Can You Still Drive If Your Car's Demerit Points Exceed 12?
3 Answers
You cannot continue driving if your car's demerit points exceed 12. Here is more information about demerit points during the driving process: Deducting 12 points: According to Article 68 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses": If a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 demerit points within one scoring cycle, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall confiscate their motor vehicle driving license. The driver must participate in training and pass the exam before they can drive again. Penalty regulations: Driving a motor vehicle without obtaining a motor vehicle driving license, or driving during the period when the motor vehicle driving license is revoked or temporarily confiscated, will result in a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan. License renewal regulations: If a motor vehicle driver does not accumulate 12 demerit points in any scoring cycle during the six-year validity period of their motor vehicle driving license, they will be issued a motor vehicle driving license with a ten-year validity period. If they do not accumulate 12 demerit points in any scoring cycle during the ten-year validity period of their motor vehicle driving license, they will be issued a motor vehicle driving license with long-term validity.
Once your points exceed 12, it's highly recommended not to drive anymore. According to traffic regulations, exceeding 12 points will result in your driver's license being suspended, and driving without a valid license carries significant risks. I've personally seen friends who continued to drive with an over-limit point balance get caught, facing fines as high as several thousand yuan, sometimes even 15 days of detention, and their vehicles being towed away. What's even more frightening is that if an accident occurs, insurance won't cover it, leaving you to pay for everything out of pocket, which could lead to financial ruin. Quickly sign up for the study and test program at your local traffic management department—usually, a week of study and passing a theory test can restore your points. Develop good driving habits: don't drink and drive, don't speed, and pay attention to your points so they don't accumulate too quickly. Safety first is more important than anything else.
Driving with 12 penalty points is definitely not allowed and is legally considered as driving without a license. I suggest you handle it promptly and don't push your luck. First, contact the traffic police department to sign up for a learning course. Spend a few dozen yuan on tuition, attend classes for a few days, and then pass the exam to reset your points. Delaying and not driving might still get you checked, and the fines and records could affect your future life. When I had excessive points before, I immediately took the course, and it was much easier after getting it done. Pay more attention to your driving habits—control your speed, wear a seatbelt, and avoid serious point deductions. This way, you save trouble and protect yourself.
