How often does the driver's license points reset?
4 Answers
The period from the initial license issuance date to the corresponding date of the following year constitutes one demerit point cycle, and so on with each year being one cycle; if the accumulated demerit points within a cycle do not reach 12, the existing points will automatically reset to zero at the start of the next cycle, effectively restoring the 12-point limit. Additional information: When the vehicle management office renews a motor vehicle driver's license, it must conduct an examination of the license. The following circumstances will result in the refusal to renew a motor vehicle driver's license: 1. Unresolved road traffic safety violations; 2. Physical conditions not meeting the driving license requirements; 3. Accumulating 12 demerit points within one cycle without completing the required road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge education and examination.
Last year, I accidentally ran a red light and got points deducted. I was completely stunned, thinking I'd never recover from it. Later, I asked a traffic police friend, and he told me that driving license points are reset once a year, meaning they automatically return to full after 12 months. This cycle starts from the day you got your license or from the end of the last scoring period. For someone like me who got points deducted, don’t worry—just drive carefully for a year, and the points will come back. During this time, I’ve been extra cautious about speed and traffic signals. Honestly, I drive much more responsibly now, and I occasionally check my points status on my phone just in case. I’ve heard that frequent violations not only slow down the recovery but also affect insurance rates—totally not worth it. Safety comes first, and point recovery is just a small buffer.
Having driven for decades, I've seen many beginners worry about point deductions. The restoration of driving license points follows a fixed cycle, typically resetting once a year. After a 12-month scoring period, regardless of how many points were deducted previously, they automatically return to the starting point. The key is to understand the starting point of your personal cycle—some count from the license issuance date, while others start from the first violation. I recommend checking the specific date regularly using the traffic management app, so you're always aware. Advice from an experienced driver: Don't wait until points are deducted to panic; following the rules saves you trouble. Although points do recover, frequent deductions can lead to license suspension and other hassles. It's best to develop good habits.
As someone who often drives to work, I find the process of restoring driver's license points quite simple. It resets once a year, automatically returning to the full score after a 12-month cycle. I went directly to the DMV to clarify—the system calculates from your first violation date or the date you first obtained the license, and by the end of this period, all points are fully cleared. Remembering this timeline helps avoid anxiety. Now, I drive more carefully—point restoration is a regular thing, but it's better to have fewer violations.
