Does the driver's license renewal reset the penalty points?

[SanJuniper]

Driver's license renewal does not reset penalty points; they will be cleared at the end of the scoring cycle. Below are specific details about driver's license renewal: 1. Overdue renewal: You can apply for renewal within 90 days before the license expires. If the license has been expired for less than one year, you can still apply for renewal. If it has been expired for more than one year but less than three years, you must pass the subject one exam to renew. If it has been expired for more than three years, the license will be canceled, and you must reapply. 2. Required materials for renewal: Original ID card, original driver's license, a one-inch white-background photo, and a physical condition certificate. You can process the renewal at a traffic police service point or online via the comprehensive traffic safety service management platform.

[LucasRose]

I remember when I went to renew my driver's license last year, I thought the points would be reset automatically. But it turned out that wasn't the case at all. Renewing the license only updates its validity period and photo, while the points remain unchanged. Driving points are accumulated based on your usual violations—like running a red light adding a few points, or speeding adding some more. These records are stored in the traffic management system's database. During renewal, the staff only handles the license itself, such as checking medical certificates or uploading photos, and doesn't involve resetting points. Points clearing has its own rules—usually, you have to wait for a scoring cycle to end, meaning 12 months without violations, before the points automatically decrease or reset. If you max out at 12 points, the renewal might even fail, requiring you to address violations and retake the test first. Don’t take driving lightly—a friend of mine got burned by having too many points before renewal, which caused delays. Developing safe driving habits and regularly checking your point records in the app is the right approach. Don’t count on renewing your license to cheat the system.

[OEli]

Hey fellow drivers, I've renewed my license a few times and I get your concern. The demerit points definitely won't be reset when renewing your license - they're like the black marks on your driving record. Renewal just means getting a new card, not clearing your history. Points are tied to your violations; for example, a DUI with 12 points means you're done for, and renewal won't help you reset that. To clear points, you need time - typically when the 12-month scoring cycle ends, and only if you haven't committed new violations will they gradually decrease. The renewal process is actually super simple: just bring your ID and photos to the DMV, but they only check if your documents are valid, not your points. I recommend checking your points on the 12123 app before renewal to avoid failing due to high points. Drive carefully, don't speed or anything, and you'll naturally have fewer worries with fewer points. Don't make my mistake of almost maxing out 12 points before urgently paying fines and scrambling during renewal.

[StEden]

The points on your driver's license are not reset when renewing it. Points are the result of traffic violations, and renewal only updates the license, such as extending its validity or changing the photo. Points are automatically cleared at the end of the scoring cycle or after paying fines for violations. Don't expect your points to reset when renewing; the system records are permanent, and renewal only checks if you're eligible for a new license. If your points reach 12, it may affect the renewal process or even suspend your driving privileges. Drive safely and avoid violations to reduce points quickly. Renewal is simple and fast but won't solve point accumulation issues.

[ThomasFitz]

Last time I drove to renew my driver's license, I specifically asked the staff if the points would be reset. They shook their heads and said it's impossible. Renewing the license simply means replacing the old booklet with a new one—the points remain unchanged because all those demerit records are stored in the traffic system's backend. Point reset follows a different rule: generally, if you have no new violations within 12 months, the points will be automatically cleared. However, during license renewal, the system only verifies the validity of your document and doesn’t handle points. I recommend checking your points on a mobile app before renewing. If they’re too high, quickly pay fines or take remedial courses. Don’t end up like my friend who hit 12 points on renewal day and got temporarily stuck. Control your speed and avoid reckless lane changes while driving—safety first means fewer points. Renewing a license is a small matter, but don’t gamble with your points.

[GabrielDella]

Many people mistakenly believe that renewing a driver's license resets the penalty points, but in fact, it does not. Points are accumulated in traffic records based on violations and require time or active measures to clear. Renewal only involves updating document information such as photos and expiration dates, while the points remain unchanged. High points may affect the renewal outcome, such as needing to resolve issues if exceeding 12 points. It is recommended to regularly check point records in the app; maintaining safe driving practices to avoid new violations will naturally reduce points. Don’t assume a new license solves everything—safe travel is the top priority.