Can I renew my driver's license if I have demerit points?
2 Answers
You can renew your driver's license if you have demerit points. As long as the demerit points on your driver's license do not reach 12, you can renew it. According to Article 56 of the "Decision of the Ministry of Public Security on Amending the Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 139): If a motor vehicle driver has not accumulated 12 demerit points in any scoring cycle during the six-year validity period of the driver's license, they can renew it for a ten-year validity period. If the driver has not accumulated 12 demerit points in any scoring cycle during the ten-year validity period, they can renew it for a long-term valid driver's license. If the applicant's demerit points in the current scoring cycle have not reached 12 and all traffic violations have been processed, they can normally renew the license. If the applicant's demerit points in the current scoring cycle reach 12, they must first participate in a full-score study and test. Only after passing the test and clearing the demerit points can they proceed with the renewal. When applying to renew a motor vehicle driver's license, an inspection is also required, and the following conditions must be met: The applicant's demerit points in the current scoring cycle have not reached 12; the applicant has no outstanding road traffic safety violations; the applicant's physical condition meets the driving permit requirements; the driver's license has not been detained, suspended, revoked, canceled, or withdrawn according to the law; when renewing the driver's license in accordance with Articles 48 and 49 of these regulations, the motor vehicle driver must undergo an inspection by the traffic management department of the public security authority.
Last year when I renewed my expired driver's license, I also had demerit points on record, but it didn't affect the process at all. I had been penalized 6 points for speeding, and I was worried it might prevent renewal. I went to the DMV to clarify, and they told me that renewal only checks the validity period and whether all required documents are submitted - demerit points don't affect the procedure. The key is to settle all traffic violation fines in advance; once paid, the system shows no issues. Just bring your ID card, old license, photos, and medical examination certificate, fill out a form, and you can get your new license. However, if you accumulate 12 points, you might be required to take a refresher course and test, which is much more troublesome. Drive carefully in daily life to avoid accumulating points, and the renewal will go smoothly - no need to worry unnecessarily.
