Can You Still Drive with 12 Points on Your License?
2 Answers
You cannot drive with 12 points on your license. According to Article 68 of the Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses: If a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 points within one scoring cycle, the traffic management department of the public security authority shall confiscate their motor vehicle driving license. The motor vehicle driver must, within 15 days, 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 where the driving license was issued or where the violation occurred. After completing the study session, the vehicle management office shall conduct an examination on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge within 20 days. If the driver passes the examination, the points will be cleared, and the motor vehicle driving license will be returned. If the driver fails the examination, they must continue to participate in the study session and retake the examination. If the driver refuses to participate in the study session or take the examination, the traffic management department of the public security authority will announce the suspension of their motor vehicle driving license.
As someone who's been driving for decades, I must say that once your driver's license reaches 12 penalty points, you absolutely shouldn't drive anymore - getting caught would just be asking for trouble. Traffic regulations clearly state that when accumulated demerit points reach 12, your license will be suspended or revoked, requiring you to retake the education course and examination. If you insist on driving, you'll face fines, possible detention, and it may even affect your future insurance renewals. I've seen many friends immediately attend the traffic law education course (usually takes 7-15 days to retest) when they max out points, but they must park their cars dutifully during this period. Actually, most points come from minor violations like speeding or running red lights - being more careful in daily driving can help avoid these pitfalls. In short, when you max out points, just bear with it temporarily and use public transportation instead.
