Understanding Georgia’s Point System and Driver’s License Suspensions
In Georgia, every licensed driver has a record maintained by the Department of Driver Services (DDS). This record includes convictions and nolo contendere (no contest) pleas for traffic offenses. Each violation carries a specific number of points, and accumulating too many points within a specific time frame can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license.
This blog post outlines how Georgia’s point system works and its impact on drivers across different age groups.
Drivers Under 18 Years Old
For drivers under 18, the rules are strict. If a driver accumulates four or more points within any 12-month period, their license will be suspended.
This tough stance reflects the state legislature’s intent to hold young, inexperienced drivers to a higher level of accountability due to their statistically higher risk of being involved in accidents.
Drivers Aged 18 to 20
For drivers 18 to 20 years old, the consequences become even more specific:
A single offense that carries four or more points will result in a license suspension.
Examples of 4+ point offenses include:
- Speeding 24 mph or more over the limit
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Reckless driving
- Passing on a hill or curve
- Aggressive driving
Additionally, a license will be suspended if the driver accumulates 15 or more points within a 24-month period.
Nolo Pleas for Drivers Under 21
Many drivers consider pleading nolo contendere to avoid points, but for young drivers, this is often ineffective:
- For drivers under 18, a nolo plea does not prevent points from being assessed for any offense.
- For drivers under 21, a nolo plea will not prevent a suspension for any offense that carries four or more points.
Under O.C.G.A. § 40-5-57.1(a), the following violations are treated as convictions even with a nolo plea, and will lead to license suspension and point assessment:
Hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident
Racing
Fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement
Reckless driving
Attempting to purchase alcohol or using a false ID
DUI
That said, for minor traffic offenses carrying three points or less, a nolo plea may still prevent the points from being added to a driving record.
Drivers Aged 21 and Older
For adults 21 and over, a license is subject to suspension if the driver accumulates 15 or more points in a 24-month period.
A nolo plea can help avoid points, but only for offenses carrying three points or less. This can be a useful tool in certain lower-level cases, especially for drivers with otherwise clean records.
DUI, Nolo Pleas & Points: What You Need to Know
DUI charges are treated differently from other traffic offenses:
- A nolo plea to a DUI is treated the same as a conviction, regardless of your age
- A license suspension is automatic with a DUI conviction or plea
- There is no benefit to pleading nolo in a DUI case regarding point prevention or license protection, although, a nolo plea may afford certain protections in any subsequent civil case regarding property damage and/or injuries.
Why This Matters
Georgia’s point system is complex, and license suspensions don’t apply equally across age groups or offenses. Simply paying a ticket or entering a plea—especially without knowing the point implications—can result in mandatory license suspension or longer-term consequences.
Speak With a Traffic Defense Attorney
If you’ve been cited or charged with a traffic offense in Georgia, don’t risk losing your license. Let Addison Waid guide you through your options and fight to protect your record and keep your driving privileges intact.
Attorney Addison Waid is a former prosecutor who has handled thousands of traffic and DUI cases. He brings years of experience and strategic insight to every case he defends. Let us help you minimize the damage—and keep you on the road.
Disclaimer
The information on this site is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contacting Waid Law Firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send confidential or time-sensitive information until such a relationship is formally established.
📍 Office Address: 399 Washington Ave NE, Marietta, GA 30060
📞 Phone: (470) 458-9866
📧 Email: Addison@waidlawfirm.com
