How is the Demerit Point Cycle Calculated After Additional License Endorsement?
4 Answers
Demerit point cycles are calculated from the date the driver's license is obtained. 1. Introduction: If the demerit points within a scoring cycle (12 months) do not reach 12 points, and all fines are paid before the end of this cycle, the system will automatically reset the points to zero at the start of the next cycle. Any unpaid fines will prevent the demerit points from being reset in the next cycle, and points will continue to accumulate from the existing total in the subsequent cycle. This process repeats, and if the points exceed 12, the driver will need to undergo training to clear them. 2. Validity Period: If a motor vehicle driver does not accumulate 12 demerit points in any scoring cycle during the 6-year validity period of the driver's license, they will be issued a 10-year validity driver's license upon renewal. If the driver does not accumulate 12 demerit points in any scoring cycle during the 10-year validity period, they will be issued a long-term valid driver's license upon renewal.
Last time when I added a motorcycle license to my driving qualifications, I specifically researched this. The scoring cycle doesn't reset after adding a license. For example, my original C1 license's scoring cycle runs from June each year to May the next year. After adding a D license this March, the new license still follows this same cycle. Many people misunderstand this, thinking that adding a license is like getting a brand new one. Special attention should be paid to the probation period after adding a license. For instance, adding an A/B class vehicle comes with a new 12-month probation period. If you accumulate 6 points during this period, the probation extends, and if you reach 12 points, the added license qualification is revoked. You can check your points by logging into the Traffic Management 12123 app. Within the same scoring cycle, penalty points from all vehicle types are accumulated into the total score.
When I was studying for my instructor's license, I systematically learned traffic regulations. After adding a new license class, the demerit point cycle is calculated based on the initial license issuance date. For example, Xiao Wang obtained his Class C license in July 2020 and added a Class E license in November 2023. Both of his licenses share the same demerit point cycle from July 2020 to June 2021. The most dangerous situation is entering a new probation period after adding Class A or B licenses. During this time, running a red light (6 points) or driving a vehicle beyond the licensed class (9 points) will result in an extension of the probation period. Every time I help students with license upgrades, I remind them not to assume that the points will reset after adding a new license class. Speeding violations will still accumulate the corresponding demerit points.
Here's a real-life case: One of our driving school students thought the penalty point cycle would reset after adding a new vehicle class to their license, but ended up with 15 points deducted in six months. In reality, adding a vehicle class simply expands your driving privileges—the penalty point cycle remains tied to your original license. For example, if you obtained a Class C license three years ago and now add a Class B, the point cycle still follows the original issuance date. Key reminder: Class A/B license upgrades come with a 12-month probation period—accumulating 12 points during this time will result in revocation of the newly added vehicle class. Always verify the "initial issuance date" on your license's supplemental page when handling violations. The traffic police mobile app makes point checks particularly convenient.
