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 have racked up too many negligent driver points, your license will either be suspended or revoked by the DMV. 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, and/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 peace prize. That would be pretty cool.

While every year your points are cut in half, each time you have a mark on your record, it stays there for 36 months (or longer, if you did something really shady). Your license will be suspended for six months if you accumulate points while you have a permit or restricted license. It will also be suspended if at any point you accrue 12 total 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

• Operating with improper lights

• Speeding 10mph or less over the posted speed limit

• Improper dangerous parking

• Improper backing

• Failure to dim lights

• Driving in an improper lane

• Driving a vehicle in unsafe condition

• Defective tail light

• Slam dunks and safeties

4-pointers

• Turning unlawfully

• Speeding 11-25mph over the posted speed limit

• Passing unlawfully

• Operating with improper brakes

• Following too closely

• Failure to yield right-of-way

• Failure to signal

6-pointers

• Reckless driving

• Hit and run (property damage only)

• Passing a stopped school bus

• Speeding more than 25mph over the posted speed limit