
If the demerit points accumulated on a driver's license within a scoring period do not reach 12 points, the scoring system will automatically clear the points from the previous scoring period at the start of the next scoring period after all fines are paid. However, if the driver accumulates 12 points, they must attend a study session and pass the subject one exam at the vehicle office where the license was issued to have the points cleared. Failure to do so will result in the driver's license being suspended for normal use. A driver's license, also known as a driving permit, is officially called a motor vehicle driving license. It is a legal document issued by the administrative authorities to individuals who have learned to drive motor vehicles, mastered traffic regulations and driving skills, and passed the required exams, permitting them to operate specific types of motor vehicles.

I used to frequently get confused about the driver's license point deduction cycle, but later I specifically researched and figured it out. Actually, points aren't calculated based on the calendar year, but rather on the 12-month cycle starting from the date you obtained your license. For example, if I got my license on July 15th, then each annual cycle would run from this year's July 16th to next year's July 15th. On the day the cycle ends, as long as you haven't accumulated 12 points within the year and all fines have been settled, the system will automatically reset the points to zero at midnight the next day. However, if you accumulate 12 points, you must first attend a study session and pass an exam before the points can be cleared. A special reminder: never wait until just a few days before the point reset to handle traffic violations, as any system delays could cause major issues.

As a frequent long-distance driver, I'm very familiar with the demerit point rules. The key to when your driver's license points reset depends on your initial license issuance date. For example, if your license was issued on May 20th, then 365 days from that date marks a complete demerit point cycle. If you haven't accumulated more than 11 points during this period, your points will reset on May 20, 2024. However, you must ensure all fines are paid; unpaid fines will carry over points to the next cycle. If you accumulate a full 12 points during your probationary period, it's even more troublesome as your license will be revoked directly. I recommend installing the Traffic 12123 app on your phone to check your cycle end date anytime. Handling violations two weeks in advance is the safest approach.

Let me share a real-life experience. Last March, I got 6 points deducted for speeding and was particularly worried it might affect my vehicle usage the following year. Later, I specifically called 122 for consultation and learned that the reset date depends on the initial license issuance date marked on the driver's license. For example, since my license was issued on November 8th, 24:00 on November 7th each year marks the end of the cycle. Before this time, you must ensure your deducted points are below 12 and all fines are paid; by 00:00 on November 8th, the points will automatically reset to the full amount. However, be aware that there might be a 1-3 day delay in the banking system after handling traffic violations, so it's safest to complete the payment at least three days before the deadline. Additionally, for A and B class licenses, accumulating 9 points requires attending a review study session—these details are all worth noting.

Novice drivers must understand this rule. The reset of driving license points is not based on New Year's Day, but on the license issuance date. For example, if the license was issued on September 10th, then 24:00 on September 9th each year is the cutoff. If the points deducted before this time do not exceed 11 (inclusive) and all fines are paid, the system will automatically reset the points. However, if 12 points are deducted during this period, a seven-day traffic regulation study and passing an exam are required to clear the points. Special attention should be paid to probationary drivers: deducting 6 points will extend the probation period, and a full 12 points will directly revoke the license. Remember to check the traffic app weekly to confirm the point status and handle violations in advance.

I just accompanied a friend to deal with the points clearance issue and found many people have misunderstandings. The deduction cycle for a driver's license is strictly calculated as 365 days from the initial issuance date. For example, if the license was issued on June 1st, points will be cleared at 24:00 on May 31st of the following year. The prerequisite is that the accumulated points in the current cycle do not exceed 11 points and there are no outstanding traffic violations. Interestingly, if multiple people drive the same vehicle, the points are recorded on their individual licenses and do not affect the vehicle owner's points. Also, it's important to confirm the payment status of fines before points clearance, as there can be delays in electronic transfers. Additionally, for handling out-of-town violations, it's recommended to process them at least 15 days before the cycle ends to prevent delays in inter-provincial data transmission affecting the points clearance.


