If the demerit points on the driver's license are not cleared this year, will they carry over to the next year?
2 Answers
Whether the demerit points on the driver's license not cleared this year will carry over to the next year depends on the type of license. For C1 and C2 licenses, there is no issue. However, for AB class licenses, the points cannot carry over to the next year. According to traffic laws, as long as a C-class license does not accumulate 12 demerit points within the scoring cycle, it can be renewed at the 6-year or 10-year mark. Below is relevant information about driver's license demerit points: 1. AB class licenses have different annual review requirements. If there are demerit points within the scoring cycle, the license must undergo an annual review at the end of the cycle. Unresolved demerit points will prevent the annual review. Therefore, AB class license holders must resolve any demerit points by the end of the scoring cycle, attend a 3-day traffic regulation course, and then the points will be cleared. 2. C-class licenses can carry over demerit points to the next scoring cycle. These points will continue to accumulate if unresolved, and they must be addressed before renewal. Additionally, the total demerit points must not exceed 12; exceeding this limit requires immediate action, or the driver will lose their driving qualification. 3. For C-class licenses, as long as the demerit points do not reach 12, the license will automatically reset to 12 points at the renewal date, starting a new scoring cycle. It is advisable to resolve any demerit points immediately. For example, if 6 points are not resolved in the current cycle, they will carry over to the next cycle, and the full 12 points of the current cycle will be wasted. 4. If another 6 points are incurred in the next scoring cycle, accumulating to 12 points, the driver must attend a course and retake the first driving test. Resolving the points across two scoring cycles is acceptable.
I also had doubts before about whether unpaid penalty points on a driver's license would carry over to the next year. Actually, in the scoring cycle of a driver's license, points are usually cleared every 12 months. If you've accumulated points but haven't reached 12 within the year, the points will automatically reset to zero at the end of the cycle and won't carry over to the next year. However, if you've accumulated 12 points and haven't dealt with them, it becomes troublesome—the points won't reset, and you'll need to attend classes and pass an exam to clear them. Having driven for so many years, I've seen friends who didn't handle it in time and ended up being barred from driving. So, it's important to drive responsibly—no speeding or running red lights—otherwise, it could really compromise safety. Additionally, the reset date is calculated from the date you received your license. It's a good idea to check the start date on your license to stay informed. Remember, safe driving isn't just for yourself but also for others!
