Why Should I Care About This Driver Record Baloney?

Why Should I Care About This Driver Record Baloney?

First of all, it's spelled B-O-L-O-G-N-A. 

Second, if you've racked up too many negligent driver points, your license will either be suspended or revoked by the DPS. You can apply for a new license at the end of this period, and hopefully, you've changed your ways by then. Oh, sure, it starts with a few minor traffic violations here and there, but before you know it, you'll be committing grand larceny, bank fraud, or treason. We just don't want to start seeing your name in the paper. Unless it's for inventing some useful electronic gadget or winning a Nobel Peace Prize. That would be pretty cool.

Like a Vandal in the Wind

If you absolutely must destroy something, either break a pencil or beat up on your pillow. It's far too costly to be caught doing anything worse, like spray-painting graffiti onto the side of a bridge or keying your ex-boyfriend's Mustang. If already licensed, you can lose your license for a couple years. If you're not there yet, you can have the issuance of your license delayed for several years. And you're going to need your license, because it sounds like you'll have to be doing a lot of running from the authorities.

Each time you have a mark on your record, it stays there for at least 24 months. Or longer, if you did something really shady. Within that two-year period, your license can be suspended for 60 days if you accumulate 12 to 14 points, 90 days if you accumulate 15 to 17 points, 120 days if you accumulate 18 to 20 points, 180 days if you accumulate 21 to 23 points, or one year if you accumulate 24 or more points. If you can put up 30 points in 42 minutes, you'll probably make tonight's highlight reel on ESPN.

Here are a few examples of what can get you points on your driving record:

2-Pointers

  • Speeding in excess of posted speed limits
  • Most minor moving violations

3-Pointers

  • Disregarding a traffic control device (like a stop sign or traffic light)
  • Following too closely (also known as Facebook stalking)
  • Any shot made from beyond the 3-point arc

4-Pointers

  • Illegal passing
  • Driving on the wrong side of the road

5-Pointers

  • Passing a stopped school bus
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way
  • Speeding in excess of 85mph

6-Pointers

  • Reckless driving
  • Any conviction which resulted from a charge that involved the drinking of alcoholic beverages and the driving of a motor vehicle but didn't require mandatory revocation of the driver's license