The number of points you can have on your driving licence depends on the country and specific rules, but here are details for the UK and some US states:
United Kingdom
- There is no upper limit on how many points you can accumulate on your licence. However, if you accumulate 12 or more points within 3 years , you will usually face a driving ban of at least 6 months. This is often called "totting up" points
- For new drivers (within 2 years of passing their test), if they get 6 or more points , their licence will be revoked and they must retake both theory and practical tests to regain it
- Points stay on your licence for between 4 and 11 years depending on the offence, and cannot be removed early. The DVLA removes expired points automatically
- Serious offences like drink-driving can carry up to 11 points on their own
United States (examples)
- Point systems vary by state. For example:
- In Colorado , a minor driver (under 18) can be suspended if they accumulate 6 or more points within 12 months. Adults face suspension at higher thresholds
* In **New York** , accumulating 11 points in 18 months may lead to licence suspension. Points stay on record for 18 months but convictions remain longer for insurance purposes
* In **Florida** , 12 points in 12 months results in a 30-day suspension; 18 points in 18 months leads to a 3-month suspension; 24 points in 36 months results in a 12-month suspension
* Other states have similar but varying thresholds and rules
Summary
Jurisdiction| Points Limit Before Suspension/Revocation| Special Rules for New
Drivers| Points Expiry
---|---|---|---
UK| 12 points in 3 years (6 points in 2 years for new drivers)| Licence
revoked if 6+ points in 2 years after passing test| 4 to 11 years depending on
offence
Colorado (US)| 6 points in 12 months for minors; higher for adults| Stricter
limits for minors| Varies
New York (US)| 11 points in 18 months| No special new driver rule mentioned|
Points count for 18 months
Florida (US)| 12 points in 12 months for suspension| Restrictions for under 18
with 6+ points| Points remain for at least 10 years
In conclusion, while there is no fixed maximum number of points you can have on your licence, reaching certain thresholds (like 12 points in the UK or 11-24 points in US states) triggers suspensions or revocations. New drivers face stricter limits. Points remain on your record for several years depending on the offence and jurisdiction
