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How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record in California?

If you receive a traffic ticket in California, points may be added to your driving record. These points can affect your insurance rates and, if they add up, even your license status. Knowing how long points stay on your record — and how to reduce their impact — can save you money and stress.

How the California DMV Uses Points

When you’re convicted of a moving violation, the California DMV assigns points to your driving record. These points are used to:

  • Track unsafe driving behavior

  • Identify negligent operators

  • Influence insurance premiums

How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record?

Most Minor Violations: 3 Years

Common tickets such as:

  • Speeding

  • Failure to stop

  • Unsafe lane changes

Stay on your California driving record for three years from the violation date.

Serious Violations: 7–10 Years

More serious offenses stay longer:

  • DUI: 10 years

  • Reckless driving: 7 years

  • Hit-and-run: 7–10 years, depending on the case

How Many Points Can Get Your License Suspended?

The DMV may take action if you receive:

  • 4 points in 12 months

  • 6 points in 24 months

  • 8 points in 36 months

This can result in license suspension or probation.

Do Points Affect Insurance Rates?

Yes. Insurance companies review your public driving record when setting premiums. Even one point can raise rates for several years.

How Traffic School Helps

Traffic school does not remove the ticket, but it prevents the point from appearing on your public driving record. That means:

  • Insurance companies don’t see the point

  • Your rates are protected

  • The ticket remains visible only to the court and DMV

Online Traffic School for Busy California Drivers

Traffic school is the easiest way to keep points off your public driving record and protect your insurance rates. Busy drivers choose TrafficSchool4BusyPeople.com because it’s fast, flexible, and court-approved.

Why choose TrafficSchool4BusyPeople.com

  • Start for free and pay only after you have passed

  • California DMV-licensed and accepted by all California courts

  • No classroom required

  • 100% online and self-paced

  • Quickest course allowed by California law

Enroll here:
https://www.trafficschool4busypeople.com

Final Takeaway

Most traffic ticket points stay on your California driving record for three years, but traffic school is the easiest way to prevent those points from affecting your insurance. If you’re eligible, acting quickly can protect your record and save you money.