What happens when a motor vehicle driver accumulates a certain number of demerit points within a scoring cycle?
2 Answers
According to the regulations, the scoring cycle for road traffic safety violations is 12 months, calculated from the date the motor vehicle driver's license is initially obtained, with a full score of 12 points. The severity of general road traffic safety violations determines the demerit points assigned for each offense, which can be: 12 points, 6 points, 3 points, 2 points, or 1 point. Article 68 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses' stipulates that if a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 demerit points within a scoring cycle, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain their motor vehicle driver's license.
As an experienced driver with twenty years behind the wheel, I think the driver's license point system deserves serious discussion. A scoring cycle typically lasts 12 months, starting from the day you obtain your license or when it's renewed. When accumulated points reach 12, trouble begins—you must stop driving and register at the local traffic management department for a road safety course, which lasts about seven days. After completing the course, you'll take a theory test. Pass it, and your points are cleared so you can drive again; fail, and you continue studying until you pass. During this period, you can't drive, which means lost work time and income. Why does this happen? Common violations like speeding deduct 6 points, running a red light deducts 6 points, or drunk driving deducts 12 points at once—add them up, and you hit the limit. I’ve personally seen friends penalized for reaching 12 points, losing thousands in income. With so many traffic cameras now, accumulating points is easy. I recommend checking your points monthly via a mobile app or online, and taking early opportunities to reduce points, such as handling minor violations. Safe driving is key—don’t let points pile up and cause trouble.
