Delaware established the "Driver Improvement Problem Driver Program" to identify problematic drivers and prevent crashes. To this end, drivers who are convicted of a traffic infraction will receive demerit points on their record. This article explains Delaware's traffic violation point system and the consequences of getting too many points.
Under Delaware's point system, drivers will receive points on their records for most traffic tickets. The number of points depends on the seriousness of the violation (see chart below).
Driving who rack up too many points face license suspension and educational requirements. However, points won't stay on your record forever, you can voluntarily take a defensive driving class to get points off your record (explained below).
Drivers who accumulate at least eight points must participate in the Problem Driver Program. These drivers will receive an advisory letter outlining the program.
Drivers with at least 12 points are subject to the following license-related penalties:
At 12 points, drivers are sent a notice to complete a behavior modification driving course. Failure to complete this course within 90 days will result in a two-month suspension.
At 14 points, the driver's license will be suspended for four months. The suspension length increases by two months (up to 12 months) for every two additional points. For example, the driver would receive a six-month suspension for 16 points and a 12-month suspension for 22 points. All drivers who reach 14 or more points must complete the behavior modification driving course prior to license reinstatement.
Drivers facing suspension can request an interview with a driver improvement officer to discuss their record, extensions of time, and alternative penalties like reexamination.
Twelve months after a violation, the ticket's point value is reduced by half. The point assessment will be removed altogether 24 months after the violation.
Completion of a certified defensive driving course will remove up to three points from the driver's record.
Drivers suspended for excessive points can request an occupational license. This license can be used to drive to and from work and school. However, the driver must complete 30 days of the suspension prior to becoming eligible for an occupational license, and drivers with 15 or more points are not eligible for the license at all.
Here are some of the point values for common Delaware moving violations. Even if the violation occurs in another state, Delaware will still assign the associated points.
Here are some of the point values for common Delaware moving violations. Even if the violation occurs in another state, Delaware will still assign the associated points.
Violation |
Points assessed |
Speeding 1 to 9 miles per hour over limit |
2 |
Speeding 10 to 14 miles per hour over limit |
4 |
Speeding 15 to 19 miles per hour over limit |
5 |
Speeding 20 or more miles per hour over limit |
5 |
6 |
|
6 |
|
6 |
|
Aggressive driving |
6 |
3 |
|
Any other moving violation |
2 |
More serious violations carry a separate suspension and additional license-related penalties.