What are the penalty point items on a driver's license?

[Patricia]

Driver's license penalty points: The following are situations that incur 1 point: Not using lights as required; Not meeting oncoming vehicles as required; The length, width, or height of cargo on a motor vehicle exceeds regulations; A motor vehicle driven on the road does not display an inspection compliance mark or insurance mark, or the driver does not carry the vehicle registration certificate or driver's license. The following are situations that incur 2 points: Driving a passenger vehicle (excluding highway passenger vehicles) with passengers exceeding the approved number by less than 20%; Cargo vehicles carrying goods exceeding the approved load capacity by less than 30%; Not driving or parking as required at intersections; Not slowing down, stopping, or yielding to pedestrians as required at crosswalks; Engaging in behaviors that hinder safe driving, such as making or receiving handheld phone calls; Riding or driving a two-wheeled motorcycle without wearing a safety helmet; Driving a motor vehicle on a highway or urban expressway without fastening the seatbelt as required; Overtaking by using the opposite lane or cutting into queues when encountering slow-moving or stopped vehicles ahead. The following are situations that incur 3 points: Cargo vehicles carrying goods exceeding the approved load capacity by 30% or more, or carrying passengers in violation of regulations; Driving a passenger vehicle (excluding highway passenger vehicles) with passengers exceeding the approved number by 20% or more; Violating traffic signal lights; Driving a motor vehicle at a speed exceeding the limit by less than 50%; Driving a motor vehicle on a highway below the minimum speed limit; Driving a motor vehicle prohibited from entering a highway onto a highway; Violating prohibition signs or markings; Not overtaking or yielding as required, or driving in the wrong direction; Driving a motor vehicle while towing a trailer in violation of regulations; After a vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident on the road, not using lights or setting up warning signs as required; A motor vehicle driven on the road has not undergone regular safety technical inspections as required. The following are situations that incur 6 points: Driving a motor vehicle during the period when the driver's license is temporarily suspended; Highway passenger vehicles carrying passengers exceeding the approved number by less than 20%; Driving a motor vehicle at a speed exceeding the limit by 50% or more; Parking on a highway lane; Driving a motor vehicle on a highway or urban expressway and occupying the emergency lane during traffic congestion; Transporting explosives, flammable and explosive chemicals, or highly toxic, radioactive, or other hazardous materials by motor vehicle without following the designated time, route, or speed, or without displaying warning signs and taking necessary safety measures; Driving a highway passenger vehicle or hazardous material transport vehicle continuously for more than 4 hours without stopping to rest or resting for less than 20 minutes; A motor vehicle driven on the road does not display a license plate, or the license plate is intentionally obscured, damaged, or not installed as required; Obtaining a replacement driver's license through concealment or deception. The following are situations that incur 12 points: Driving a motor vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type; Driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated; Driving a highway passenger vehicle with passengers exceeding the approved number by 20% or more; Fleeing the scene of a traffic accident without constituting a crime; Using forged or altered motor vehicle license plates, registration certificates, or driver's licenses, or using license plates or registration certificates from other vehicles; Reversing, driving in the wrong direction, or making a U-turn across the central divider on a highway.

[ClaytonMarie]

I've been driving for over ten years and have encountered point deductions. Now, let me share with you which violations result in points. Running a red light is the most common, deducting 6 points at a time. Speeding penalties vary depending on the situation—for example, exceeding the speed limit by less than 20% deducts 3 points, while exceeding by more than 50% results in an immediate 12-point deduction, and your license may even be revoked. Not wearing a seatbelt is another frequent offense, costing 2 points. Illegal parking is common in cities, usually deducting 3 points. More dangerous violations like drunk driving can lead to a 12-point deduction and fines of several thousand yuan if caught. These rules help us maintain safe driving and avoid accidents. Accumulating 12 points means you'll have to retake the theoretical exam, which is both time-consuming and costly. I recommend paying attention to road conditions while driving and avoiding impatient overtaking.

[JonathanFitz]

When I first started learning to drive, my instructor kept nagging about point deductions, worried that as a beginner, I might easily make mistakes. Running a yellow light deducts 6 points, as strict as running a red light; failing to yield to pedestrians deducts 3 points, something easily overlooked at intersections; using a phone while driving deducts 2 points—smartphones are too distracting these days. Speeding is categorized by severity, and even slightly exceeding the speed limit in urban areas is risky. Wrong-way driving or illegal lane changes deduct 3 points—I almost got penalized for these during my novice period. Accumulating 12 points means retaking the test, which is stressful. After driving for over a year, I’ve developed habits like slowing down and checking my lights regularly to avoid point deductions, saving a lot of trouble.

[VonGabrielle]

As an ordinary citizen, I am concerned about traffic safety, and the demerit point system encourages everyone to follow the rules. Common demerit point violations include: speeding (1-12 points); drunk driving (12 points at once); not wearing a seatbelt (2 points); running a red light or illegal lane cutting (6 points). These rules reduce accidents and improve road order. Details such as using a phone while driving (2 points) prevent distractions; illegal parking on highways (9 points) ensures emergency lanes remain clear. Don’t take it lightly—losing points affects travel and incurs fines. Remind those around you to obey traffic signals and help create a safer environment together.

[Madeleine]

As a parent, I often teach my child not to violate traffic rules and to understand the penalty point system. Running a red light deducts 6 points; speeding results in point deductions depending on the situation; illegal parking, such as occupying a fire lane, deducts 3 points; failing to yield to pedestrians deducts 3 points, which is particularly risky near schools. When my child first started driving, I emphasized avoiding fatigue driving or excessive speeding on highways, as these can lead to 6-12 point deductions. After points are deducted, there's a fine of several hundred yuan, and mandatory traffic school, which wastes time and energy. We often remind them to slow down, maintain a safe distance, which can prevent most point deductions—safety is what truly matters.

[DanielaAnn]

I often drive long distances and need to be cautious about point deductions on highways. Speeding over 50% will deduct 12 points; fatigue driving without rest deducts 6 points; illegal parking on the emergency lane deducts 9 points—I've seen accidents worsen because of this. There are also graded point deductions for not adhering to speed limits, and running red lights in tunnels or bridges is serious. With over a decade of driving experience, I recommend regular maintenance of lights and brakes to avoid point deductions due to vehicle condition. Point deductions are no small matter—accumulating too many can lead to license suspension, and accidents become more dangerous. Start with small safety habits like wearing seat belts to ensure peace of mind for the whole family.