Can I Still Drive After Being Deducted 12 Points at Once?
2 Answers
If a driver's license is deducted 12 points at once, the driver is no longer allowed to operate a vehicle. According to Article 68 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses,' if a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 points within a scoring cycle, the traffic management department of the public security authority shall confiscate their motor vehicle driver's license. A motor vehicle driver must, within 15 days, report to the traffic management department of the public security authority at the place where the driver's license was issued or where the violation occurred to participate in a seven-day study session on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. After completing the study session, the vehicle management office must administer a test on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge within 20 days. If the driver passes the test, the points will be cleared, and the motor vehicle driver's license will be returned. If the driver fails the test, they must continue studying and retake the test. Drivers who refuse to participate in the study session or take the test will have their motor vehicle driver's license suspended by the traffic management department of the public security authority. If a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 points or more twice within a scoring cycle or accumulates 24 points or more, the vehicle management office must also administer a road driving skills test within 10 days after the driver passes the test on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. The road driving skills test will be conducted based on the highest vehicle class permitted by the driver's license. Points Clearance Cycle Points on a driver's license are cleared at the end of the scoring cycle. The cumulative scoring cycle for road traffic safety violations (i.e., the scoring cycle) is 12 months, with a maximum of 12 points, calculated from the date the motor vehicle driver's license was first issued. If a motor vehicle driver accumulates fewer than 12 points within a scoring cycle and has paid all fines, the points will be cleared. If there are unpaid fines, the points will carry over to the next scoring cycle, even if fewer than 12 points were accumulated.
If you get 12 points deducted at once, you can't drive immediately, which basically means your driver's license is temporarily suspended. I'm aware of many similar cases, such as drunk driving or speeding where serious violations result in a full 12-point deduction, requiring prompt handling at the traffic management department. Generally, you'll need to attend traffic safety education courses and pass an exam to regain eligibility; driving during this period may lead to fines or extended suspension. I also recommend installing an app to monitor points and avoid accumulating deductions. After reinstatement, drive cautiously as repeated point deductions carry higher risks. Overall, safety comes first—don't take this risk.
