How long does it take for traffic violation points to be restored to 12?
3 Answers
The driver's license will be restored to 12 points on the license points reset day, which is the day before the driver's license enters the next scoring cycle. Points reset cycle: If the driver's license was obtained on September 8, then at 24:00 on September 7 next year, the driver's license points will be reset, thereby restoring 12 points. Points reset includes the current day: According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," if all fines are paid, the points will be cleared; if there are still unpaid fines, the violation points will be carried over to the next scoring cycle. If points are deducted on the same day, as long as the fines are paid promptly on that day, in principle, the points should not be carried over to the next scoring cycle. However, it is difficult to guarantee that there will be no delays in data upload, which could affect the driver.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I deeply understand the anxiety after getting penalty points. To restore the full 12 points, you must wait until the end of the demerit point cycle, which typically lasts 12 months starting from the date you obtained your driver's license. For example, my cycle ends every June. Points deducted won't be restored midway unless the cycle resets automatically. I remember last year when I got 3 points deducted for speeding—I had to patiently wait until December for a full reset. That waiting period truly tested my patience. If you accumulate 12 points, it's even more troublesome—you must attend classes and pass a test at the DMV to regain your points. That's why I always remind myself to obey traffic rules while driving, and speed limit alerts from navigation apps are lifesavers. Although the restoration process takes time, the system is designed for safety. You'll get used to it—don't stress over point changes.
I've checked my points several times on the mobile app. After deducting points for violations, the restoration to 12 points depends on the end of the scoring cycle. Each driver's license cycle is exactly 12 months, and the start and end dates can be checked in the app. For example, my cycle ends at the end of October. No matter how many points were deducted before the cycle, they will automatically reset to 12 after it ends. But don't think you can take advantage of this loophole—accumulating too many points will affect your car insurance and annual inspection fees. I recommend regularly checking your points on the Traffic Management 12123 app to keep your driving record clean. Be patient with the restoration process, drive steadily to avoid violations, and your points will be back when the time comes.
