Reinstating a Suspended License After Accumulating 15 Points in Georgia

In Georgia, traffic violations like speeding, reckless driving, and running red lights add points to your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR). The state utilizes a strict point system governed by O.C.G.A. § 40-5-57. If you accumulate 15 or more points within a rolling 24-month period, the state will automatically suspend your driver's license. This is not based on a calendar year, but rather any 24-month timeframe. For drivers in busy cities like Atlanta, Augusta, and Columbus, a few speeding tickets can add up incredibly fast.

Reinstating your license is a mandatory process requiring specific steps. You cannot simply wait out the suspension period and start driving again; you must affirmatively take action with the state. Driving on a suspended license in Georgia is a serious misdemeanor that can result in jail time and further suspension. If you are struggling with point accumulations or need help negotiating traffic tickets down to non-reporting offenses, consider searching our Attorney Directory for a skilled local traffic lawyer.

Step-by-Step Process in Georgia

Reinstating a points-suspended license involves interacting with the Department of Driver Services and taking educational coursework. Here is the standard process.

Step 1: Requesting Your MVR

Before you do anything, you need to know exactly where you stand. You should pull your official Motor Vehicle Report to verify the points and confirm the exact date your suspension began. You can request this online or submit Form DDS-18, Georgia, Department of Driver Services, Request for Motor Vehicle Report (MVR). Reviewing this document will tell you exactly which convictions caused the suspension.

Step 2: Completing a Defensive Driving Course (DIP)

Georgia law mandates that you complete a state-certified Defensive Driving Course, also known as a Driver Improvement Program (DIP). This is a 6-hour classroom course. You must ensure the school is officially certified by the state; online courses do not qualify for license reinstatement purposes in Georgia. Once finished, the school will issue you a certified certificate of completion with a state seal.

Step 3: Paying the Reinstatement Fee and Submitting Documents

You can process your reinstatement by mailing your DIP certificate and payment to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, Conyers, or you can handle it in person at a local customer service center, such as the Georgia Department of Driver Services, Savannah. Upon processing, your driving privileges will be officially restored, assuming you have no other pending suspensions (such as child support or DUI).

First vs. Second vs. Third Points Suspensions Within 5 Years

Georgia penalizes repeat offenders progressively. The penalties for hitting the 15-point limit scale up depending on how many times you have been suspended in the past five years.

As demonstrated in cases like Cofer v. Gurley, 146 Ga. App. 420 (GA Court of Appeals 1978), the courts strictly uphold the DDS administrative tracking of previous suspensions, meaning there is very little room to argue against progressive penalties once convictions hit your record.

Reinstatement Fee Differences: Online vs. Mail

The state of Georgia incentivizes drivers to use self-service options. If it is your first points suspension, the reinstatement fee is $210 if you pay in person or by mail. If you process it online, the fee drops to $200. For a second suspension, the fee is $310 by mail/in-person and $300 online. For a third suspension, the fee is $410 by mail/in-person and $400 online. Always keep your payment receipt as proof.

How to Verify Point Drop-Offs on a Georgia MVR

Points do not stay on your Georgia MVR forever. Under state rules, points drop off your active total exactly two years (24 months) after the date of the violation, not the date of conviction. By pulling your MVR, you can calculate precisely when old points will expire. Additionally, Georgia allows drivers to proactively complete one Defensive Driving Course every 5 years to remove up to 7 points from their active total before they hit the 15-point suspension limit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)