What Drivers Need to Know About Points on Their Records

What happens when a driver gets a citation? There are the obvious, immediate effects—having to pay the fine, for example. But there are other effects down the line that can lead to an insurance premium increase or even a loss of license. What's the real story behind points, and what can drivers do to minimize the damage?

Points on the Driving Record

Most states, but not all, use points to keep track of the quality of motorists' driving. In states that track such things, most moving violations (e.g., speeding, failing to make a complete stop, reckless driving) and at-fault collisions will add points to a driver's record. The point scales vary widely from state to state, but it's generally the case that more serious violations are assigned higher point values.

Points remain on the record for one to ten years. Again, this varies widely, but it's generally the case that points assigned for more serious violations will remain on the record for longer periods of time. And all those points can add up! Drivers who accumulate "too many" points (this determination, again, varies widely by jurisdiction) can face a "licensing action"—suspension or revocation—from the licensing authority in their state.

Insurance Premium Increases

Auto insurers monitor their policy holders' driving records and modify premiums accordingly—drivers with more points will pay more for insurance. But, while licensing authorities and insurers both use point systems, it's not necessarily the same system. Some insurers merely monitor insured drivers' records and assign points for various infractions based on their own point structures.

What Can Drivers Do?

Drivers who get a ticket or otherwise accumulate points on their driving record do have some recourse. Many states allow drivers to complete a defensive driving course to dismiss or mask violations from their official driving records, with the exception of major offenses like DUI. And drivers are wise to take advantage of such programs: An analysis published by Insurance.com found that just a single violation led to an average auto policy premium increase of 18%! But, again, the rules vary, so drivers are encouraged to get the details from the licensing authority and/or state insurance commission in the state where they reside.


For more fun facts about points, check out "10 Things You Need to Know About Driver's License Points" from Insurance.com.

How to Teach Anything to Anyone

Your success in the traffic school industry is dependent upon your ability to effectively educate drivers who take your course. In fact, some regulatory agencies even require on-going evidence of the value of your program (e.g., an effectiveness study) in order for your school to remain in operation. How, then, do you ensure that your customers are really learning what you're teaching?

Have a Clear Curriculum

Often, teachers fail before they begin because they don't have a clear plan. Successful teaching requires structured content with clear objectives and milestones. Fortunately for you, you've got this part under control. You've licensed your curricula from Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc. (TSC), a proven leader in curriculum development for the traffic safety education industry!

Make the Material Matter

The only thing worse than trying to learn with no learning materials is dealing with learning materials that are incomplete, vague, or nonsensical. The best way to foster learning is to use detailed documents, images, and videos that clearly demonstrate the concepts being taught. Again, TSC has you covered. Our professionally designed programs deliver easy-to-read text, helpful illustrations, and colorful multimedia presentations that thoroughly explain the material to students. And we provide the tools to help you to use humor to reinforce the lessons.

Present with Purpose and Passion

The whole idea behind teaching is to engage and excite learners so they proactively explore the issues on their own. To do this you need to be enthusiastic about the subject. If you don't care about the material, why should they? Don't just casually throw information out there; demonstrate your passion with energy and focus. Use humor, visuals, and storytelling to engage the learners and make the course entertaining. Remember: The information you're sharing with your students might just save a life!

Let the Learners Lead the Learning

You have to follow the prescribed lesson plan, of course—the regulatory authorities insist upon it. But remember that lecture is statistically the least effective method for content delivery. People lose interest or get distracted and ultimately retain less information. Make use of the interactive tools and exercises designed into the curriculum, and incorporate your own activities where appropriate. Anything you can do to actively involve your students will heighten their awareness while they learn and help them to proactively fill in their own gaps in retention.

Reinforce with Repetition and Response

Just because the material is presented and the discussion is done doesn't mean that your job as a teacher is finished. Guide learners through the process and give them the tools to self-evaluate and make adjustments in the future. In this way, they'll continue to practice what they've learned and enhance everyone's safety on the roadway.


Teaching is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and enhanced. By following the strategies above, you can make your instruction more engaging, more effective—and hopefully more fun for everyone involved!

(An expanded version of this article originally appeared on Inc.com.)