Is it still 6 years after replacing the license with 12 points deducted?
2 Answers
If you have a record of deducting 12 points within one scoring cycle, you can only replace it with a 6-year valid driver's license; if you have deducted 12 points in total within 6 years, scattered in several scoring cycles, you can replace it with a 10-year valid driver's license. According to the regulations on the application and use of motor vehicle driver's licenses: If the motor vehicle driver has not recorded 12 points in each scoring cycle during the six-year validity period of the motor vehicle driver's license, a 10-year valid motor vehicle driver's license will be issued; if the motor vehicle driver has not recorded 12 points in each scoring cycle during the ten-year validity period of the motor vehicle driver's license, a long-term valid motor vehicle driver's license will be issued.
I have personal experience with this. My first driver's license was valid for 6 years, and I once had to retake the test after getting 12 points deducted for drunk driving. When it came time to renew after 6 years, I found out the new license was still only valid for 6 years. The DMV explained that if you accumulate 12 points within the 6-year period, you can't upgrade to a 10-year license upon renewal. After that, I drove very carefully and maintained a clean record for the next 6 years. Last year when I renewed, I finally got a 10-year license. Remember not to exceed 12 points in any scoring cycle, or it will affect your renewal period. Now I regularly check my violation records to avoid unexpected point deductions.
