How Long Are Driving License Demerit Points Retained?

[OColton]

Generally, driving license demerit points are retained for one year. As long as the driver does not accumulate 12 demerit points within a year, the demerit points will be automatically cleared at the start of the next year, resetting the driving license score to zero. However, traffic violation records will remain until the driver settles the corresponding traffic fines; otherwise, they will be permanently retained. Below are relevant details: 1. Reaching 12 points: If a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 demerit points within one scoring cycle, the traffic management department of the public security authority shall detain their driving license. 2. Mandatory training: The driver must attend a seven-day training program on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge within 15 days at either the issuing authority of their driving license or the traffic management department where the violation occurred. After completing the training, the vehicle management office must conduct an examination on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge within 20 days. If the driver passes the exam, their demerit points will be cleared, and their driving license will be returned. If they fail, they must continue attending training and retaking the exam.

[DeLuke]

I've been driving a taxi for fifteen years, dealing with traffic violations every day, so I know all about driver's license demerit points. Demerit point records are generally retained until the end of the next scoring cycle, which is about one year. For example, if you got your license on May 10th, the system will automatically clear the points on the same date next year. But don't think you can just ignore the violations—if the fines aren't paid, those points will stay on your license and won't disappear automatically. Last year, an old buddy of mine got 6 points for speeding and didn't pay the fine, and his new car's annual inspection got stuck because of it. Also, if you get a full 12 points in one go, the record retention period is even longer—you'll have to attend seven days of traffic rules training before the points can be cleared. My advice is: it's better to miss a fare than to violate traffic rules, and if you do get points, deal with them right away to save yourself the hassle.

[LaCecilia]

Just dealt with a speeding ticket last week, here's a lesson from this unlucky fellow. Demerit points stay in the system for up to one year and automatically reset at the end of the next cycle, provided you've paid all fines. I learned this the hard way: got 3 points deducted in June, thought they'd clear by year-end, but when I checked in January they were still there, and the fine had even accumulated late fees. It's worse if you hit 12 points - my friend did last year and had to spend half a month taking classes and tests. I recommend using the 12123 app to regularly check violation records, especially in the two months before license renewal. Also note that commercial driver's licenses differ from private ones - scoring over 9 points requires retraining. Nowadays, I swear I get more nervous seeing traffic cameras than seeing my own mother.

[VanPatrick]

As an auto insurance claims adjuster, I handle hundreds of driving records monthly. The retention period of demerit points depends on three key factors: regular traffic violation points are cleared on the same date the following year; unpaid fine-related points remain permanently until resolved; major accident or full-point records have longer retention periods, potentially up to three years. The data system strictly calculates based on the scoring cycle, starting from the driver's license issuance date. For example, if issued on March 10th, points automatically reset on March 11th the following year. Note regional variations: in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, speeding violations exceeding 50% will extend the demerit record retention by six months. Drivers are advised to check their records via the 12123 platform two weeks before the scoring cycle ends and promptly settle any outstanding points at service windows to avoid impacting next year's insurance premium discounts.