Is it acceptable to have only one point left on the driver's license?
4 Answers
It is acceptable to have only one point left on your driver's license, but you must avoid further violations while driving. Once the scoring cycle ends and all fines are paid, your license will naturally be restored to 12 points. However, if you accumulate 12 penalty points, your license will be suspended, and you will not be allowed to drive. To regain your license, you will need to participate in study sessions and pass an exam. Legal Basis: Article 23 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": In addition to administrative penalties, the traffic management departments of public security authorities shall implement a cumulative scoring system (hereinafter referred to as the scoring system) for road traffic safety violations committed by motor vehicle drivers. The scoring cycle is 12 months. If a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 penalty points within one scoring cycle, the traffic management department of the public security authority shall suspend their motor vehicle driver's license. The driver must then participate in study sessions on road traffic safety laws and regulations and take an exam as required. If the exam is passed, the penalty points will be cleared, and the driver's license will be returned. If the exam is not passed, the driver must continue studying and retake the exam. Article 24 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": If a motor vehicle driver accumulates fewer than 12 penalty points within one scoring cycle and all fines have been paid, the penalty points will be cleared. If there are unpaid fines, the penalty points will carry over to the next scoring cycle, even if fewer than 12 points have been accumulated.
When my driver's license had only one point left last year, I drove extremely carefully every day, fearing that another violation would deduct points and lead to a 12-point suspension. Nowadays, traffic surveillance is everywhere, and common violations like speeding or running red lights can result in point deductions. Driving with one point left is technically allowed, but it's very risky—one more violation means attending classes, retaking tests, or even a driving suspension, which can disrupt work and life. I suggest fellow drivers regularly check violation records on the 12123 app and develop safe driving habits, such as always observing speed limits and traffic signals. Safety first—don’t take risks just to save time.
When I was a new driver, my license got so many points deducted that only one point remained. I was terrified while driving, worrying that any minor mistake would lead to a suspension and require retaking the theory test. The truth is, you can still legally drive with one point left, but you must strictly follow traffic rules to avoid accidents. A friend of mine had bad luck and got suspended for a month because of this. Use navigation apps more often to remind yourself not to speed or park illegally, and maintain a safe distance. Points are reset every year at the end of the demerit cycle, so don’t wait until then to regret not protecting your points better.
Driving with only one point left is still okay, I've been through that situation. I remind myself to drive slower every time before going out, so as not to cause trouble for my family. If you accumulate 12 penalty points, it's terrible—you'll have to stop driving and attend training. It's advisable to check all unpaid tickets to prevent point accumulation. Safety is the most important, especially when picking up or dropping off children—stay steady.
