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.
Each time you have a mark on your record, it stays there for 24 months (or longer, if you did something really shady), although they register at half value after the first 12 months. Your license can be suspended for four months if you accumulate 14 points, six months if you accumulate 16 points, eight months if you accumulate 18 points, ten months if you accumulate 20 points, or one year if you accumulate 22 points. If you can put up 30 points in 42 minutes, you’ll probably make tonight’s highlight reel on ESPN.
Like a Vandal in the Wind
If you absolutely must destroy something, either break a pencil or beat up on your pillow. It’s far too costly to be caught doing anything worse, such as spray-painting graffiti onto the side of a bridge or keying your ex-boyfriend’s Mustang. If already licensed, you can lose your license for a couple years; if you’re not there yet, you can have the issuance of your license delayed for several years. And you’re going to need your license, because it sounds like you’ll have to be doing a lot of running from the authorities.
Here are a few examples of what can get you points on your driving record:
2-pointers
- Speeding 1-9mph over the posted speed limit
- Most minor moving violations
3-pointers
- Disregarding a stop sign or traffic signal
- Shots made from beyond the arc
4-pointers
- Speeding 10-14mph over the posted speed limit
5-pointers
- Speeding 15mph or more over the posted speed limit
6-pointers
- Aggressive driving
- Operation of a vehicle causing death
- Reckless driving
- Passing a stopped school bus