What are the new regulations for penalty points on an A1 driver's license?
3 Answers
The new regulations for penalty points on an A1 driver's license are as follows: Scoring cycle: The cumulative scoring cycle for road traffic safety violations (i.e., the scoring cycle) is 12 months, with a full score of 12 points. It is calculated from the date the motor vehicle driver's license is initially issued, and so on in a continuous cycle. The clearance time for the driver's license is the issuance date on the license, and the system automatically clears the points on the issuance date each year. Accumulating 12 points: You need to go to the vehicle management office at the place where the driver's license was issued or where the violation occurred to participate in learning and take the subject one test (if you accumulate 12 points twice in a row in one scoring cycle, the subject three test will be added). Only after passing the test can the points be cleared.
I'm a veteran long-distance bus driver with over 20 years of experience, and I'm most concerned about the new A1 license demerit point regulations. The 2022 reform simplified the penalty system while keeping the full score at 12 points, but adjusted the deduction values: minor violations now carry lighter penalties (e.g., not wearing seatbelts decreased from 2 to 1 point), while major offenses face stricter consequences (drunk driving or exceeding speed limit by 50% results in immediate 12-point deduction). For us commercial vehicle drivers, fatigue driving now carries a heavy 9-point penalty – especially critical since bus accidents can injure numerous people. That's why I strictly follow rules: take regular breaks and never speed. While the new policy encourages compliance, reaching 12 points means mandatory traffic school and theoretical retesting – time-consuming and livelihood-affecting. We drivers often discuss these changes to remind each other: safety first, accidents prevention. Overall, it's a well-designed policy that forces drivers to stay vigilant. Remember: operating large vehicles carries greater responsibility – demerit points are no trivial matter.
I just got my A1 license to drive buses, and the new penalty point system is a major concern. The scoring cycle is 12 months with a full score of 12 points, and there are changes to the penalty items: running a red light now deducts 6 points, unlike before; speeding penalties depend on severity—20% over the limit deducts 6 points, while 50% over deducts 12 points; fatigue driving deducts 9 points, especially targeting large vehicle drivers. For us beginners, the pressure of losing points is huge—even one point can affect our driving qualifications and potentially cost us our jobs. The company training emphasized that reaching 12 points means suspension, retraining, and retesting, which takes time and money. So now I drive carefully, use navigation to remind me of speed limits, and check tires to prevent malfunctions. The new rules make driving more standardized, reducing mistakes. I also frequently check online for details on point deductions to stay informed. Passengers say drivers are more disciplined now, with fewer accidents, and the new rules are working well.
