Will a Full 12-Point Deduction Result in Driver's License Downgrade?
2 Answers
The cumulative scoring cycle for road traffic safety violations (i.e., the scoring cycle) is 12 months, with a full score of 12 points, calculated from the date of initial issuance of the motor vehicle driver's license. For holders of licenses for large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, or large trucks, a full 12-point deduction will result in license downgrade. New regulations on driver's license downgrade stipulate: Individuals aged 60 or above are prohibited from driving large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, and trams. Procedures for handling a full 12-point deduction: The motor vehicle driver must, within 15 days, attend a seven-day study session on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge at the traffic management department of the public security authority where the driver's license was issued or where the violation occurred. Upon passing the exam, the points will be cleared, and the motor vehicle driver's license will be returned.
Will the driver's license be downgraded after accumulating 12 penalty points? Many people think it means an immediate downgrade, but in fact, most private car licenses like the C1 type won't be downgraded. For ordinary drivers who accumulate 12 points, the main process is to register at the traffic management department for a seven-day traffic safety training course and then take a theoretical exam. If they pass, the points are reset to zero, and the license can be used as usual. The licenses that are truly at risk of downgrade are usually those for large vehicles, such as Class A or Class B licenses. Especially if these drivers accumulate 12 points within a single scoring cycle or are involved in a major accident, their license may be downgraded to a lower class, such as from Class B to Class C. I know quite a few experienced drivers in the driving training circle, and during a gathering, we discussed this issue. They mentioned that penalty point enforcement has become stricter now, especially for long-haul truck drivers—even one 12-point violation could cost them their job. So, it’s important to drive carefully every day: don’t speed, don’t drink and drive, and review traffic rules regularly to avoid violations. If you’re unlucky enough to accumulate 12 points, don’t panic—just handle it promptly to avoid accumulating more penalties.
