Can You Still Drive After Getting 12 Demerit Points on Your License?

[DelMalia]

If a vehicle accumulates 12 demerit points without being addressed, it cannot be driven on the road. Below is relevant information about motor vehicles receiving 12 demerit points: 1. Class A and B Driver's Licenses: If a Class A or B driver's license accumulates 12 demerit points within one scoring cycle, the highest vehicle class qualification will be revoked, and the driver must apply for a downgraded license within 30 days. 2. Class C Driver's License: If a Class C driver's license accumulates 12 demerit points, the license will be temporarily suspended by the public security traffic management department. The driver must report to the issuing authority of the motor vehicle driver's license or the public security traffic management department within 15 days to attend a 7-day study session on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. After completing the study, the driver must pass an examination arranged by the traffic management department to clear the demerit points and have the motor vehicle driver's license returned. 3. Probationary Period: If 12 demerit points are accumulated during the probationary period, the highest permitted vehicle class for Class A and B licenses will be revoked, while the probationary driving qualification for Class C licenses will be canceled.

[StPaul]

My neighbor just had this happen a few days ago - his license was suspended the same day he accumulated 12 penalty points. He immediately signed up for the traffic regulation course at the DMV, and those seven full days of studying the rules really wore him out. On the day of his retest for Subject One, he was extremely nervous, terrified of failing and further delaying his work. The crucial thing is that after getting points deducted, you absolutely must not touch the steering wheel. Last time his buddy secretly drove for two days, got treated as driving without a license - fined 2,000 yuan plus five days detention, and the car was impounded by traffic police. Don't even think about gambling on this - electronic eyes are everywhere on the roads now. Honestly attending the course and retaking the test is the only right way, and you should be able to sort out all this trouble within a month.

[McNathan]

As someone in the driver training industry, I must clarify the process after deducting 12 points: The traffic authorities will immediately confiscate the driver's license and suspend driving privileges. Driving at this point constitutes unlicensed driving, which not only incurs a fine of 200-2000 yuan but may also result in detention for up to 15 days. The correct approach is to bring your ID card to the vehicle management office within 15 days to register and attend a seven-day traffic regulations course. After passing the exam, the points will be cleared, and you can retrieve your license to restore driving rights. If the exam is not passed, you must continue studying and retake the test. During this period, it is advisable to use public transportation, take taxis, or arrange for family or friends to provide transportation.

[KingDella]

A seasoned driver shares heartfelt advice: Losing all 12 points means temporarily losing your driving privileges. Last year, my son fell into this trap—speeding and running red lights accumulated until his points were completely deducted. The key is not to drive secretly, as the traffic police systems are now interconnected. Surveillance cameras at checkpoints can detect license plate anomalies immediately. During the processing period, it's best to park your car in the neighborhood. If you really need to go out, taking a taxi is much more cost-effective than risking driving and getting fined. After completing traffic regulation courses and retaking the written test (subject one), your license can be restored in about half a month. Take this opportunity to reflect on your driving habits.