Can I Keep One Point on My Driver's License?
2 Answers
You can keep just 1 point on your driver's license and still drive legally, but you should avoid further violations. Once the scoring cycle ends and all fines are paid, your license will automatically be restored to 12 points. However, if you accumulate 12 points, your license will be suspended, and you won't be able to drive. To regain your license, you must attend training and pass an exam. Legal Basis: Article 23 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": In addition to administrative penalties, traffic management departments of public security organs implement a cumulative scoring system (hereinafter referred to as the scoring system) for road traffic safety violations committed by motor vehicle drivers, with a scoring cycle of 12 months. If a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 points within one scoring cycle, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall confiscate their motor vehicle driving license. The driver must then attend training on road traffic safety laws and regulations and take an exam as required. If the exam is passed, the points will be cleared, and the driving license will be returned. If the exam is failed, the driver must continue training and retake the exam. Article 24 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": If a motor vehicle driver accumulates fewer than 12 points within one scoring cycle and has paid all fines, the points will be cleared. If fines remain unpaid even if fewer than 12 points are accumulated, the points will carry over to the next scoring cycle.
Having only one point left on your driver's license is theoretically possible, but it's as dangerous as walking a tightrope. Last time I had 11 points deducted, my palms were sweating while driving, and I'd get extremely nervous whenever I saw traffic police at intersections. The worst part is if you get another violation that deducts that final 1 point - hitting 12 points means you'll have to attend 7 days of traffic law classes and retake the written test before getting your license back. Plus, insurance companies might raise your premiums after 11 points, making it even more costly. My advice: avoid driving when your point cycle is about to reset. If you must go out, take a taxi instead. Get in the habit of checking violations regularly - many apps let you monitor your point status anytime.
