Can I still drive with 12 accumulated penalty points?
4 Answers
You cannot drive with 12 accumulated penalty points. You must clear the points before you can continue to use your driver's license. If the accumulated points reach 12, you must attend a seven-day study session on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge at the traffic management department of the public security authority in the place where the driver's license was issued or where the violation occurred. After that, you must take an exam. If you pass the exam, the points will be cleared. According to Article 28 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, motor vehicle drivers are not allowed to drive motor vehicles if their driver's license is lost, damaged, expired, or has been legally confiscated or temporarily suspended, or if their accumulated points reach 12.
Last year I got 12 demerit points from several speeding tickets, and I remember being notified that my driver's license would be revoked – it felt awful. Once you accumulate 12 points, you absolutely cannot drive anymore because the traffic management system will lock your license status, and continuing to drive counts as unlicensed driving. One day I accidentally tried driving out, only to be stopped by traffic police midway who gave me a warning and fined me – my car was almost towed too. From a safety perspective, accumulating many points means you have a habit of violations like running red lights or speeding, making accidents more likely if you keep driving. Later, I dutifully attended two weeks of traffic rule classes and passed the exam to reinstate my license. I recommend you stop driving immediately and find alternative transport like buses or taxis, while signing up for the theory test. Use navigation apps to remind yourself not to violate rules when driving normally.
From a safety perspective, accumulating 12 penalty points indicates you've repeatedly violated traffic rules, posing extremely high driving risks. This system is designed to remind you to improve driving habits, such as speeding or drunk driving. If you continue driving, you're highly likely to cause an accident due to distraction or repeated mistakes, potentially harming others and facing liability. I recall a friend who kept driving after penalty points and rear-ended another vehicle, resulting in financial compensation and a blemish on their record. It's advisable to stop driving to avoid hazards and contact the DMV to participate in educational courses. The theoretical test helps reinforce traffic rules, and typically, passing the exam within a few days restores your driving eligibility. Safety should always come first.
I understand the driver's license rules. Accumulating 12 penalty points will result in license revocation, and legally, you are required to stop driving. If you drive after receiving penalty points and get caught, you may face fines of several hundred yuan or even detention. The solution is to promptly enroll in a study and test program to restore your license status—don't wait. Always pay attention to speed limit signs and traffic signals while driving.
