How Long Is the Demerit Point Cycle for a Driver's License?
2 Answers
The demerit point cycle for a driver's license is 12 months. The full score is 12 points, calculated from the date the motor vehicle driver's license is first issued, and so on in a continuous cycle. The reset date for the driver's license is the issuance date on the license, and the system automatically resets the points on that date each year. Demerit points less than 12: If the demerit points are less than 12, as long as the driver pays the traffic violation fines on time, the points will automatically reset after the demerit point cycle ends. If there is still some time before the end of a demerit point cycle, the driver needs to be especially careful when driving to avoid further demerit points, as the maximum allowable is 11 points. Demerit points equal to or greater than 12: If the demerit points reach or exceed 12, the driver must attend a study session and take an exam at the vehicle management office before the points can be reset. According to Article 68 of the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 139, if a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 demerit points within a single demerit point cycle, the traffic management department of the public security authority shall detain the driver's motor vehicle 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 driver's license was issued or where the violation occurred.
I have some personal feelings about the driver's license point system. I remember the first time I drove, I was caught speeding by a camera and got 6 points deducted. That's when I learned that the point cycle is exactly 12 months, starting from the day you got your license. For example, if you got your license on March 1st last year, all your points will be reset on March 1st this year. But don’t take it lightly—if you accumulate 12 points in a year, you’ll have to retake the exam and go through re-education, which is a huge hassle. A friend of mine almost lost his job because of too many points deducted for running a red light. So now, I always use a navigation app to remind myself of speed limits. I’ve made it a habit to check the point deduction table to avoid unexpected fines. Safe driving is the key—the point reset is just a chance to correct mistakes, not an excuse to take risks.
