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Blog 
DUI, Traffic and Criminal Law Defense
- Changes to "Move Over" law effective July 1, 2010
- National "Click It or Ticket" campaign begins today
- Special license plates for convicted DUI offenders?
- The fallout from a DUI conviction
- Can an anonymous tip be used as the sole justification for stopping a suspected drunk drivers?
Firm News
Former Virginia Beach deputy sentenced in DUI crash case
Posted on 6/27/2010
Shore Drive speed limit lowered to 35
Posted on 6/4/2010
Child Abuse Charges for Virginia Beach DUI Driver with Kids in Car
Posted on 5/31/2010
DUI Conviction for Former Virginia Beach Police Officer
Posted on 5/28/2010
Felony charges for "sexting" Franklin teens
Posted on 5/20/2010
Are alcoholic energy drinks to blame for Virginia Beach DUI death?
Posted on 4/30/2010
Virginia Beach city employee charged with DUI after hit-and-run crash
Posted on 4/30/2010
Bond revoked for man accused in Virginia Beach DUI hit-and-run
Posted on 4/26/2010
Richmond to Install Red-Light Cameras
Posted on 4/22/2010
St. Patty’s sobriety checkpoints lead to 9 Virginia Beach DUI arrests
Posted on 3/27/2010
Firm Library
DUI, Traffic and Criminal Law Defense
- Can the Virginia bar or restaurant where you were drinking be held responsible for your DUI?
- What to expect after a Virginia DUI arrest
- Virginia DUI Attorney: Why you need to FIGHT HARD against DUI charges
- The high stakes of a DUI conviction in Virginia
- Virginia's Move Over/Slow Down law regarding emergency vehicles
How Virginia's Driver Demerit Point System Works
One of the ways that Virginia punishes dangerous drivers is to tack “demerit points” onto your license when you are convicted of traffic violations. When you are convicted of violating traffic law, the court notifies the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and points are attached to your name and license number in their database.
Drivers Over the Age of 18
Drivers who are 18 or older and accumulate as few as 12 points in 12 months (or 18 points in 24 months) will be required to complete a driver improvement clinic within 90 days.
If you accumulate 18 demerit points in 12 months (or 24 points in 24 months), your driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days and you will need to complete another driver improvement clinic before your license is restored. Once restored, you will be placed on probation for six months.
Drivers Under the Age of 18
The DMV treats young drivers much more harshly. With the first demerit point violation, a young driver will be required to complete a driver improvement clinic. The DMV will suspend that driver’s license or permit until the clinic has been completed.
If a driver under the age of 18 receives a second demerit point conviction, the DMV will suspend his license for 90 days.
If a driver gets a third demerit point conviction before his 18th birthday, the DMV will revoke the driver’s license for one year or until the driver reaches the age of 18, whichever is longer.
Safe Driving Points
Just as Virginia punishes bad drivers, the state rewards good drivers. For each calendar year that you hold a driver’s license without getting any traffic tickets, you earn one good driving point. A total of five safe driving points can be accumulated and used to offset demerit points later in your life.
In some cases, you may voluntarily take a driving improvement clinic and earn as many as five good driving points at once.
Wiping the Slate Clean
Driving demerit points do not stay on your record forever. The points only remain there for a period of two years from the date of the offense.
List of Three Demerit Point Offenses
List of Four Demerit Point Offenses
List of Six Demerit Point Offenses
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Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
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FAQs
DUI, Traffic and Criminal Law Defense
- Will a traffic court's determination of guilt or innocence affect the outcome of my civil suit for personal injury?
- If I am guilty of the charge, shouldn't I plead guilty and pay the fine?
- Do you guarantee that my case will be successful?
- I have been asked to sign some forms by the police officers. What should I do?
- When should an attorney be present with me?