it does not wipe points from your record. Driving while suspended extends the suspension. Permit holders who break GDL restrictions face separate 2- and 4-month suspensions.

Common mistakes

• Thinking a few small tickets do not matter. Two 10 mph-over tickets in a year already add up to 8 points.
• Assuming a defensive driving course erases points. It only gives a credit against future action.
• Driving to school 'just once' while suspended. It extends the suspension.
• Ignoring the 90-day deadline for the required course at 12 points.

Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Delaware

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Delaware Permit Test
• Delaware Driver’s Ed and the Blue Certificate
• Delaware Driving Privilege Card